Stogie Reviews: Perdomo Grand Cru Corojo Toro
13 Aug 2009
I haven’t been a regular Perdomo smoker through the years. Not that I have anything against the brand or recall any particularly bad experiences. It’s just not one of the smokes I frequently reach for in my routine.
The other day, though, I noticed a six-inch Grand Cru Toro and was impressed by the deep, oily Cuban-seed Corojo wrapper. The price point, $6.50 for a single, was compelling as well.
The cigar exceeded my expectations. The burn and the draw were nearly perfect, and the taste was complex and balanced. It’s billed as big on taste—“a bold, full-flavored smoking experience,†according to Perdomo marketing materials—and I found it to live up to that hype.
Kicking off with pepper that leveled off about a third of the way in, the Nicaraguan puro also presented tastes of coffee, chocolate, and leather. There are changes and variations in strength throughout.
I’ve smoked a few of the cigars in this line, which are available in three sizes in addition to the 50-ring gauge Toro: Robusto (5 x 50), Churchill (7 x 50), and Torpedo (6 x 54). So far I’ve liked the Toro best, with the Robusto a close second. Perdomo also offers a Grand Cru Maduro line that I have yet to sample.
One complaint is Perdomo’s lack of information on its website. The Grand Cru isn’t even listed among its brands. You’ve got to check past press releases to find the May 5 introduction announcement, which notes that the tobaccos are from the 2004 crop on Perdomo’s Nicaraguan farms.
Notwithstanding that minor setback, this cigar is definitely worth checking out, especially given its reasonable price. I rate the Perdomo Grand Cru Corojo Toro four stogies out of five.
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photo credit: Tabacalera Perdomo
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I'm a big Perdomo fan. Love the Habano Maduro Robustos and the ESV 2nds from CI. Have not yet tried these Gran Cru but can't wait to try them.
This is a really great stick definatly more then worth the price
I must have had a subpart cigar as mine started out tasting of Ovaltine and then went bland. That was after two inches. I have one more yet to smoke and I am hoping that the other one is much better.
I did not enjoy this cigar. It was bland and burned unevenly for me. I picked up some sweet notes, almost like an orange. But it really was not anything special for me. I put it out after half way through, (Robusto) To each their own. I had the Corojo.
Just tried this stick…started out tasting ike english muffins, but after a few moments their was a distinct hint of oranges – like orange juice only without the pulp. Pleasantly surprised, it burned perfectly half way through it started to smell like belgian waffles but without the maple syrup. Last third was the best – definitely had some hints of cinnimon and butter, with some coffee flavor. I had this cigar with my breakfast – it was really good.