Today we review the CAO Amazon Basin in the Dagger (4 x 38) size. Amazon Basin is a limited edition cigar that was first introduced in 2014. It arguably has become one of the CAO brand’s most popular releases in the past decade. The Amazon Basin is highlighted by a rare-yield tobacco known as Braganca. Since 2015, there have been many small-batch releases of Amazon Basin. The Dagger is a cigar that evolved organically from Amazon Basin. It’s a small 4 x 38 long-filler cigar based on the blend. Dagger is a small batch release that was first introduced in 2025. Recently, General Cigar Company has announcedthat Dagger has returned for another run in 2026.
SPECIFICATIONS
Like the original Amazon Basin, the filler of the Dagger features the rare and low-yield Brazilian Bragança. This unique tobacco is grown organically in Acre, a remote area of the Amazon Rainforest. This tobacco is harvested only once every three years. After the harvest, the tobacco leaves are carefully rolled into tubes, referred to as carottes. These carottes are then subjected to high-pressure fermentation before being transported by canoe from the depths of the rainforest. In addition to Bragança tobacco, the filler of the CAO Amazon Basin contains Colombian and Dominican tobacco.
Additionally, the cigar incorporates an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and Nicaraguan binder. Production comes from STG Estelí in Nicaragua. Dagger comes packaged in five-pack paper bundles.
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Dominican Republic, Colombian, Brazilian Braganca
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Factory: STG Estelí
- Dagger: 4 x 38
PERFORMANCE
The Dagger opened up with a combination of cocoa, raisin sweetness, and earth. This was soon joined by white pepper. The retro-hale delivered an additional layer of white pepper. The cocoa notes dominated the first third. There was an increase in the earth notes leading up to the midway point. Just past the midway point, the earth displaced the cocoa as the primary note. The cocoa receded further back. The final third saw the raisin sweetness develop some acrid flavors and was less enjoyable. The Dagger finished with a soft, cool nub.
The strength and body of the Dagger fell into the medium to full range. Both the strength and body increased in intensity during the smoking experience, but both attributes remained medium to full until the end of the cigar. However, the body maintained a slight edge over the strength. This was a low-maintenance cigar in terms of burn and draw. The burn required minimal touchups to maintain a straight burn path and keep a straight burn line. As for the draw, it had a touch of resistance, which is something that I like.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
Final Thoughts
I don’t subscribe to the idea of a “quick smoke.” To me, a cigar is like a vacation, and I prefer to savor it rather than rush through. While I appreciate the experience of a quick smoke, I find it too short. This was true for the Amazon Basin Dagger. The cigar started off well, but by the final third, it developed an acrid profile. The disappointing part is that the enjoyable flavors I experienced early on faded quickly. On the bright side, the acrid flavors that I didn’t enjoy also dissipated just as fast.
These cigars are sold in five-packs for $24.99. Ultimately, I’m not inclined to rush out and buy more. I might smoke one occasionally, but I would much rather enjoy the longer 6 x 52 Toro “vacation” offered by the regular Amazon Basin. In the end, I recommend trying a sample first to see what you think.
Summary
- Key Flavors: Cocoa, Raisin, Earth, Pepper
- Burn: Excellent
- Draw: Excellent
- Complexity: Medium Minus
- Strength: Medium to Full
- Body: Medium to Full
- Finish: Very Good
Rating
Value: Try a Sample
Score: 88
REFERENCES
Photo Credits: Cigar Coop
