Cigar lovers, it’s that time again—CAO has dropped the 2025 release of the Amazon Basin, and if you’ve smoked this line before, you already know it’s something special. If you haven’t? Well, let’s just say this one’s a little different from your usual smokes.
This cigar is all about the unique Brazilian Bragança tobacco, grown in the Amazon rainforest and only harvested every few years. That alone makes it cool, but does it actually smoke as good as the hype?
Appearance
Construction (5/5) – Solid build, firm from head to foot, no soft spots, and the signature vine-like tobacco band adds to its rugged charm.
Wrapper Quality (5/5) – Dark, slightly oily, with a natural, rustic look. No big veins, no cracks, just a smooth and well-aged leaf.
Aroma
Pre-light Aroma (4/5) – Right off the bat, you get deep, earthy notes, a bit of barnyard funk, and some sweet cocoa. It smells rich and inviting.
Burn Aroma (4/5) – Once lit, the smoke has a mix of woodiness, natural tobacco sweetness, and a little spice. Fills the room nicely without being overpowering.
Draw
Resistance (5/5) – Perfect. Not too tight, not too loose—just right.
Consistency (5/5) – Stays effortless throughout the entire smoke. No struggle, no sudden changes.
Flavor
Initial Flavors (3/5) – Starts off earthy and a little peppery with some natural sweetness, but nothing crazy complex right away.
Mid-Smoke Flavors (8/10) – This is where it shines. Flavors deepen with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, a little dried fruit, and a rich, nutty undertone. Smooth and well-balanced.
Finish (4/5) – Ends on a warm, toasty note with hints of molasses and spice. A nice, satisfying linger.
Burn
Evenness (4/5) – Almost razor-sharp, but needed a minor touch-up here and there. Nothing major.
Ash (4/5) – Holds well, decent stack, and has a nice gray color with good structure.
Strength
Body (3/5) – Sits comfortably in the medium range. Flavors are full, but it doesn’t hit you too hard.
Nicotine Strength (3/5) – Noticeable but not overwhelming. You can enjoy this without feeling like you need a nap afterward.
Complexity
Flavor Evolution (2/5) – The changes are there but pretty subtle. It’s not a rollercoaster, just a smooth ride.
Balance (3/5) – Everything works together well. No single note overpowers the others.
Value
Price vs. Experience (2/5) – It’s not cheap, and while it’s a great cigar,at $15 a stick the price tag might feel a little high for what you get. There are other cigars in this price range that I would choose over the basin and they are much easier to come across too.
Enjoyment (3/5) – Definitely enjoyable, especially if you like smooth, earthy, and slightly sweet cigars. If you have never smoked one give it a try, it is something everyone needs to do at least once.
The 2025 Amazon Basin is a solid, flavorful cigar with a unique profile that only comes around once a year. It’s not cheap, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. So if you see one, grab it. If you see a box, well… that’s your decision to make.
Would I smoke it again? Absolutely. Would I hoard them? Maybe, if my wallet allows it. Either way, this one’s worth a try while you can still find it.
Have you smoked the new Amazon Basin yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
FINAL SCORE 67/90