Tabacalera Perdomo is, no doubt, one of the top ten manufacturers in the business and home to some of the best cigars produced today. Owned by the Perdomo family, this factory is currently responsible for the production of a phenomenal blend recently re-released - the long awaited Perdomo2. Perdomo2 (pronounced Perdomo Squared) utilizes filler tobaccos from Nicaragua's top growing regions and allows for a smooth, yet complex character. Originally released in 1998, Perdomo2 took on a box-pressed format, which was far from popular at the time. Enthusiasts were enjoying mild, mellow blends that were “in the round” and mostly utilized Connecticut wrappers. However, Perdomo2 received rave reviews from Cigar Aficionado and took the industry by storm while still earning high ratings throughout 2002. Although this was a tremendous cigar, Tabacalera Perdomo eventually had to pull Perdomo2 from production, to focus more on their flagship line - Perdomo Reserve.

Perdomo2 is a limited edition, box-pressed cigar available in two beautiful wrappers: an oily sun-grown maduro and a sleek, seamless Habano leaf. The blend consists of all Nicaraguan tobaccos that were blended to create a perfect balance throughout the entire length of the cigar. Medium to full-bodied, Perdomo2 offers notes of cocoa mixed with coffee-like nuances, which are finished with an underlying spicy sweetness that coats the palate for an incredible finish.

12/15/08: Alex and Tim chat with Alejandro Martinez-Cuenca, owner and master blender of Joya de Nicaragua. Discussion covers the history of Joya de Nicaragua, their relationship with Drew Estate, and the future of this storied and revered brand. [Listen Now]

The original CuAvana brand was created by legendary cigar producer Manuel Quesada. The idea behind CuAvana was to create a blend that offered an exorbitant amount of flavor, while maintaining a smooth character and a mild body. Fans of CuAvana will agree that the goal was met, with both the natural and maduro versions offering a complexity rarely seen in milder cigars, obtained without sacrificing its mellow characteristics. Recently, enthusiasts across the globe have been seeking out stronger, more robust cigars and therefore it was time to add a full-bodied blend to the CuAvana line. To complete this feat, the reigns were passed to Nestor Plasencia, who developed CuAvana Intenso - a tasty, full-bodied treat originating from Honduras.

CuAvana Intenso is not for the faint of heart. This blend is incredibly powerful, offering a ton of complex, spicy flavors with a very long finish. The name suits the power of the blend perfectly, as the initial light is robust and only continues to become more intense as the cigar burns. The filler consists of Panamanian and Nicaraguan ligero tobaccos, all long-leaf, which are concealed by an oily, toothy Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper. This combination provides a massive amount of spice, pepper and earth with only a hint of cocoa that rests in the back of the throat. Make no mistake, Intenso was blended with the full-bodied enthusiast in mind and is a fantastic, long awaited addition to the CuAvana brand.

Torpedo (6" x 54) Offered a smooth character and the best balance between spice, pepper, and earthy sensations. The aftertaste consisted of rich nuances that included cedar with a hint of espresso. Well balanced, strong, and smooth. Excellent. 90/100 [Buy Now]

Gordo (4.5" x 54) Offered an easy draw and released a good amount of creamy smoke. Perfectly constructed, the ash refused to fall for the first two inches and the complexities were overwhelming. Many competing nuances of cedar, pepper, and peat were noticeable. A great 45-minute cigar. 89/100 [Buy Now]

Churchill (7" x 48) Incredible spice from the start. Robust nuances of earth overwhelm the palate with each puff as the cigar becomes stronger inch by inch. Draw was slightly tight but still burned properly. Recommended after a hearty meal. 88/100 [Buy Now]

Robusto (5" x 50) Not as complex as expected but still offered a robust body. Burned slightly hot and uneven but it corrected itself over time. The spicy nuances seemed to collect more so in the back of the throat, allowing for a strong finish. 88/100 [Buy Now]

Toro (6" x 52) Relatively tight draw throughout but maintained its complexities. Very strong with tons of spice and pepper flavors masking most of the earthy nuances. This particular size did not emit as much smoke and burned unevenly. 87/100 [Buy Now]

CuAvana Intenso - A departure from the mild blends that currently make up the CuAvana line; Intenso is an excellently blended, full-bodied powerhouse comparable to Oliva Serie V and Joya de Nicaragua.

Drew Estate Tabak Especial - Yet another great cigar produced by the makers of the Acid brand. Well balanced, perfectly blended and infused to perfection, this blend is a must try for all fans of Drew Estate.

Perdomo Patriarch - Created to honor Nicholas Perdomo Sr., Perdomo Patriarch combines the best long leaf tobaccos from the top three growing regions in Nicaragua with superb craftsmanship; allowing for a special, unique medium to full-bodied experience only Perdomo can offer.

La Vieja Habana - The Early Years - Drew Estate fanatics searching for a full-bodied, non-infused maduro will find solace in La Vieja Habana – The Early Years.

Q: Should I remove my cigar band before enjoying my cigar?

A: This question has been debated for years. Some individuals believe cigar bands were implemented as a way of holding a cigar to prevent tobacco stains on fingers or gloves. Others believe they were simply attached to prevent counterfeiting. Regardless, at some point the band needs to be removed but when is the right time to do so? Cigar bands are held together by pectin, which is flavorless vegetable glue. This glue will soften as heat passes through the cigar. Therefore, the best time to remove the band is after two or three inches have been burned. Some enthusiasts prefer to remove the band before the initial light, but this may damage the wrapper since the glue will still be completely in tact.

Tim Blythe has been an Account Manager for Cigar.com for five years and counting. He is an avid cigar enthusiast/collector and currently has over 3,000 cigars in his collection. Tim prefers full-bodied blends, citing Camacho and Padilla as two of his favorite manufacturers.

Cigar.com (CC): What is the best selling brand this year?

Tim Blythe (TB): Ashton was a monster this year along with Acid by Drew Estate, and 5 Vegas continues to grow. But I think it was a tie between Rocky Patel (Decade, I-Press, and Fusion) and Oliva (Serie V and Nub) for the hottest brand of the year.

CC: No doubt some of the late shoppers are still undecided on what to buy for holiday gifts. Any particular items you might recommend?

TB: I'm loving the Cigar.com 10th Anniversary Sampler. Greatest selection we've ever featured in a sampler in terms of appealing to the aficionado out there. For something a little bit milder and with unsurpassed presentation, the Perdomo ESV '91 Tubed Sampler is a great choice.

CC: What if a customer is not certain as to what they should purchase for their special aficionado? What brands are safe bets and why?

TB: Safe bets are variety samplers, like the Ashton Variety Sampler or the CAO Conmemorativo Sampler. These items will give the recipient a variety of blends and sizes in a great presentation. Chances are they'll like at least a couple, if not most of the cigars. Actually, with those two particular samplers, chances are they'll enjoy them all!

CC: What do you recommend for the cigar enthusiast that seemingly has everything?

TB: Like Alex? Well, Camacho 1962 Pre-Embargo is a rare cigar that impresses me every time I light one up. Elegant and sublime - look at me using those words - this cigar is as close to perfect as it gets. You could also go with an OpusX Selection or any of the God of Fire releases. One can never have too many of those!

CC: What would you recommend for the gift giver with a tight budget?

TB: The New Year's Sampler is a down right steal at $49.95. I think Alex broke into the champagne a little early when he came up with that one. Don't forget the aptly titled Holiday Sampler. It’s only $29.95 for five best selling cigars and a guillotine cutter.

CC: Any accessories, in particular, that sells well during this time of year?

TB: Accessories move pretty steadily throughout the year, but humidor sales always seem to pick up come winter. Each cigar enthusiast’s flavor preferences may vary, but a beautiful, well-made humidor is universally pleasing and useful.

CC: Tim, thanks for taking the time to answer some of my questions and help Cigar.com's loyal customers get what they need this holiday season. Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up?

TB: Happy Holidays!