CAO Amazon Basin OR Release 2014

CAO Amazon Basin, which incorporates some fairly unique tobacco into its blend. While the wrapper is Ecuadorian Sumatra and the binder and some of the internal tobacco is from Nicaragua, 40 percent of the filler is Bragança, a tobacco grown in the Amazon Rain Forest and harvested just once every three years. 

The first third of the CAO Amazon Basin starts out with flavors of earth, leather, dark cocoa, creamy peanuts and oak, along with a pretty aggressive amount of spice on the tongue and pepper on the retrohale. The distinct raisin sweetness I tasted in the cold draw is significantly toned down in the actual profile.

A very strong leather note that reminds me of a tack shop begins to take over dominance as the second third of the Amazon Basin begins, while other flavors of oak, dark cocoa, bitter espresso, and a smokiness that makes me think of fire cured tobacco. The raisin sweetness from the first third has morphed into an interesting cinnamon and sugar combination, and I notice a tiny bit of a floral note every few puffs.

In the final third of the CAO starts out much the same as the second third, but the profile begins to turn a bit harsh a little after that. While not overwhelming, the harshness continues to pick up strength until I hit the “band”.