At the 2023 PCA trade show, Mario Caraballo and his company Casa Caraballo showcased a number of new introductions to the market. One of those was the Apache cigar line. According to Mario, the Apache line is a regular production line. He noted that it has been in the works for almost 2 years and is a collaboration with Pepito Gomez Tobacco Co. in Estelí, Nicaragua.
The blend of the Casa Caraballo Apache is described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian habano
- Binder – Sumatra
- Fillers: Nicaragua (Jalapa)
The Apache is expressed in in four vitolas, each packaged in 10-count boxes:
- Tradicion (6 1/2 x 58) – MSRP $15.00
- Excelencia (7 x 52) – MSRP $14.00
- Romance (5 5/8 x 46) – MSRP $13.50
- Necesario (5 x 52) – MSRP $13.25
The line originally launched in Canada and the United Kingdom, as an exclusive to Havana Castle ahead of its U.S. launch at the trade show.
For this review, I sampled 2 of the Casa Caraballo Apache Excelencias that I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
The Casa Caraballo Apache Excelencia exhibits a smooth, milk chocolate brown wrapper, that has some noticeable veins. I found the packing and roll to be firm from head to foot. There is a light oily sheen noticeable along the barrel. A decent cap completes the construction.
Two bands adorn the cigar. The primary band displays an Indian chief head in full regalia using black, white, gold, and blue colors. The name Apache is boldly printed below. There are other Indian adornments printed on the band to pay tribute to the Apache nation. A secondary band is placed just below the primary and declares the vitola in gold on a black background. In this case, it is the Excelencia 52 x 7.
Running the Apache along the nose, I picked up earthy notes off the foot and enticing baking spice notes off the wrapper.
Using my double blade Xikar cutter, I sliced the cap straight across the shoulder and gave it some cold draw puffs that I found to be spot on with restriction while offering notes of a growing peppery spice and touch of earthiness.
I toasted the foot with my single flame torch to warm it up to an even orange glow as I drew in the first peppery puffs of smoke to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Mild pepper notes to start
- Sweet cocoa aroma wafts off the foot
- Gentle fruit notes add to the profile early in the burn
- White ash forms on top of a medium thick slightly jagged char line
- Cream and cocoa join the overall flavor after an inch of burn
- The spice remains mild through the first quarter of burn
- Aroma shifts to a maple syrup note
- Earthy notes blend into the mix entering the second quarter
- Rich dark chocolate notes evolve
- Aroma shifts once again to fruit – midway through the burn
- Fruit morphs into a tangy note deep in third quarter
- Slight wave in burn
- Dark chocolate remains dominate
- Off burn develops requires touch up
- Spice ratchets up in the final
- Medium plus in strength
- Total Smoking Time was 2 hours and 20 minutes
Final Analysis
The two plus hour journey of the Casa Caraballo Apache Excelencia begins with a subtle introduction of mild pepper notes, setting the stage for what unfolds. A few puffs in and a delightful, sweet cocoa aroma emanates from the foot. Early in the burn, gentle fruit notes gracefully enhance the overall profile, contributing to a nuanced experience. About an inch into the burn, the flavor profile evolves with the introduction of cream and cocoa elements, seamlessly joining the ensemble. Throughout the initial quarter of the burn, the spice maintains a mild presence, allowing other flavors to unfold. The aromatic journey takes a turn as it transitions to a distinct maple syrup note, captivating the senses.
Entering the second quarter, earthy notes seamlessly blend into the mix, adding depth and complexity. The evolution continues with the emergence of rich dark chocolate notes, providing a luscious and indulgent dimension to the overall experience. Midway through the burn, the aroma undergoes another transformation, shifting back to fruity undertones. As the cigar progresses into the third quarter, the fruit notes transform into a tangy essence, contributing a vibrant twist to the flavor spectrum.
The dominance of dark chocolate notes persists, offering a consistent and satisfying profile. As the cigar approaches its finale, the spice intensifies, ratcheting up in the final moments. This crescendo of spice adds a bold conclusion to the sensory journey. This is one that is worth grabbing a fiver of. I rate this a 91.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wavy Burn; (-1) Off Burn; (-1) Required Touch Up
