I located these cigars at my local tobacconist a few months ago. They had been hidden and forgotten for three years, and I was fortunate to liberate the last few. Boxed in 2003, they have been a rare treat.

The SLR Natural uses a Sumatra wrapper with Pinareño as the binder and filler. Camacho calls it “Authentic Pinareño” to indicate that it was of first generation seeds from the Pinar del Rio area of pre-embargo Cuba. The Sumatra wrapper is a gorgeous silky, brown color, with the surface shining with sultry oils. The aroma of wet hay and roasted nuts accompany the pre-light “snort” in my anticipation of a relaxing smoke.

After clipping the cap and gently toasting the foot, I take a few subtle pulls on the cigar while slowly rotating it. After a short while I have a nice, even light. Flavors of wood, and light spice dominate the first half of this cigar, progressing to flavors of coffee after the halfway point. I continue to enjoy this cigar well into the last third, where the flavor turns to espresso. The finish is long and full-bodied, with notes of wood and coffee.

The ash on this smoke was a pleasing salt and pepper color that was razor sharp. No “flowering’, or “feathering” was present within the ash: this was proving to be a well-constructed cigar. I let the ash remain for an inch or so before brushing it off, falling gently into the ashtray. The burn was stellar the whole time and needed no coaxing to remain even.

The SLR Natural has always been one of my favorites. It is a multi-character smoke that you must pay attention to in order to fully enjoy. If you have the opportunity to sample one of these ‘Smokey Treats”, please, by all means, take it. We’ll rate this one again in three months.

~Blake