Even though we are a month away from the IPCPR show, that hasn't prevented us from having a few new cigars slip into our humidors the last few weeks. Actually the cigars I am talking about aren't totally new, rather an updated version of ones we've carried before. It was last year that Camacho decided to upgrade its packaging and image and unfortunately for us we had just purchased a lot of the old labels. Well we have finally sold out of the old and the new ones have now begun to arrive in our humidors.

The cigar I am smoking for this review is the Camacho Corojo. In addition to a sharper look, this Honduran beast did undergo a minor tweaking of the blend. The differences are subtle—and if you are worried that it lost some of its kick—have no fear. It still boasts that rare and delicious Cuban-seeded Corojo wrapper that flourishes so well in Jamastran, Honduras.

I don't want to rehash too much of an earlier review of this cigar, but I think it is important to give a quick history lesson for those who are unfamiliar with this tobacco. At one time Corojo was king in Cuba. It was the most common wrapper used on Habanos until it became too susceptible to insects and mold. It was last used as a production wrapper for Cuban cigars in the late 90s. Fast forward to today. Thanks to someone smuggling some Corojo seeds away from Castro and to the beautiful Jamastran Valley in Honduras, this wonderful leaf is still being used today. Although it's characteristics are not 100% the same as what they were when it was grown in Vuelta Abajo, the leaf is very close to its distant cousin.

The first thing one notices about this beautiful stick, other than its eye-popping label, is the wonderful reddish hue that emanates from the Colorado tinted wrapper. 

As I put flame to foot, the first flavor that I encounter is a woodsy, oaky flavor, with a hint of sweetness. There is an earthiness to the cigar and from the first few puffs I know that I am smoking something with body and strength. I will admit that the power of this stick does seem to be a little dialed back compared to their previous offering, but it is still a high medium to full bodied cigar in my opinion. I know for most palates this will definitely be on the high end of full.

Please don't let all the bold talk scare you. It is blended masterfully and the smoke and flavors don't come across as harsh. Like a skilled mixologist who hides the bite of alcohol behind the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients he uses in a cocktail, the blenders of this cigar have done the same with these strong and robust tobaccos.

Those who have read my reviews before know that if complexity is what you seek then strong, full-bodied smokes are usually not your best choice. This cigar surprisingly shows complexity. As I sip on a snifter of Balvenie 14 year Scotch, I get some nice vanilla notes in the cigar. And although Balvenie is not a peaty scotch, there is also a little bit of that flavor as I approach the midpoint of my smoking experience.

As the mild sweetness intensifies a bit, the cigar takes on a leathery quality, especially on the retro hale. I don't get a lot of pepper in this smoke, so those who aren't a fan of that spice will like this cigar. The smoke remains cool even in the final third and at no time did I think it was too strong. This cigar burned evenly and provided plenty of cool smoke. We offer this cigar entubo, which means you can throw it in your golf bag or in the tackle box for when you head to your favorite fishing hole and not worry about damaging it.

I guess you can say I am a fan of this newly-modified cigar. If bold and rich is what you seek then I bet you will enjoy it as well, even if the fish aren’t biting and the golf balls won’t fly straight.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida regional manager. Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server. Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.