CAO Amazon Basin

📌 Brand: CAO
📌 Line: Amazon Basin
📌 Size: Toro (6" × 52)
📌 Weight: 19.4 g
📌 Age: 1 years
📌 Origin: Nicaragua

Tasting Notes

• Molasses – Deep, sweet, resinous core

• Earth – Thick, jungle-like depth

• Dark Fruit – Plum and raisin undertones

• Black Pepper – Warm, smooth spice

First Impressions

The Amazon Basin stands out immediately with its rustic Ecuadorian Sumatra. Pre-light aroma is wild: fermented fruit, molasses, and damp earth. Cold draw reveals sweetness and pepper with perfect airflow. Roll feels firm but well-packed.

Smoking Experience

• First Third – Molasses and earth dominate with a dark fruit accent. Smoke output thick and chewy.

• Second Third – Pepper rises gently, sweetness deepens, and earth stays prominent. One relight needed but flavor integrity remains strong.

• Final Third – Dark fruit fades, earthy sweetness lingers, and the profile becomes richer and thicker without harshness.

Pairings

• Alcohol – Dictador Episodio 2 Sherry Cask 12 Year - Rum with cola spice, caramelized fruit, and sherry influence — perfectly complements the cigar’s molasses-heavy jungle profile. Completely new pairing.

• Tea – Kenyan Kaimosi Orthodox Black Tea - Strong, malty body with faint berry-like brightness to match the cigar’s dark fruit without adding bitterness.

Music Pairing

“Gotta Serve Somebody” – Bob Dylan
Dirty groove and raw honesty match the Amazon Basin’s rustic, unpolished soul.

Final Thoughts

The CAO Amazon Basin is a singular experience — earthy, sweet, dense, and full of character. One relight is a minor inconvenience in an otherwise deep, flavorful journey. The Bragança tobacco shines throughout.

Final Score: 9/10
Why not a 10?
Required one relight; otherwise an exceptional, immersive profile.

Only cigars that deliver flawless draw, balance, flavour evolution, construction and satisfaction get a 10.