A Premium Honduran Cigar That Honors Christian Eiroa’s Legacy

Acquired at Big Smoke Miami Beach 2026

Few names command as much respect in Honduran tobacco as Christian Eiroa. After helping build Camacho into one of the world’s premier premium cigar brands, Eiroa returned in 2012 with a new vision—a company built around authenticity, heritage, and his family’s passion for Corojo tobacco. The result was CLE, an acronym for Christian Luis Eiroa.

The CLE Corojo quickly became the flagship of the new company, proving that Honduras could once again produce world-class cigars using authentic Corojo tobacco grown in the fertile Jamastran Valley. More than a decade later, it remains one of the most recognizable Honduran puros on the market and a favorite among smokers who appreciate bold flavor balanced with refinement.

The History Behind CLE

The Eiroa family’s roots in tobacco stretch back generations. Christian’s father, Julio Eiroa, became one of the pioneers responsible for elevating Honduras into a premium cigar-producing nation.

Christian later revitalized the Camacho brand with bold Corojo blends before the company was sold. Rather than retire, he returned to his roots by launching CLE Cigar Company.

Instead of chasing trends, CLE focused on preserving authentic Honduran tobacco and traditional cigar-making techniques. That philosophy remains evident in every CLE Corojo.

Blend Information

Factory: Aladino Factory (Honduras)

Country of Origin: Honduras

Wrapper: Authentic Honduran Corojo

Binder: Honduran

Filler: Honduran

Strength: Medium to Full

Body: Medium-Full

Vitolas: Multiple sizes including Robusto, Toro, Gordo and Figurado

Unlike many cigars marketed as “Corojo,” the CLE Corojo uses authentic Honduran Corojo tobacco throughout much of the blend, giving it a distinctive profile that reflects Christian Eiroa’s expertise with this seed varietal.

Construction

One characteristic repeatedly praised by enthusiasts is the cigar’s excellent craftsmanship.

The wrapper displays a beautiful reddish-brown Colorado hue with a slight oily sheen. Veins are minimal, seams are nearly invisible, and the triple cap is expertly applied.

Construction highlights include:

Firm pack without soft spots
Easy cold draw
Thick smoke production
Slow, even burn
Dense light gray ash
Consistent combustion

From my own experience, the cigar burned evenly with very few corrections. The draw felt open without becoming loose, producing generous clouds of creamy smoke throughout the session.

Flavor Profile

The CLE Corojo doesn’t overwhelm your palate.

Instead, it builds flavor in layers.

First Third

The opening immediately delivers black pepper accompanied by cedar and natural tobacco sweetness.

Fresh earth and oak soon follow while remaining surprisingly smooth.

Second Third

As the cigar develops, leather begins to emerge.

Coffee, roasted nuts, baking spices and hints of cocoa become more noticeable while the pepper settles into the background.

This is where the cigar truly finds its rhythm.

Final Third

The finish becomes richer.

Earth, espresso, leather and cedar dominate while subtle sweetness remains underneath.

The final inch never becomes bitter—a testament to proper fermentation and quality construction.

Overall strength gradually moves from medium toward medium-full without becoming overpowering.

Cigar Aficionado’s Take

Since launching the brand, Cigar Aficionado has consistently covered CLE and Christian Eiroa’s return to premium cigar manufacturing.

The magazine recognizes CLE as one of the flagship brands born after Eiroa’s departure from Camacho and has awarded multiple CLE Corojo vitolas ratings in the 90-point range, praising the line for its construction, balance, and authentic Honduran character. The publication also credits Christian Eiroa with helping reestablish Honduras as a source of premium Corojo tobacco.

Pairing Suggestions

The CLE Corojo pairs exceptionally well with:

Espresso
Café Cubano
Single Malt Scotch
Kentucky Bourbon
Dark Rum
Medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon

Its balanced spice also makes it an excellent morning cigar alongside quality coffee.

My Honest Review

I acquired this CLE Corojo during Big Smoke Miami Beach 2026, one of the premier events for premium cigar enthusiasts.

Sometimes cigars received at festivals are enjoyable simply because of the memories attached to them. Fortunately, the CLE Corojo doesn’t need nostalgia to stand on its own.

This cigar impressed me for different reasons.

It wasn’t trying to be the strongest cigar in the room.

It wasn’t overloaded with ligero.

Instead, it demonstrated restraint.

Every transition felt intentional. The pepper introduced itself without dominating the experience. The cedar remained constant throughout, while coffee and leather gradually took center stage. Most impressive was the consistency—from first light to final inch, the cigar stayed balanced without becoming harsh or overheating.

Construction was equally impressive. The draw was effortless, the burn remained straight, and the ash held firm longer than expected.

If I had one criticism, it’s that some smokers who prefer powerhouse Nicaraguan blends may find the CLE Corojo a bit restrained. It rewards patience and attention more than it delivers raw intensity.

For enthusiasts who appreciate nuance, complexity, and craftsmanship, however, that restraint is precisely what makes it memorable.

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆☆ (9.2/10)

Ratings

Appearance: 9.5/10
Construction: 9.5/10
Draw: 9.4/10
Burn: 9.3/10
Flavor: 9.1/10
Complexity: 9.0/10
Value: 9.2/10

Overall Score: 9.2 / 10

Who Should Smoke the CLE Corojo?

This cigar is an excellent choice for:

Fans of authentic Honduran tobacco
Smokers looking for a balanced medium-to-full-bodied experience
Enthusiasts who appreciate construction and consistency
Anyone interested in Christian Eiroa’s post-Camacho legacy
Collectors seeking a premium everyday cigar rather than an occasional powerhouse

Final Thoughts

The CLE Corojo isn’t about chasing trends or overwhelming strength. It reflects Christian Eiroa’s commitment to authentic Honduran tobacco, careful craftsmanship, and balanced flavor. Acquiring one at Big Smoke Miami Beach 2026 made the experience memorable, but the cigar itself earns its place on merit. With excellent construction, refined transitions, and a classic Corojo profile, it’s a cigar I’d gladly revisit and recommend to anyone looking to explore the best of modern Honduran cigars.

AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)

What is the CLE Corojo?

The CLE Corojo is a premium Honduran cigar created by Christian Luis Eiroa using authentic Corojo tobacco, offering a medium-to-full-bodied smoking experience with notes of cedar, pepper, coffee, leather, and earth.

Who makes CLE cigars?

CLE cigars are produced by Christian Luis Eiroa, founder of CLE Cigar Company and former leader of Camacho Cigars.

Is the CLE Corojo a good cigar?

Yes. The CLE Corojo is widely respected for its excellent construction, consistent burn, balanced flavor profile, and authentic Honduran character. Multiple vitolas have earned ratings in the 90-point range from Cigar Aficionado.