Cigar Weekly

mingc · 11-01-2002, 04:44 PM

I picked up this little bugger, 4" x 40, from my local guy and smoked it for lunch today. Verrrrry nice.

Now, as background, I don't much like the CAO Anniv eXtremes or Cameroons (haven't tried the Maduros), but I do like and very much respect the Brazilias. (Golds are okay too, but I feel that are lots of smokes, some cheaper, with the same flavor profile as the Golds). But the Pampa is something else. It's certainly not as strong as the Brazilia; I'd classify the Criollo as a medium smoke, which some folks, including myself, might prefer. It's slightly sweet but not overtly so, and with a little age and perhaps drying-out, could be very smoooth. I detected some pepper but not very much. Overall, very well balanced and tasty. In short, the best CAO I've had yet!

Draw was somewhat firm, so it was a nice slow smoke. The stick also felt firm to the touch. The pigtail is a nice touch (I'm a sucker for pigtails!).

Despite the general criticisms of the Criollo wrapper as poor burning, I had no problems with the burn at all. No touch ups were required. (The wrapper looks to be on the thick side, with the burn characteristics of a maduro, tending to curl inwards towards the ash).

This is a smoke I would consider as an everyday smoke if I can find a good discounted price. Right now, I see it for over $100/box, even on the web; a bit too much for my cheap side. I also don't much like the overly elaborate packaging (I can't squeeze it into my already stuffed to the gills five rubberdors!)

4.5 out of 5.

Edited by - TOJE on 11/01/2002 6:12:28 PM

11-01-2002, 04:44 PM	#1
mingc Club Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hell Posts: 1,531	I picked up this little bugger, 4" x 40, from my local guy and smoked it for lunch today. Verrrrry nice. Now, as background, I don't much like the CAO Anniv eXtremes or Cameroons (haven't tried the Maduros), but I do like and very much respect the Brazilias. (Golds are okay too, but I feel that are lots of smokes, some cheaper, with the same flavor profile as the Golds). But the Pampa is something else. It's certainly not as strong as the Brazilia; I'd classify the Criollo as a medium smoke, which some folks, including myself, might prefer. It's slightly sweet but not overtly so, and with a little age and perhaps drying-out, could be very smoooth. I detected some pepper but not very much. Overall, very well balanced and tasty. In short, the best CAO I've had yet! Draw was somewhat firm, so it was a nice slow smoke. The stick also felt firm to the touch. The pigtail is a nice touch (I'm a sucker for pigtails!). Despite the general criticisms of the Criollo wrapper as poor burning, I had no problems with the burn at all. No touch ups were required. (The wrapper looks to be on the thick side, with the burn characteristics of a maduro, tending to curl inwards towards the ash). This is a smoke I would consider as an everyday smoke if I can find a good discounted price. Right now, I see it for over $100/box, even on the web; a bit too much for my cheap side. I also don't much like the overly elaborate packaging (I can't squeeze it into my already stuffed to the gills five rubberdors!) 4.5 out of 5. Edited by - TOJE on 11/01/2002 6:12:28 PM __________________ Fish!