Stogie Reviews: Jameson Red Label Perfecto

After the introduction of the Jameson Cigar Co. last March, and bolstered by a generous web offer of two sticks and a T-shirt for the cost of postage, it seemed like the entire online cigar community was writing about the new cigar outfit. So Jameson’s strategy had worked. The only problem, however, were the mixed reviews of the company’s original blend.

As Jameson President Brad Mayo told me, that Sumatra-wrapped line, now called the Red Label, was re-blended “due to several factors, including changes at the factory and problems with the wrapper. It now consists of an all-Dominican filler, Honduran binder, and Ecuadorian wrapper.”

After a positive experience with the relatively new Black Label, I decided to sit down with a couple five inch by 54 ring gauge Perfectos—the most intriguing vitola in the Red Label lineup. The shape and size features a classic yet unique character that I wish more manufacturers made available.

Handmade in Santiago, Dominican Republic, the cigar includes a dry, almost flawless Connecticut shade Ecuadorian leaf with a light yellow hue. It emanates a pleasant aroma sweet sawdust and clips cleanly to reveal a well-packed interior.

The draw, initially on the tighter side, gives way to a taste of cream, cedar, and a few floral notes. Each mild-tasting puff produces a good amount of smoke as the thick mascara widens.

At its widest point, the Perfecto’s draw loosens and notes of spice, grass, and cereals become more apparent. This is the cigar’s sweet spot. The finely layered, dark gray ash builds sturdily off the foot and holds strong in a cone-like shape for two inches or more. The burn isn’t razor-sharp, but it doesn’t require any touch-ups or re-lights.

For me, this 60-minute smoke strikes a nice balance for mid-afternoon relaxation—a good combination of high notes with a touch of bass. And the price ($30 per five-pack, $120 per box of 20) isn’t intimidating.

For its pleasurable mild- to medium-bodied profile, suitable construction, and the versatility to pair with a tasty brew or a well-mixed cocktail, the Jameson Red Label Perfecto earns four stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys