Cigar Review: The Perdomo Legacy Connecticut Churchill

There’s a certain gravitas when you first hold the Perdomo Legacy Connecticut Churchill (7 x 54). The cigar feels substantial — long, balanced, perfectly rolled — its Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper gleaming with a velvety sheen. The elegant black-and-gold band rests like a crown, regal yet understated.

This Legacy line was spearheaded by Nicholas Perdomo III, Nick Perdomo Jr.’s son, as a tribute to the Perdomo family’s heritage — honoring their Cuban roots, their decades of craftsmanship, and the generational passion that continues to fuel the brand. It’s a cigar designed not only to perform flawlessly, but to celebrate the family legacy it proudly carries in its name.

The Legacy Connecticut blends Nicaraguan filler tobaccos beneath a Habano-seed/Cameroon hybrid binder and that silky Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper. True to the Perdomo house style, every leaf is aged extensively — including the signature bourbon barrel aging process that enhances sweetness and smooths the tobacco’s natural edges.

Having heard Nick Perdomo speak about this project through an interview with Holt’s, and having personally met him at a recent event, I approached this cigar with great anticipation. Nick Perdomo is, quite simply, a class act — humble, sharp, deferential, and kind. My respect for the Perdomo family has only deepened since that encounter. His cigars are crafted with the same intentionality and discipline that he himself exudes.

Pre-Light Impressions

The pre-light aromas were delicate yet intriguing. The wrapper offered a gentle sweetness — honey and clean hay — while the foot suggested sweet complexity: ripe berry bushes and dried fruit. The cold draw delivered a wonderfully vivid image — blackberries dropped into a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, soaked in creamy milk. The stage was set for a journey that promised richness and nuance.

First Third

From the first light, the Legacy Connecticut announced itself with authority. The smoke was thick, creamy, and abundant — exactly what Perdomo fans have come to expect. But it wasn’t just cream; this Connecticut brought significant spice to the opening act. Not the typical black pepper, but a distinct red pepper note — cayenne, chili powder, and salt mingling across the palate, with a warm tingle on the retrohale. The Habano-seed/Cameroon binder showed its character here, contributing an unexpected and welcome punch.

As the spice settled, an elegant lemon-honey sweetness began to emerge. The profile softened into a blend of citrus brightness and subtle sweetness, balanced by creamy undertones. Hints of walnut added a savory dimension beneath the honeyed core, creating a beautifully integrated flavor story.

Even early on, the refinement was clear. Having recently smoked Perdomo’s Lot 23 and 30th Anniversary Connecticuts, I found the Legacy positioned somewhere between them — more polished than the Lot 23’s rustic boldness, but carrying more spice and edge than the 30th’s silky sophistication.

Second Third

As the cigar moved through the second third, the spice profile evolved into something more nuanced. The bold red pepper from the opening transitioned into delicate accents of white pepper and clove — present, but far more subtle, lingering gently on the finish of each retrohale.

The construction continued to impress. The ash stacked tall, the burn line stayed steady, and even the band removal was an act of surgical precision — like a Swiss watchmaker took up cigar banding.

At this stage, the Legacy Connecticut was at its most compelling — a high-flying trapeze act of cream, spice, citrus, and nuts, gracefully gliding through a deeply satisfying middle act.

Final Third

In the final third, the profile shifted firmly, first towards damp rich earth, then decisively toward toasted oak and a dry, mineral quality. The earlier honey sweetness faded into the background while the wood grew increasingly assertive. The cigar maintained its flawless draw and rich smoke output, but the flavor progression settled into a more singular lane.

Pairing the cigar with a cold can of Sprite — under the 90-degree Kansas sun — provided a delightful balance. The lemon-lime soda brightened the oak and reintroduced some vibrancy. But unpaired, the wood note became dominant and unwavering.

Reflecting on the experience, I likened this final stretch to riding the Timberwolf wooden roller coaster (may it rest in peace) at our local Worlds of Fun amusement park. The cigar delivered an intense and captivating ride—powerful and engaging throughout. As the oak steadily intensified, the ride took on a more grounded, heavy rhythm. By the end, I found myself pleasantly satisfied even if a little tousled by the ride’s raw energy and character as it came to a halt.

Final Thoughts

The Perdomo Legacy Connecticut is, without question, a highly enjoyable and masterfully crafted cigar. The first two-thirds deliver a rich and rewarding experience full of transitions, flavor layers, and luxurious construction. While the final third settles into a more linear oak-driven profile, the overall experience remains deeply satisfying — especially for those who appreciate Connecticut cigars with a little more backbone.

Would I place it alongside the very finest Connecticut experiences I’ve had? Not quite. Cigars like the 30th Anniversary Connecticut (my personal favorite), the 10th Anniversary Champagne, and the Lot 23 offer competition within Perdomo’s own lineup. The Legacy Connecticut belongs in that conversation — not necessarily above them, but confidently among them.

I have zero regrets about purchasing a full box of these Churchills, especially with Nick Perdomo’s autograph gracing the outside. The cigar commands attention, rewards focus, and exemplifies why the Perdomo name continues to hold such respect among discerning smokers.

The Retrohale Score: A- (91)

Elegant, complex, and confidently crafted with impressive transitions through the first two-thirds. The unique contributions of the new binder tobacco are fascinating and worth exploring for any lover of the leaf. While the final act grows linear, its rich construction, flavorful journey, and undeniable craftsmanship secure its place among Perdomo’s finest.