Perdomo2 Milenario Cameroon Torpedo (6.5X55)
I got this one as part of a sampler pack from Perdomo. I wouldn’t normally have picked this one up, as I usually smoke Maddies, but I’m glad I gave it a try. I’m a real fan of Nicaraguan tobacco, so I’ve tried a number of Perdomo’s line, and really enjoy most of them. Their Cuban Parejo is one of my favorites – but you better be sitting down when you spark one of those puppies – a real head-spinner - Boli time.
This cigar is at the other end of the spectrum in regards to power, and a bit unusual, in that it uses all Nicaraguan binder and fillers, with a Cameroon wrapper.

APPEARANCE AND CONSTRUCTION:
I was a bit disappointed when I looked at the wrapper initially, there was a crack in the wrapper ¾ of the way down, and a little scaring of the leaf, but being part of a sampler pack in a plastic bag, it was most likely caused by handling. Smooth wrapper, very fine veining, and a bit of tooth here and there. Nice firm torpedo with a box press. Nice open draw that tightend up just a bit near the end of the smoke, but still comfortable. Pretty well made overall.

FLAVOR:
A very pleasant change from my normal Maduros. Most Cameroons I’ve smoked have been blends of various fillers and binders, but the Nicaraguan/Cameroon combo worked very well together. Beautiful aroma, something the Cameroon wrapper is noted for, and has a “salty twang", which I really liked - it complemented the characteristic sweetness of the Nicaraguan leaf very well. Not a lot of varied nuances like a good Maddie, but very “clean” tasting, with touches of cedar now and then. I never detected any “spice” at all. I’m used to a little lip tingling at least, but it was just smooth and slightly salty/sweet flavor throughout. Not much of a nicotine buzz, just a nice relaxed feeling. It was still a rich, full-flavored enjoyable smoke, just more subdued than I’m used to.

SMOKING CHARACTERISTICS:
Had a lot of burn problems at first due to the crack in the wrapper, but once it got past that, burned fairly evenly the rest of the way down. Nice firm salt and pepper ash held for 1 ½ - two inches, but a little flaking present. Burned nice and cool with that wonderful Cameroon aroma.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS:
I would rate this as a fairly mild cigar, though still full flavored. It’s a smoke that I think someone who prefers full-bodied cigars might enjoy once in a while for a change of pace. If you are a Cameroon lover, I would encourage you to try one of these; they have a very different flavor profile than you are most likely used to. If you are a Maddie freak, this is a very nice change; you give up the leathery/spicy/cocoa flavors, but the clean salty finish is like walking along the beach on a windy day with the salt spray on your lips, but still has the nice subtle nutty sweetness that we enjoy.
Not a bad trade off.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rbihari,

I stopped buying Perdomo cigars because of the burn issues. Some of their somes are great as far as flavor goes but I can't deal with the very poor burn. IMHO

motorcyclenut;
I have to agree with you on the construction/burn issues with Perdomos in general. I've had too many that ruined a really great smoking experience because I was fighting to keeping the d@mn thing burning right. It's too bad really, as their blends are really quite enjoyable. The Perdomo2s are better, but still a little "iffy". All of the Perdomo Reserves I've had (Cabinet Series) have burned as well as any Padron does.

I've noticed that they seem to use much thinner wrappers than most other cigars. The Rosado wrappers on the Cuban Parejos are especially thin and papery...you have to be very careful when you handle them not to tear the wrapper, but since they run 56-62 RG and are very firm, it's not that big an issue with that particular cigar. Still one of my favorites. The shop I buy from lets me return bum smokes, so I don't really loose anything in the deal.

That being said...I don't think I would buy any Perdomos that I couldn't inspect, or return if there were problems.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rbihari,