Camacho Reviews

[mrtr33]

Camacho Havana Monarca

Country: Honduras
Size: 5 / 50
Vitola: Robusto
Wrapper: Habano Criollo
Binder: Authentic Corojo
Filler: Authentic Corojo

On the surface, there is nothing significant about this cigar. To the touch, it has no soft spots, but isn't firm like a La Aurora 1495 or a DC Max. The construction was really nice on the toothy wrapper. A few veins, but not very pronounced. The smell initially reminded me of what I consider a "standard" cigar smell, a scent I have long associated with how cigar smells since I was young.

The cut went smoothly, no worries of any cracks. The draw was very loose. A little more loose than I would prefer. Because of this, it took a bit longer to toast the foot, and even longer to get a consistent burn. After about a half of an inch, I tasted hearty, earthy flavors. This wasn't a cigar with delicate or complex flavors. Nothing was hiding, I didn't have to take several puffs in order to detect different tastes, it was pretty much straightforward: earthy tastes, a touch of spice, very pleasant tobacco flavors. It was really nice, I must say. Once I gave up any preconceived expectations and just appreciated the cigar for what it was (instead of what I wanted it to be), I really enjoyed it.

The ash didn't hold on very long, as it wasn't very strong. I did have burn issues with this cigar, and couldn't get it to burn straight. It wasn't enough where I had to use the lighter to fix it, but it did happen enough to be noticeable.

I smoked this cigar down to a nub.

Noticeable characteristics: Pleasant, consistent, simple tobacco flavors.

I wish it: had been a churchill vitola. Lucky for me, I got one waiting in the humi

Overall rating: B
Conclusion: I can't rave about the flavors of this cigar, how complex this cigar was, it's immaculate construction or anything like that. It's nice. It's not complex. The first few puffs taste very similar to the last few. It was nice. I'd smoke one again.

[pmp]

I shouldn't even chime in here but I'm going to anyway. I was a huge fan of camacho for many years. I think back in 05 or 06 I smoked like 11 boxes of corojo monarcas and probably another two or 3 of the 11/18 and even more of the corojo monarca maduros. I still think those 11/18s were one of the best cigars ever rolled.

I think at some point they spread themselves a little thin. The coyolar, legendario, and triple maduro were gimmicky and mediocre at best. The havana and the slr were never a great blend to begin with. I feel like I've had a bittersweet ride with camacho. I was one of the lucky few who recieved not 1 but 2 boxes of the pre-release camacho selects from angel as a gift. Those were also great smokes. The blend released was not quite as good as the pre-release but still pretty good.

Overall I would still recommend the corojo and select to folks. But the rest aren't my cup of tea.

Thanks for the reviews though. If nothing else its nice to see someone eat a bit of crow for putting down a brand they aren't entirely familiar with.

[craig]

I shouldn't even chime in here but I'm going to anyway. I was a huge fan of camacho for many years. I think back in 05 or 06 I smoked like 11 boxes of corojo monarcas and probably another two or 3 of the 11/18 and even more of the corojo monarca maduros. I still think those 11/18s were one of the best cigars ever rolled.

I think at some point they spread themselves a little thin. The coyolar, legendario, and triple maduro were gimmicky and mediocre at best. The havana and the slr were never a great blend to begin with. I feel like I've had a bittersweet ride with camacho. I was one of the lucky few who recieved not 1 but 2 boxes of the pre-release camacho selects from angel as a gift. Those were also great smokes. The blend released was not quite as good as the pre-release but still pretty good.

Overall I would still recommend the corojo and select to folks. But the rest aren't my cup of tea.

Thanks for the reviews though. If nothing else its nice to see someone eat a bit of crow for putting down a brand they aren't entirely familiar with.

They're not the only cigar maker that has been accused of that.

In any case, the marketing company that Camacho uses annoys me. The latest Camacho campaign is described at: http://puffingcigars.com/cigar-news/...-project/1983/ (The link is to a story about the campaign, not the campaign itself.)

[CAJUNBLAZE]

Thanks again for the great review.

I am also not a big Camacho fan, but I do like the triple maduro, it's a bit pricey for what you get though.

I have spoke with several b&m stores that stopped carring Camacho due to terrible customer service. You need to stand behind your product!

Rich

[mrtr33]

The point of this thread is to provide my assertion of a line of cigars. I am not a pro. I just may be the least qualified person on the board to provide an opinion. I was hoping to contribute to the boards, by providing a first-hand account of a few sticks from a particular line. I'm not expecting James Suckling to consult this list when choosing his next Camacho purchase.

How else would I be able to form an opinion about a cigar manufacturer? Is it necessary to smoke all vitolas of a particular brand in order to make a fair judgment? Just because I've had an indifferent experience with a few lines of a particular manufacturer, is it not prudent to not eagerly pursue that line again? I don't think so. Just as Padron 26's aren't typical Padrons or White Owl's reflective of overall cigar qualities, doesn't mean the stereotype isn't still valid. There are lots of cigars out there, and I can't possibly enjoy them all. Some may not be locally available. Some may not even be legal for me to obtain. That doesn't necessarily signify ignorance as much as availability.

Just my 2 cents.

[badwhale]

Mark,

I'm enjoying your Camancho reviews. What I find great about reading reviews, and then smoking the same thing, is a test of my palate. Am I getting the same flavors & burn qualities as you? Let's read and find out.

I'm finding doing a review is fun, 'cause it's an 1 - 1 1/2 hour dedication to that smoke, even if it's one I won't add to my rotation. Total tobacco meditation.

Keep 'em coming.

Will

[ashauler]

I agree, I'm enjoying these reviews very much. I will caution you on the "testing your palate" thing though. Simply because you do not taste the same things as another person doesn't mean your palate is inferior to theirs.

I read all the reviews posted on here, and over a long period of time and many cigars smoked after reading a review I don't think I have ever tasted exactly the same things as the reviewer........ever. Now, overall profile, strength, and impressions are another matter. IMO, this is what you learn to trust from certain reviewers.