Size: 6 x 52 (Toro)
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Amazonian
Price: $10.30 at my local B&M
The final cigar brand I wanted to cover should be familiar to most everyone reading. I’ve always had a love and appreciation for CAO cigars as the Brazilia was the first cigar I smoked when I became interested in the hobby. I couldn’t tell you how many La Traviatas my wife and I have smoked over the years. When the CAO Amazon was announced, I was excited to try it. The brand for me had been partially forgotten about among the numerous smaller manufacturers out there. Doing some research into this cigar, this is the first cigar that I am aware of to utilize tobacco from the Amazon. Needless, I was happy to finally try this one.
No construction issues were found during the pre-light examination. Pre-light flavor notes of hay, stray and cocoa were detected. As with the majority of the Toros I smoke, I utilized a punch with this one and gave it a light. The draw was slightly tighter at the start but did open up after 10 minutes or so. My first flavors were a mix of cocoa and leather, with a touch of spice on the aftertaste. About the time the draw opened up was also the time the spice disappeared from the palette. 30 minutes into the cigar, woody notes began to complement the cocoa and leather flavors. In the last fourth of the cigar, the strength increased with the cocoa and leather flavors amplifying the final flavors.
I would characterize the strength of the Amazon Basin is medium bodied at the start, while being very smooth and easy on the palette. By the end of the cigar, the combination of the flavors and increase in the strength takes it right into full bodied territory. While I think the gradual increase will not scare off newer smokers, it is something to be aware of. The only issue I had with the cigar besides an errant relight was that the wrapper started to crack just below the cap in the last fourth. The cap also started shedding loose tobacco as well, although the amount was very little in the end. Total smoking time was 1:35.
By-The-Numbers
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 1.5/2
Flavor: 5/5
Value: 0.5/1
Total: 9/10
To recap the CAO Amazon Basin:
- This is a winner for CAO and General Cigar. It is a great example of the medium bodied cigar that has shoes big enough to grow into full bodied range.
- While the cigar does get stronger at the end, it should be within enough limits to be enjoyed by most smokers.
- My only knock on the cigar is the price. If it was a dollar cheaper, I would be all over this on a regular basis. Still, this is going to be one that I think a few singles should visit my humidor from time to time. If you haven’t checked this one out, I would highly recommend you do so.
As always, thank you very much for reading and I look forward to the next time I can share my thoughts with you.
Sounds like I’m gonna enjoy this one. Glad I was gifted one.
Great review, spot on! I love this cigar and since I only have one left, will be looking to order some more!!
I’ve always been fond of CAO. It’s good to see the brand continue to do well after the Ozinger’s sold it.
Sounds pretty decent. I’ve been seeing an influx of interest in these here recently. This might explain it. The CAO Brazilia was my first premium cigar and definitely kicked me right in to the whole world of cigar smoking. I think I may need to get my hands on at least one of these.
I agree about the price, I would like it to be $4 or $5. Sounds like a good cigar,the wrapper coming apart,my reason for the price. As always, good review.
Completely agree with this review, especially that if it was under $10, I would have several more of these in my humidor. As of now, I have 3 left and will let them sit for a bit.
I am seeing posts on these on various social media platforms. They appear to be very popular. Thanks for the review, I will have to track one down.
Need to try this one and I dig the natural band on it. Nice review, thanks.
Great cigar ! Bought 2 boxes