Blind Cigar Review: CAO | Vision

Cigar Info

The CAO Vision, originally released in 2007 and continued a few years later, is most well-known know for its packing with a bright white box and illuminated interior. Vision was brought back in 2020 this time with a brand new blend and updated packaging.

The blend contains tobaccos from three countries and four growing regions including a Cameroon wrapper, Ecuadorian Sumatra binder and Nicaraguan Habanos fillers from Estelí and Jalapa. The box for Vision can also be used as a humidor which uses Spanish cedar along with piano hinges along and cascading lights that illuminate the interior. CAO Vision is rolled at STG Estelí in Nicaragua and only comes in one size, a 7” x 50 Churchill. MSRP is $18.99 per cigar and only 2,500 boxes were sold in the U.S. and another 2,000 boxes in international markets such as Europe and Asia.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Churchill
Length: 7″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Ecuador Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: STG Estelí
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
Number of reviewers: 5 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) Alan (Eulogy) Mickey T. (irratebass) John A. (Bostoneo) Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Price: $18.99
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: Nov 2020
Contributed by: General Cigar

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 88

“Looks to be about 7×48 or 50 and is impressively draped in a slightly toothy medium brown wrapper. There are a few blemishes and dark spots that run the length of the wrapper but don’t take away from the appearance. The double cap is well applied but slightly short in the application.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Aroma: 86

“A slightly firm draw reveals flavors of cream, moss, green peppercorns, and earth notes are the primary notes found from the cold draw. Snorts reveal scents of earthy and hay-like notes to the tobacco dominate profile.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

First Third

Flavor: 86
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium

“Initial hints of walnuts and white pepper, and the white pepper builds up and coats my throat quickly. There’s also a good bit of cedar and creaminess to balance out the white pepper. Not a bad start.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

“Cold draw reminds me of Hostess Crumb Cakes! Whatever happened to those? I googled and they say Hostess Coffee Cakes……must be a Mandela effect because I remember Crumb Cakes…..damn they were good! Now I’m hungry bah! Anyway very yum! Picking up coffee, cocoa with a bit of walnut and cream. Right at a medium in strength.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Second Third

Flavor: 87
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Wood and earth are the notes. Burn is very good. The draw is as well. The cigar remains unchanged until a nice cream note joins the finish making this cigar so much more enjoyable.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“The flavors are still very mild so far but the nicotine level is starting to creep up quite a bit. Pretty much the same earthy profile from the last third. I’m getting a bit of anise now with the leather, hay, baking spice, and mild pepper. Small cracks in the wrapper and an uneven burn is starting to take away from the experience though. ” –Alan (Eulogy)

Final Third

Flavor: 86
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Light-Medium

“Burning into the last third, I continue to draw out light earthy flavors. A slight sweetness begins to creep into the profile with a dry intense graphite flavor. The profile only becomes sweeter and sweeter until it fades away into a bitter profile, which means, it’s time to put it down!” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“Sadly no change, I believe the tobacco flavors have increased, and this is all I am picking up now.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 87

“Started off quite tight but did loosen a tiny bit while progressing through this cigar.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Burn: 85

“Required a number of relights and burned out of control from the start.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Construction: 88

“Looked nice but the cap split as soon as I cut it. The seams were tight and the roll was spot on which is impressive for a cigar this size. Still, the draw was way too tight and it burned terribly.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 86

“A good cigar. It is worth a try. I don’t think it will be in many cigars of the year list.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“I’m not sure what the blender was going for. The strength to flavor ratio was way off with a mild profile and almost stomach-turning level of strength. I wouldn’t try another one as it’s just way off-balanced and out of my wheelhouse.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Eh as the saying goes “Sometimes a cigar is a cigar” That’s exactly what this was. I was really hoping for more of that Crumb Cake flavor, but it never happened. This cigar just wasn’t/isn’t for me.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“To me… this was a super straightforward smoke, not deviating much at all from its primary profile of medium-bodied smoky, earthy, and graphite notes. Coupled with the seven-inch length, it made for an experience that was simply linear and a bit boring at times. Coupled with subpar construction, this caused the burn and draw issues as well. Unfortunately, I cannot see myself reaching for another one of these cigars.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“Solid cigar start, with good flavors. Nothing overly complex though, with walnuts and white pepper mostly, and creamy cedar. The unfortunate ending didn’t really give me what I was looking for though. Win some, lose some.” –Doug S. (Unpossible_1)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 120

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: CAO | Vision