This is the first of three reviews on the new Perdomo Grand Cru 2006 selection, which is offered in Connecticut, Sun Grown, and Maduro.

Perdomo Grand Cru 2006 Grand Robusto Connecticut
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 5" x 60
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Filler: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Presentation: Boxes of 24 cigars / Singles
Location smoked: Home
Paired with: Coffee

Construction and Overall Appearance: Beautiful, buttery smooth, even-toned light brown wrapper. Cigar was well packed; no soft spots found at all. Cap is applied well.

Pre-light flavor: Toasty and nutty.

Toasting & Light: Cigar toasted and lit evenly. First puff offered thick, creamy and sweet smoke.

Base flavors: Woody, nutty and semi-sweet tobacco.

Retrohale: Velvety and woody.

Aroma: Sweet and earthy.

Burn / Ash Quality: Extraordinary. Very firm ash that refused to drop off.

Balance of flavors: Excellent. Flavors of roasted nuts and sweet tobacco all drew equally.

Consistency: Excellent. Other than picking up a little in strength, the flavors stayed true to the nub.

General Observations: I started with the Connecticut because I prefer to work my way from mild to full. This cigar was very enjoyable. I liked the sweet, nutty character of this cigar, too. If I had to compare it to other Perdomo cigars, I say it's a cross between the Exhibición Connecticut and the 10th Anniversary Champagne. Besides the flavors, one of the most outstanding thing was the ash.

Summary: Frankly, I was not a big fan of the former Grand Cru selection, but I was very impressed with this 2006 version. It's also one of the few 60-ring cigars that hasn't burst on me at some point. It's not a very complex smoke, but it had plenty of flavor, which impelled me to smoke it down to the last inch. If you're a fan of quality Connecticut wrapper, rich Nicaraguan tobacco flavor, and don't mind a wide ring, I highly recommend this cigar. If I could I would smoke this one everyday with my morning coffee, but I believe it will do equally well with a fine single malt, bourbon, or Port.

Rating: 90

To read my review of the Perdomo Grand Cru 2006 Grand Robusto Sun Grown click here.
To read my review of the Perdomo Grand Cru 2006 Grand Robusto Sun Grown click here.

Rating scale
75-79 = Fair to Middling
80-84 = Good
85-89 = Very impressive
90-94 = Excellent
95-99 = Spectacular!