Pre-light Experience

This box pressed perfecto is covered with a dark reddish brown wrapper that has a couple of slightly raised veins. The seams are very well hidden and the head appears to be finished off with a double cap. There are two bands, the first being the standard company band in reddish brown that matches the wrapper color well with gold artwork and lettering. The secondary band carries the line name and has the same color combination. The aroma from the cigar is barnyard funkiness and there is no differentiation at the foot as the opening is too small to really smell the filler. The pre-light draw is pretty tight due to the small foot opening, but does deliver a slightly sweet hay along with a medium spiciness on my lips.

First Third

The cigar begins with a mix of slightly sweet cedar and a good dose of black pepper. As the cigar reaches the full ring gauge, the sweetness fades away and the pepper becomes more of a spiciness to pair with the cedar. The retrohale carries a similar profile except for an enhanced spice level. As the third comes to a close, some cream joins the spicy cedar. The strength in this third was right at medium.

Second Third

As the second third begins, the cedar becomes a bit darker while the spice and cream remain at their previous levels. At a half inch in, the cedar transitions to more of a general wood note. At an inch in, some mustiness joins the mix of wood, cream and spice. The retrohale provides creamy wood with an elevated spice level. As the third comes to a close, the cream has increased a bit to become even with the wood. The strength in this third was slightly above medium.

Final Third

As the final third begins, a slight coffee note joins the profile of creamy wood and mild spice. At a half inch in, the coffee and spice fades away and some mustiness joins the creamy wood. The retrohale still maintains a bit of spiciness to go along with some musty wood. As the cigar comes to a close, it maintains the profile of creamy wood along with some mustiness. Th strength in this third remained at slightly above medium.

Burn

The burn was slightly wavy throughout but never needed any attention. The ash held on in inch and a half increments.

Draw

The draw was perfect with just the right amount of resistance I prefer.

Overall

The Southern Draw Kudzu 2018 Perfecto has a fairly straight forward flavor profile of cedar, cream and spice which moved to a general wood note and gained some mustiness. Construction was great and allowed me to just focus on the flavors. This is a nice addition to the Kudzu line and the Southern Draw portfolio overall. For fans of the brand, this is another cigar they’ll likely enjoy. While it isn’t something I’d revisit often, it’s a cigar I would have no problem smoking more of on occasion.

Aaron Loomis

SCORE

6.00

Cost/Point

$1.66

Scoring System

Personal Cigar Review: Southern Draw Kudzu 2018 Perfecto