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Written by and photos by CARY STOLARCZYK
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Monday, 28 August 2006 |
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There is a vast cigar world out there, yet I remain fascinated by the maduro. With few exceptions these dark skinned smokes offer a smooth full-bodied experience with complex flavors to dwell upon. It holds a special place in my humidor, as I hope it does yours, though it would be quite unfortunate to go through life without exploring the cigar map. I therefore endeavored upon my travels in the best manner one could find. I found a maduro I enjoy extensively and branched off to its brethren.
The Perdomo Reserve Maduro is one of those sticks that left me yearning for more of its chocolate depth and silkiness. You will have to wait for another day for the full presentation on that one as I veer to its kin, the Perdomo Reserve Champagne. The first glance upon both of these found me rather torn. The Maduro is neatly packaged in crimson cellophane; the type of eccentricity that usually puts me off from a cigar purchase. The Champagne comes in its own champagne colored wrappings, quite appropriately. The maduro had come highly recommended so I decided to let the burn be the judge, and I was not disappointed.
Push past the appearances and set the match to its end and you will find an initial spice. The spice recedes quickly as the burn cools to unveil the fruity flavor one finds during the initial aromatic inspection. At first the flavor is almost overpowering, though it too tapers off to let in an increasing complexity of tones. Mild woody notes enter into the creamy texture followed soon by a light sweetness. I found myself attending to its increasing complexity as one would a mystery novel, trying to discern each new nuance and finding a hint of chocolate or the suggestion of vanilla.
The biggest disappointment I found with the one gracing my ashtray was its small stature. The viotola perfecto, while elegantly tapered, remains inches short of the commanding Churchill. Alas, it was the only size available to me in this seasonal cigar, making for some warm knuckles trying to extract new flavors from it. However, the size does provide for an hours distraction at the end of a hectic day.
THE RUNDOWN
PREFERRED CUTTING METHOD: Punch or guillotine will handle it nicely
DRAW: Smooth requiring light effort
BURN: Evens the occasional poor light exceptionally and signifies a rushed smoke with spice
TIME PER SMOKE: Lend it an hour and you will not be disappointed
FLAVOR: The velvety sweet base sets the table for increased complexity
THE VERDICT
For those seeking the gateway from the maduro to the rest of the humidor the Perdomo Special Reserve Champagne provides a transition with ease. The complex flavors work with the delicate smoothness to provide a mellow experience. Though when seeking this stick out try and find the Churchill or torpedo to avoid the pesky cliffhanger.
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