Cigar Review: Camacho Select
If you are looking for value, it's hard to beat anything from Camacho. For an extremely reasonable price, you'll smoke a well-constructed cigar that has both plenty of flavor and a complexity that will hold your attention until the cigar is nothing but ash. The Camacho Select exemplifies the high quality-to-cost ratio of the Camacho brand.
There are certain basics you assume when you cut and light a Camacho. A rich, bold flavor is the norm, along with an easy, voluminous draw. In these regards, the Camacho Select does not disappoint. With every pull, you'll experience a mouthful of smoke with a texture found only among the top-shelf brands in any respectable cigar shop. The scrunched-up faces desperately pulling for even the slightest taste ... they do not have Camacho Select cigars in their mouths.
The draw, of course, is symptomatic of construction in general. I've smoked several Camacho under a variety of conditions. The comfort of a cigar lounge is only one environment – and it's the easy one. I had the opportunity to subject this brand to strong winds and driving rains last week, thanks to uncooperative weather and a cityscape that lends more power to the regular gusts. The cigars stayed lit and did not "canoe" (or otherwise burn unevenly or improperly). Even with nature's deck stacked against it, the Camacho Select performed admirably.
This cigar is slightly on the full side of medium-bodied. So, novices can enjoy the complex flavors that emerge (especially during the middle third of this cigar) without being overwhelmed. At the same time, an inveterate cigar smoker will appreciate the balance of flavors, which are anchored with an earthiness that supports the overall potency of the cigar.
The versatility of the Camacho Select, consequently, is unmatched. First-timers can learn the value of quality without turning green, and regulars will not feel like they are smoking air. If you're bringing cigars to the golf course, a poker game or any other event where cigar experience is likely to be mixed, the Camacho Select is a prudent choice.
If you're already a Camacho fan, you can follow the brand on Twitter: look for @DylanAustin. Also, Camacho will be coming to Manhattan on May 21, 2009. As I get more details, I'll pass them along.