Reviewer:
Luke Meyers is an avid cigar smoker, guitar player, and more than occasional bourbon drinker. When he’s not reviewing for IndulgeCigars he works as Marketing Manager for leading communications firm McMurry in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Size: 4.75×52
Country: Nicaragua
Strength: Mild-Medium
Cost: $5.03 per
Purchase: indulgecigars.com

The Cigar:

It’s Tuesday night again, which means two things: my weekly poker game at 7:30 AND, beforehand, I’m enjoying a meal and smoke in the comfy and tastefully appointed cigar room at The Wine Bar (http://www.thewinebarofsaratoga.com/) in Saratoga Springs. Tonight, I’m packing this hefty Perdomo Reserve which has the wrapper characteristics of the original Don Diego Playboy line, but smells just like champagne…heh, go figure

Pre-Light:
As mentioned, this Perdomo is worthy of its name, smelling and tasting a little bit like champagne even before lighting. Good looking wrapper except for a pencil-eraser sized green blemish on the shoulder of the cap. Otherwise, very smooth construction and tight foot.

First 3rd:
Sort of a grassy mellowness to the first couple puffs of this cigar, but it quickly settles into a creamy draw that produces enough smoke for me to apologize to the guy sitting across from me as it floats in his face. An even layer of white-gray ash starts forming solidly on the end.

Second 3rd:
I’m totally engrossed in this smoke by the halfway point – still pulling in gobs of buttery smoke on each draw and that champagne taste (no beer budget, this time) has intensified. I’m thinking a cup of coffee would overpower the flavor, so I order an Old Fashioned instead which was an EXCELLENT idea.

Last 3rd/Final Thoughts:
The finish of this Perdomo has me in a pleasant stupor – maybe it’s the great music they’re playing in the bar (M. Ward anyone?) or all the bourbon in that Old Fashioned, but I’ve totally lost track of time and end up running late to poker. I must admit I’m a huge fan of Nick Perdomo’s work by way of disclaimer, but this was an especially refreshing smoke and I’d recommend to anyone with a preference toward the mild varieties.

Tags: champagne, cigar review, cigars, perdomo anniversary