InterTabac 24 exclusive: Secret creation, great success: the story behind the Perdomo 30th Anniversary

This year, at InterTabac 24, I met Arthur Kemper from Perdomo again - just for a brief moment. But that moment was enough to remind me of last year's profound conversation. But before I go into that, I would like to tell you what happened this year.

5 minutes

The author behind these articles is Oliver - survivalist, winter griller, TV fuzzie from Bonn. He constantly fails at trying to stay sporty, loves cigars, rock'n'roll, barbecues, bad jokes and single malt whisky. He is now too old to grow up.

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An emotional victory: Arthur Kemper's pride in the Cigar Trophy

The „Perdomo 30th Anniversary“ with the Maduro wrapper was awarded the Cigar Trophy by Cigar Journal this year, an honour awarded directly by consumers worldwide. When I congratulated Arthur, I could see the glow in his eyes. Pride and joy flowed through him. „You know,“ he said, a big smile on his lips, „when we won the award, the first thing I did was call my wife. She has to go through all this with me,“ he added with a warm laugh. „And I wanted her to know that it was really worth it.“ You could feel how much this moment meant to him, not just as a triumph in his career, but also personally - as confirmation that all the effort, all the hours of dedication, had borne fruit.

Three years in secret: Arthur's risky project behind the anniversary cigar

And now back to last year's conversation that got all this rolling:

Back then, Arthur proudly told me about the „Perdomo 30th Anniversary“. It was a project that he secretly developed for three years in front of Nick Perdomo - a daring endeavour in which he risked everything. And then, the decisive moment: when Nick tasted the finished cigar, enthusiasm sparkled in his eyes. The surprise had been a success. „Perdomo 30th Anniversary“ was launched in 2023 to mark the brand's 30th anniversary, and it was more than just a product - it was the result of Arthur's perseverance, his vision and his will to create something special.

The finishing touches: the second fermentation behind the „Perdomo 30th Anniversary“

As is Perdomo tradition, the cigar is available in three different wrapper variants, all of which have been matured in ex-bourbon barrels. But Arthur revealed a fascinating detail to me: It is not the previously aged bourbon that is the highlight, but the charcoal layer of the burnt-out barrels. This layer acts like a filter and forces the tobacco leaves - which are already fully fermented - through a further fermentation process. This gives them the finishing touch. „FACT,“ said Arthur, his eyes shining, „flavour, aroma, colour and texture - that's what this second fermentation improves.“ It was impossible to escape his enthusiasm. The dedication with which he described this process to me was reflected in every word. It was as if he was sharing a secret that summarised the essence of his work and passion.

Dedication and perfection: the emotional core behind Arthur's masterpiece

And then perhaps the most impressive detail: the tobaccos of the „Perdomo 30th Anniversary“ matured for 15 years. Fifteen years of patience to perfect a flavour that is not only exceptional, but also bears the dedication and craftsmanship of an entire era.

The moment when Arthur told me all this had a deep emotional meaning. I felt that this was not just a cigar being created, but a piece of heart and soul. That is what always fascinates me about cigars: they are more than just a stimulant. They are the result of passion, hard work and the relentless pursuit of perfection - and Arthur had put all of this into his cigar.

For me, this is the true essence of a great cigar.

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