Cigar of the Week: Camacho Special Limited Reserve

When you say "Camacho," a smoker’s thoughts immediately turn to the famed Camacho Corojo brand, which redefined what a full-bodied cigar was all about when it was introduced in 2000.

But it’s not the only Camacho. There are others. Like the Special Limited Reserve, best known as "SLR."

This line is instantly recognized by its bright red band with white lettering and gold edging, but it’s the taste that makes it special.

Introduced in 2003 and offered in both a natural (Honduran-grown Sumatra-seed) and maduro (U.S.-grown Connecticut Broadleaf) wrapper, it’s not designed to be overpowering, but it offers a full-bodied taste and has a spicy aroma that makes you think – at the start – that it might be a knock-out like the Camacho Corojo. Nothing could be further from the truth, especially in the natural-wrapped version.

Instead, the natural-wrap SLR showcases a rich and mellow (!) taste that sings in caramelized tones and has a short, light-spiced finish that’s just delightful. In a complete contrast to the peppery notes of the Corojo, the SLR is smooth and delicious. It’s actually best enjoyed in the longer sizes that underscore the balance and richness of the taste.

Moreover, the all-Honduran-grown tobaccos burn evenly and won’t tire you, so your patience is rewarded. More spice is evident in the second half of the cigar, but it’s never aggressive or annoying. The SLR, with the natural wrapper, received a CigarCyclopedia.com grading of "A: Exceptional."

There are six sizes in the natural-wrapped line, from the 4 1/2-inch Rothschild to the seven-inch Churchill. Prices are quite reasonable, from $5.80 each for the Corona up to a high of $7.50 apiece for the Churchills in tubes, not including local sales and tobacco taxes. All shapes are offered in boxes of 25; the tubed versions of the Rothschild, Churchill and Toro are offered in boxes of 20.

For the smoker who thinks that Camacho means only harsh or heavy cigars, the SLR will be a welcome demonstration that this famous brand is also very much about flavor, smoothness and dignity.

(Rich Perelman is editor-in-chief of CigarCyclopedia.com, offering comprehensive daily coverage of cigars, accessories, issues, people and prices at www.CigarCyclopedia.com.)

Rich Perelman

3/31/08

1 COMMENTS

Posted by Bobby Peluso - Apr 4 2008 @ 9:09 AM
Re: Cigar of the Week: Camacho Special Limited Reserve Such a great cigar,,I hope with his 10th yr. ann..he comes back with great revews.

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