Camacho Criollo

This is a new style of reviewing a cigar that I'm going to try. I'm basing it off of a seminar that Jose Blanco had in the La Aurora factory in the Dominican Republic. In the seminar he gives us the requirements for a perfect blend, and that's how I'm going to start rating cigars. I'll be judging by 1). Flavor 2). Strength 3). Aroma 4). Complexity 5). Balance and 6). Finish. I will add side notes to the different areas.

Flavor: 7/10

The flavor has a nice woody earth flavor at the beginning. Not too strong. It's around the halfway point when the cigar really changes flavor to a stronger pepper flavor. A really good stick for those who like lots of dark flavors.

Strength: 8/10

This cigar is very strong. Its' definitely full bodied with a lot of different flavors. The pricing is cheap so I didn't expect too many flavors. But, it has a good variety of flavors for what it goes for. 

Aroma: 5/10

The aroma is decent... nothing to go crazy about. It smells like a basic cigar when it's burning. Pre-light it has a light chocolate/pepper aroma.

Complexity: 5/10

Balance: 7/10

Finish: 6/10

The finish has a long spice to it at the beginning. It's an overpowering finish at the beginning, but as you get farther in the cigar, the finish mellows out, and it blends nicely with the flavor.

An overall good smoke. This cigar makes it look like Camacho is trying to re-brand themselves. It's an interesting look, but the inside is all that matters. 

Stogie Rite score: 85