Cigar Ratings & Reviews

My Weekend Cigars: nub Maduro 460 & Perdomo 10th Anniv. Criollo Robusto

I smoked the cigar dry (no drink), while talking to my downstairs neighbor outside during an all-day yard sale they were having in my development. As advertised, the cigar was very well packed, clipped cleanly, drew nicely, and lit evenly. Being a blustery day, the cigar probably burned a little faster than usual, but I experienced no burn issues whatsoever.The smoke was primarily woody with some appealing floral notes in the aroma, but not as sweet as I usually like my Maduros. That said, since I wasn’t drinking anything with the cigar, I was even more impressed by the smoothness of the smoke; I didn’t even miss not having a drink.

The ashes held on nicely, and even in the final puffs, the smoke remained on track in the medium-bodied range without turning sour.

Although not complex, the smoke was consistent, and now that I’m sure I’ve smoked all of the nub selections, I’d have to say I prefer the nub Cameroon above all in the line for its sweeter character. However, if you have a thing for good Maduro cigars, add the nub Maduro to your wish list.

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Sunday night I had the pleasure of smoking a Perdomo 10th Anniversary Criollo Robusto. I hadn’t had one in a while but remembered it fondly. Now I know why. After last night, this cigar has also officially made my “All-Time Best Cigars” list. (Nick, if you’re reading this, take note.) Pairing it with tonic water flavored with lime juice, this cigar hit on all cylinders in terms of construction, draw, strength, complexity and aroma.

The pre-light had a more earthy-herbal flavor rather than a woody flavor, which was another thing that impressed me about the Criollo. I almost always taste some woodiness, especially after lighting-up, yet this cigar kept sending all kinds of wonderful sweet-spicy flavors to my palate. The first was nutmeg, then toasted almonds followed by notes of coffee, and later, more nutty flavors, like a combination of almonds and peanuts, all the while remaining sweet, creamy and medium-bodied.

My only regret was that I didn’t pair it with something like Port, because the tanginess of the tonic & lime was almost too overpowering for the flavor. That said, it goes to show that this cigar is so flavorful it will cut through just about anything you throw at it.

Unfortunately, the temperature dipped a little too low last night hindering my ability to continue enjoying it. Since I didn’t have the heart to let it go, I saved the last third for this morning. (I thought it would be a good test, too.) After carefully cleaning out the ash with a toothpick, I lit it up and smoked it with my morning coffee. The first half-inch was a little bitter, but somehow it rebounded, and although not as impressive as the night before, it turned out to be a pretty enjoyable encore.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of smoking the Perdomo 10th Anniversary Criollo, for a medium-bodied, yet incredibly full-flavored smoke, I can’t recommend these cigars highly enough. Nick, whatever you did to blend this cigar, please don’t change a thing.

~ Gary Korb