Stogie Reviews: Camacho Coyolar Puro Torpedo

16 Nov 2006

When I decided to smoke this Camacho Coyolar Puro Torpedo, I wasn’t sure whether I should first reach for my torch or check to see if my will was up to date. After all that I’d heard and read about this Honduran, I had visions of my wife finding me slumped over in the chair, the top of my head blown away, and at least half of the large stick still dangling from my fingers, the foot oozing a thick, toxic smoke.

To me, this dark, oily cigar wasn’t anything like that. I found it to be a slow-burning, relatively smooth, full-flavored cigar that developed and dropped several tastes, beginning with a little pepper and ending with some light, sweet touches. Wood and leather tended to dominate, building and diminishing, mixing and mingling.

Much of my initial concern came about because I tend to associate “strong cigars” with raw nicotine and what I believe is under-cured tobacco. You’ve probably had the same unpleasant experience with a stick that had a taste like iodine and a searing kerosene aroma, both of which combined to create an aching head and upset stomach.

I should know better. That’s not strong; that’s bad. Nonetheless, it’s what comes to my mind when I hear labels such as “powerhouse” or “one stud of a cigar” (Camacho’s catalog description).

My Camacho Coyolar – a generous gift from Jerry at Stogie Review – suffered from a couple of wrapper tears, for which I think I deserve the blame. The Camacho is not encased in cellophane, and I believe it was damaged sitting in my humidor. The defects, however, caused no smoking problems. The draw was effortless, the burn was good, and – a small, but significant, joy – the band came off easily.

The Torpedo is listed at six inches by 54 ring gauge and has an MSRP of $5.95 for a single and $148.75 for a box of 25.

I don’t know whether a smoker needs experience to enjoy this cigar. As I said, some have described experiences that sound more like a chance encounter with Freddy Krueger than a relaxing smoke. I smoked the Coyolar after dinner with coffee, which may have made some difference. If you’re wary, you might want to try one of the smaller vitolas.

My rating for the Camacho Coyolar Puro Torpedo is three out of five stogies.