The Camacho Scorpion is a limited edition cigar that is currently being sold in only two places in the U.S. Many Stogie Fresh readers have purchased their sticks at Shades of Havana, a Pheonix shop run by my buddy Sean Parkinson.

The Scorpion has a wrapper from the “Quinto Corte,” which refers to the 5th priming, or the top leaves of the plant. The leaves at the top of the plant are thicker and contain more resin and, thus, more flavor.

As I dip into the box to pull out a stick for this review, I am met with the pungent aromas of nuts, alfalfa and chicken coop. I pluck out a likely candidate and marvel at the looks. This is a great looking cigar. It has a chocolate brown wrapper leaf that is smooth and close to perfect. The Scorpion is unique in that it has about 4 years of age on the tobacco prior to distribution. With nearly an extra year in my own humidor this cigar has some serious age.

This cigar shows some consistency with my earlier two reviews. There is a predictable nutty flavor, with a smoky hint of mesquite and a tangy aftertaste. The flavors are complex and dance around my palate like so many fireflies.

I have experienced some burn issues with some of the cigars in this batch, but today I am greeted with a near perfect draw and burn.

By the time I reach the halfway point, I realize that I am dealing with a seriously good smoke. This is medium to full in body and full in flavor. The retrohale brings some nice fullness and spice.

The ash doesn’t hold too firm, but I hardly notice it. I am enchanted with the unique and complex flavors. And, as the second half progresses, I am getting a buzz. This turns to a full bodied smoke in the second half and it hits you in the stomach like a bully on the playground. Unlike with a bully, though, I am enjoying this beating.

The second half continues to bring more body and more flavor, the smoke is not as complex during the second half as in the first.

This cigar would go great with a single barrel bourbon or single malt scotch. I recommend the libation neat, or with a single ice cube.

Though I have one more review to do of this batch of cigars, I can already say that they are a cigar you should try. A very unique and special offering from Camacho. Interestingly, just recently Camacho debuted a “new” cigar called... the Scorpion. This is a bit confusing because it is not the same cigar. Though you would be easily fooled, because it will sport the same band, packaging and the same name. However, the wrapper and blend will be slightly different and the new cigar will not have nearly the age as these original Scorpions. Now, the new Scorpions are likely to be a fine cigar, but I just want to be clear that they will not be the SAME cigar as this original Scorpion. And, by the way, if you are looking to buy some of these original sticks, try Sean Parkinson at Shades of Havana cigar shop.

I will revisit this cigar one last time in about 6 months.

~Doc