SmokeScore.com

From the wrapper to the filler and binder, the Camacho Triple Maduro consists entirely of fine maduro leaves.  Maduro, which stems from the Spanish word for “ripe,” is a process by which the leaves from the higher more flavorful plant primings are fermented for long periods of time at high temperatures.  This process draws out the sugars in the plant, thus turning the leaf a dark brown or sometimes even black color.

The Camacho Triple Maduro is a prime example of the perfection of this art.  The cigar itself is an exceptionally full flavored smoke that is both strong and complex.

And now, on to the review.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Size:  6×54 (Torpedo)
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Honduras

APPEARANCE and CONSTRUCTION -

Wrapper is a rough looking and toothy. It feels very thick and hearty. It’s jet black with no apparent blemishes.
There are no soft spots and there’s actually a firm feel to the cigar. A well constructed cigar in all aspects. I am still always awed by the beautiful silver band on the Triple Maduro. It’s one of the nicest bands in the business.

SMOKING CHARACTERISTICS -

The foot and wrapper both have an intense smell of sweet raisin. It’s so apparent, it made me chuckle a little.
Draw was very consistent with a slight resistance.
Trip Maduro lit evenly and burned quite well throughout the smoke. Required almost no touch-ups or re-lights.
The ash is firm and a beautiful white color which contrasts so nicely with the extremely dark wrapper.
The smoke was light and fairly airy as it floated to the ceiling.

FLAVOR -

The initial flavors were a sweet tobacco flavor with a little bit of earthiness. The earthiness picked up in the second third and that was the predominant flavor overall. The final third introduced a woody flavor intermixed with the earthiness. Definitely a full-bodied smoke, but not the powerhouse that everyone seems to think it is. I’ve generally found the Triple Maduro to be on the mid-range of full-bodied smokes.

OVERALL IMPRESSION -

The flavor profile of this smoke always appealed to me. The sweet earthiness is a taste I enjoy a lot in cigars. The beautiful presentation of the wrapper, band and construction all add to a wonderful smoking experience. Although pricey, they are a very good smoke that I treat myself to. Would definitely buy again.

TOTAL SCORE – 93

Havana VI was created in 2006 and boasts six vitolas (thus the VI in the name).  Referred to as the ‘Red Label’, the band duplicates the classic Cabinet band in red.  It is made in Esteli Nicaragua at the Tabacalera Cubana factory.  It is medium to full bodied and is truly a Nicaraguan Puro, consisting of Nicaraguan filler, binder and wrapper.  The Angeles recently received a 93 rating in Cigar Aficianado.  The Exclusivo Verocu No.1 and No.2 will add 2 more special vitolas to the line in 2007 – one sold exclusively in the Eastern states, and one sold exclusively in the Western half of the U.S.  About the Verocu, Pete says  “This blend will have a Cafe Rosado Oscuro wrapper (as opposed to the Cafe Rosado in the Havana VI classic line) and we are adding Ligero tobacco to the blend to give the cigar a more robust taste. Basically, it’s a Havana VI on steroids”.

And now, on to the review.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Size: 5 5/8 x 46 (Corona Gorda)
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

APPEARANCE and CONSTRUCTION -

Dark brown wrapper with a nice triple cap. Clean looking wrapper. No blemishes or anything negative to speak of on the overall construction. Feels firm and well constructed. No soft spots.

SMOKING CHARACTERISTICS -

Wrapper has a light cedary aroma. Nothing too heavy or intense. Foot has a distinct smell of toasted wood. Burn was initially uneven but corrected itself fairly quickly. Perfect draw with good amount of smoke. Ash started to flower at the midway point but held firmly. Dense smoke. Nice toasty aroma coming off the stick as it burns.

FLAVOR -

Starts out with a cedar flavor. Interesting dry walnut flavor builds around the midway point. Nice light spiciness appears around the midway point as well. Clean finish that’s lightly creamy.

OVERALL IMPRESSION -

The Havana line is a very nice alternative to the Cazador for those who find the brown label a bit too pricey. Havana line offers a lot of that Pepin character at a lower price and with a little less power. I enjoyed the corona gorda size a lot. After smoking so many of the new Reservas and the Triunfador, these sticks seem simple and mundane to me. I think I’ve been a little spoiled by the amazing stuff Pete Johnson has been producing recently. That being said, I’d definitely reach for this stick again.

TOTAL SCORE - 87