Cigar Review: Camacho Criollo Robusto Cigar

With the acquisition of Camacho, Davidoff has revamped this cigar line for the 21st century, still keeping the same tradition that makes a Camacho a Camacho but injecting new life into their already stellar lineup of cigars.

This medium-body smoke has Camacho written all over it. Their Criollo leaf sees extra sunrays, so it packs an extra pop of spice to complement a mellow sweetness. Camacho has always been regarded as a brand of cigars that rivals Cuban cigars, both in past and present lines.

Read our review of the impressive Camacho Criollo Robusto below and shop to enjoy this cigar for yourself.

About The Camacho Criollo Robusto Cigar

Owner: Oettinger Davidoff Group
Factory: Camp Camacho
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduran Criollo 98
Binder: Corojo
Filler: Honduras and Dominican Republic
Strength: Medium
Size: Robusto (5 x 50)

Reviewed by: Ross from the Windsor shop

The Beginning

Creamy with prominent nutty and leather smoke from the start. For the majority of the first third, the smoke continued to pour off of the foot and give me a good burn on the retrohale.

The flavours developed nicely, and I also tasted some notes I normally only find in Cuban cigars. Behind everything else was a nice Cubanesque taste that I didn’t expect; the blender did a great job here.

The Middle

There were pleasant flavours coming through, and I didn’t want to be smoked out and not notice them. Creamy, salty and nutty flavours came through well. The smoke was still quite dry. Woody notes became stronger as the second third went on and added another layer to an already enjoyable cigar.

The End

Final third. Same flavours, just kept increasing from the last part of the second third to now full strength. The pepper did a good job clearing my airways.

Burn & Draw

The burn line was a tad wavy from start to finish but continually self-corrected and never needed any touch-ups or much attention.

I went for a V cut, and the draw was very good. A little easier than perfect but never too loose. The draw remained consistent for the duration of the cigar.

Overall

This Camacho Criollo sports a Honduran-grown, fourth priming wrapper, which has a unique, peppery-flavoured punch. The leaves are left on the bush for a prolonged period of time, exposing them to the sun’s rays to give it that unique kick, allowing those extra pops of spice to complement its very subtle hints of sweetness.

While this Camacho Criollo has dialled back a degree in intensity, it delivers a powerful explosion of signature Camacho taste into every draw. Make no mistake; what you hold in your hand is a Camacho Premium Criollo Cigar. Taking the Camacho Criollo to the next plateau are the Dominican-grown Piloto Cubano fillers that have been added to complement the Honduran-grown wrappers. It has a balanced and well-rounded temperament.

Ross Rating: 8/10

What alcoholic drink would I pair the Camacho Criollo Robusto Cigar with?

I am in the mood for rum, and this is an old faithful – Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva (70cl, 40%). This is a fabulous Venezuelan dark golden rum, distilled from molasses in a copper pot still before 12 years of ageing – rich, sweet and fruity, just how we like ’em.

Fantastic quality for the money, Diplomatico was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2007 Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition.

What soft drink would I pair the Camacho Criollo Robusto Cigar with?

Nigerian Fanta, this is the way.

Would I smoke the Camacho Criollo Robusto Cigar again?

In a yellow tube that makes it impossible to lose, this cigar is one I have gone back to many times in the past. All I need now is a Harley Davidson, and I’m good to go. This cigar is the perfect companion for a trip on Route 66 or the A1 if you’re on a budget.