Perdomo Reserve 20th Anniversary Connecticut Epicure 6″ x 56

A rich, creamy smoke fits best when you want something mellow that still has plenty going on. Perdomo Reserve 20th Anniversary Connecticut Epicure is a Nicaraguan Toro in the line Perdomo made to mark its 20th year, a line Cigar Journal named Nicaraguan Cigar of the Year in 2014. Its Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper is aged eight years, then rests another eight months in bourbon barrels, over higher priming Cuban-seed Nicaraguan binder and filler.

It tends to open on buttered bread and light toast, with a sweetness like molasses on the retrohale. The middle brings butterscotch and a subtle pepper as the bread turns a little tangier, and the final third leans into wood with a gentle spice. Perdomo describes the finish as a slight hint of honey and spice, and that sweetness tends to stay with you after the last puff.

It suits a morning coffee or a slow afternoon when you want a lighter cigar that still feels full of flavor. At 6 x 56 it gives you a long, even smoke with room for each change to come through.

Pairs well with coffee, bourbon, or a cream ale.