Posted by Daz Herring on 21st Sep 2016
Cigar Review #5 - Camacho Powerband
The Smoking Gun Cigar Review September 20, 2016
Camacho – Powerband
Toro – (6 x 50)
I wanted to write a review on a new cigar, one that most of us haven't smoked, yet. So I chose the new Camacho Powerband. As I’ve stated before, I like stronger, bolder cigars and I had heard (through my cigar store spy network) this new cigar was a “power-player.” Since Davidoff of Geneva purchased Camacho, in 2008, there have been very few offerings from this brand about which I’ve been excited. OK. I admit, I do like the Camacho Ecuador and the Liberty has been a perennial favorite, but it’s a bit pricey for the average, everyday smoker. So, when I heard that the company had a new stick and it was being promoted by Camacho as being:
“Inspired by the power and muscle of the classic V-twin engine. Peak performance from spark to exhaust. Built using a proprietary PowerbandTM bunching process, this blend of legendary powerhouses captures the rush of adrenaline, force of acceleration, and blast of endorphins you feel barreling down the open road 80 mph gripping 800 pounds of American made steel – in a cigar.”
Well—I knew I had to try it! Now, I'm not a motorcycle riding kind of guy, but that description makes me want to get on a Harley and ride down some dusty highway (cue the Coen brother’s “lone biker of the apocalypse” from Raising Arizona) with a cigar in my mouth and the wind in my hair (or, at least, what's left of it). Since that's not gonna happen anytime soon, let's jump into the cigar.
A little history:
This is a new cigar from Camacho. It was introduced to the cigar-smoking public in June of this year. It was widely promoted and well-received at the big IPCPR (International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers) trade show in July. Aside from that, the only remarkable thing about the cigar is the way it's wrapped.
The cigar is part of the Camacho Master-Built Series, and is supposed to be made with a new bunching technique that combines a Dominican style (folding the leaves like an accordion – back and forth) and a Cuban technique, called “entubado,” where the leaves of the filler are rolled into long tubes. Unfortunately, that's all they will say about it. So, it's a bit of a mystery how it’s done. It seems to work and that's all that matters.
Just like before, I'll list the questions and give an answer for each—based on my personal smoking experience:
What are you smoking?
Camacho Powerband – Toro (6 X 50)
Who makes it?
It's made by Camacho Cigars, which is currently owned by Davidoff of Geneva.
Where's it from?
The factory is located in Danli, Honduras.
What other sizes are available?
It’s available in three sizes: Robusto (5 X 50), Toro (6 X 50), and Gordo (6 X 60).
How much does it cost?
The average cost is $10 to $12 dollars, according to the size. A twenty-count box of Toros is around $240.
How well is it constructed?
It is a well constructed cigar. The color is a rich darker brown and the wrapper has a nice oily sheen. There are medium to small veins throughout the wrapper and the cap is pretty standard. It’s a fine looking cigar. But, in this case, its what's inside that counts. It reminded me of a standard model car, that someone has souped up and modified to the point of it being a “muscle-car,” but you can't tell unless you look under the hood.
What’s the blend (or, at least, the wrapper)?
Here's where it gets complicated. The wrapper is a 2000 Ecuadorian habano. The binder is Mexican San Andrés. The filler is Camacho’s signature Honduran corojo ligero, another Esteli grown corojo ligero, from Nicaragua, Dominican San Vicente ligero, San Vicente viso and Dominican piloto Cubano.
OK. I know that's a lot to take in and some of those words might be new to you. So, if you want, I would be happy to write an article on the different types of tobaccos used in making cigars. But for now, I'm just going to explain what ligero and viso mean and we're going to talk in general terms.
As a tobacco plant grows, it develops different levels of leaves. These levels are referred to as primings. With most plants, the leaves that are on the bottom of the stalk are the oldest and the leaves at the top are the youngest. Tobacco is no different. There are five primings (or levels) on Criollo tobacco and there are seven on Corojo, so I don't want to get too clinical.
Generally speaking, the three that are used the most are Seco (the usable leaves nearest the bottom of the stalk), Viso (the leaves toward the middle) and Ligero (the ones near the top of the plant). Now, if you think about it, it would make sense that the longer leaves have been on
the stalk the greatest length of time and would have a stronger taste and the (smaller) upper leaves would be lighter (like micro-greens in food).
But, that is not true when it comes to cigar tobacco. The ligero priming will give you a boldness that isn't present with other primings. It also has a higher amount of nicotine than other primings. So, if you see a blend listed with a good amount of ligero, you are not only going to get a rich, flavorful, bold tasting cigar, you're going to get one that's considered strong, as well.
Mild, medium and bold usually refer to levels of flavor. Light or strong are descriptors of strength. If you're not accustom to smoking a “strong” cigar, it might make you feel a bit green in the gills!
How did it light?
It lit up very well. I used a soft flame on one and a torch on the other and both were great.
How's the draw?
The draw was firm, but good. It stayed consistent throughout.
How does it burn?
I smoked two Camacho Powerband Toros and had no problems with either. Both had an excellent burn and a beautiful, firm, salt and pepper ash (an ash that has that great whitish color, with little flecks of black and grey, that make it look like salt and pepper mixed together).
Is there a predominate flavor/taste?
Oh, my! Where do I begin. I've talked about smelling the wrapper and foot before you light, and this cigar was an olfactory overload. When I first smelled it, I announced, “Ooh. That's some serious barnyard stank!” I meant that, of course, as a compliment. The wrapper had a rich barn and leather aroma, while the foot had a nice sweetness with a hint of creamy, sweet coffee.
When I lit it, the cigar was definitely a pepper bomb. It's bold and spicy. In fact, it made my lips tingle a bit, like when you've eaten some really tasty hot and spicy food. It is, certainly, full of flavor.
Did it change as you smoked it?
I did get some changes as I smoked it. The second third was a little less peppery, but still on the bolder side. I did catch that coffee note more when the pepper had lessened. The finish was stronger and by the time I put it down, I was done smoking for the night. I didn't want to ruin that lovely spiciness that it left on my pallet.
How would you describe its strength: mild, medium, or strong?
The Camacho Powerband is, most definitely, strong. It’s one of those cigars that might not appeal to a milder taste. But, if you like bold and peppery cigars, this is one you should try.
Would you smoke it again?
Are you serious? Of course, I would! I loved it. I think it would be a great “end of the day” cigar, after a nice meal, with a dram of my favorite single malt.
Should I try it?
If you like strong, bold tasting cigars, I would highly recommend it. If you aren't into that, it might be worth a try. You might find you like it.
Do you have an extra that you’ll give me?
No. But, Camacho is doing a coast-to-coast tour right now and they may be in your area sometime soon. Check with your local brick and mortar tobacconist to see if they are coming to your area. You can also check online at http://camachocigars.com/road-tour to see upcoming Camacho events. If you can't find them locally, you can always order them on-line.
Conclusion:
The new Camacho Powerband is a tour de force of full-bodied, bold cigars and is worth a try. It’s reasonably priced (for a cigar that uses so much ligero in the blend). The richness and spiciness is a treat for the palate and has a refinement of flavor that isn't just “knock you down,” but enjoyable and complex. I think it's a winner and will be added to my list of regular smokes.
Even if you don't ride a “hog,” you can still enjoy “the rush of adrenaline, force of acceleration, and blast of endorphins you feel barreling down the open road 80 mph gripping 800 pounds of American made steel – in a cigar.” And, you don't even need to wear helmet!
That's it for this edition. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me through this page. I'm always happy to answer questions or tell you about what I've been smoking. Also, if you liked, appreciated or hated my review, let me know. I want to be a resource for the everyday cigar smoker. You don't have to be an expert, you just need an hour or so to enjoy a good cigar.
And, remember: don't let other people tell you what to smoke. If you like it, smoke it!