Blind Cigar Review: Camacho | Nicaraguan Barrel-Aged Toro

Cigar Info

This year, Camacho released its third Master-Built release, Camacho Nicaraguan Barrel-Aged.

“Having pioneered and perfected the art of aging Original Corojo tobacco in Kentucky Bourbon barrels for American Barrel-Aged, Camacho‘s master builders have continued their relentless quest, venturing further south to harness the wild flavors of Nicaragua. Starting with the sweet, spicy, and oaky flavors that define tobacco from this region, Estelí-grown Corojo is aged in some of the world’s oldest Nicaraguan rum barrels. Once filled with bourbon, these well-seasoned rum barrels were hand selected for optimal humidity and add layers of complexity for an entirely unique experience.”

The blend has an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over a Mexican binder as well as Dominican, Honduran and the barrel aged corojo filler.     The cigars come in 3 sizes; a Robusto, Gordo, and Toro that ranges in price from $10 to $12.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Dominican, Honduras, & Nicaraguan
Factory: Diadema Cigars de Honduras, S.A
Blender: Camacho
Number of reviewers: 5 – Isaac M. (The Nothing) Stefan (Stefan) Adam B. (Bushboy) Steve (ThaGreatWazoo) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Price: $11.00
Age: 2 Months
Release Date: July 2017
Contributed by: Camacho Cigars

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 91

“This cigar had an over all clean look with minimal veins and a nicely applied cap.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Aroma: 87

“Dried erb and leafy aroma. Pre light flavors are earthy and barnyard. Can’t wait to put a flame to this one and see what flavors emerge.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

First Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“””This begins with a semi-bitter profile of licorice, bitter herbs, and coffee, reminiscent of a Fernet Amaro, and finishing salty and charry. I’m glad that I’m smoking this after dinner and regret not having a bitter digestive to accompany it.

Bitterness then dials down slightly after 2/3ds of an inch, leaving room for some plain, unsweetened, and almost drying cocoa notes. By this time I was happy to find a stash of barrel-aged gin, which made this smoke more tolerable.”” –Stefan (Stefan)”

“The initial flavor is toasted tobacco and charred wood. The finish is long and leaves my palate feeling slick and buttery. Through the nose the smoke is peppery but pleasant and brings a salty note to the finish.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Second Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Flavors appeared to shift with the first ashing, about half an inch before the visual start of the second third. There was now much less licorice and significantly less bitterness, as savory herbal notes joined the earlier unsweetened cocoa motif, while the finish remained charry, bordering on being tarry, leaving a smoky flavor on the aftertaste.” –Stefan (Stefan)

“Herbs and spices galore. Cinnamon, clove and smokey woody finish. Very pleasant to say the least. Easy draw and perfect burn so far. Body is remaining on the medium level despite the strong flavors that are present. Looking forward to a strong finish.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Final Third

Flavor: 86
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“During the final third, the pepper and cream notes were still present and a slight very light nuttiness started to form. Near the end, the cigar really opened and burned hot. This began a slight char in the profile and continued down to the nub. The finish definitely faded fast, but the cigar was still manageable and never became overly harsh to the palate.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)

“The final third of this sample showed a significant increase in strength as the charred wood became oak and the pepper further intensified. The cigar also showed its hand in regard to nicotine as I developed a bit of a nicotine rush… No sickness, but a nice little relaxing buzz that was pleasant. My attention is surely grabbed.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 90

“The prelight draw showed promise that was reflected throughout the smoke. Very little effort produced maximum smoke output.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

Burn: 90

“Burned steadily and evenly, remaining lit even after having been left hanging for 4+ minutes.” –Stefan (Stefan)

Construction: 90

“This was a very well built cigar. No runs in the ash throughout the cigar and a nice overall build. The finish to each draw was very good and the cigar overall allowed me to just sit back, relax, and take in the flavors it was offering.” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 87

“Freshly after smoking this cigar, I’m still trying to find an appealing quality other than looks. The draw was too loose. The flavors never really seemed to come together, and I came away thinking I need something to clean my mouth as the lingering flavors aren’t pleasurable. I had to be hard on cigars, but this one I won’t seek out again. ” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

“The first two thirds had too much bitterness for my liking, and I cringed while waiting for the end. The final third however proved to be unexpectedly mellow, exhibiting a classic Maduro profile. If you’re a Maduro die-hard you will probably enjoy this more than I did.” –Stefan (Stefan)

“I don’t always reach for the cigar with the herb and spice notes, however this one was very enjoyable. The flavors stayed away from an overwhelming spice flavor, and just teased the palate with welcomed flavors. Overall this was a great smoke that will be enjoyed again after the reveal. The strength allows this cigar to be enjoyed by the novice and the connoisseur. ” –Adam B. (Bushboy)

“I will start this by saying that it is very good to be back and reviewing cigars again for BMP. This cigar was a great way to get back in to the groove of the review of cigar, as it offered a multitude of changing flavors and misdirections. Medium to medium-strong in strength, this cigar fits almost all smoker types. With the very easy torch and go construction of this cigar, any and all can simply relax and enjoy this cigar after a nice meal with a nice libation. Flavorful notes of hay, oats, cream, and pepper balance perfectly with the subtle changes and introductions of sourdough bread and sunflower seeds. All around a clean, crisp, smooth smoking experience. Well done. ” –Steve (ThaGreatWazoo)

“This was a very nice, and quite full bodied cigar, especially toward the final half. As a lover of pepper and full flavors this was right in my wheelhouse but I’d hesitate to hand one to a new smoker or one of my female cigar smoking friends. For me… I want another one… Or maybe a fiver!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 71

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Camacho | Nicaraguan Barrel-Aged Toro

Overall Score – 88 – Good