Blind Cigar Review: CAO | Zócalo

Cigar Info – CAO | Zócalo

Earlier this year, CAO announced a new limited edition release that would be be a part of the brand’s virtual tour of the Pan American Highway. The new limited release is called Zócalo, also the name of a city square in Mexico, this is first CAO cigar made with tobacco from Mexico.

The Zócalo uses a Cameroon binder and all Nicaraguan leaves in the filler. Zócalo is available in one vitola, that being a 6 x 60. MSRP for the Zócalo is $8.49/cigar, and the Zócalo is packaged in 20-count boxes, with a full box MSRP of $169.80. Production is limited to only 3,500 boxes, and the Zócalo was released before Cinco de Mayo on May 5.

Vitola: Double Toro
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 60
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Morron
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: STG Esteli
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
Number of reviewers: 5 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) John A. (Bostoneo) Mickey T. (irratebass) Dave W. (mdwest) Diana (ArmyRN)
Price: $8.49
Age: 5 Months
Release Date: April 2018
Contributed by: General Cigar

Appearance: 90

“This is one big, fat, stick. Obviously 60+ ring gauge and roughly 6″ in length. Its got me a bit intimidated before I even light it up. Typically I am not a fan of monster sized smokes, but I have to admit that this one at least looks very good on the surface.” –Dave W. (mdwest)

Aroma: 90

“An awesome draw reveals flavors of fruit stripe gum with some cinnamon notes. On the nose distinct Cedar and leather show themselves.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

First Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“After the light flavors of sweet fruity tobacco fill the air. Fresh leather and ice cream cone joins the fray; the fruit punch sweetness slowly fades away. Unfortunately, nothing developed further to the end of this third. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“I am hit with a nuce mix of coffee, hint of white pepper, and sweet hay. The retro reveals a bit more of the pepper but there is a nice sweet floral note that came through. The floral notes seem to be coming through more as I proceed through the first third. There is almost a minty sensation mixed with the coffee and some nuts. The floral notes seem to be coming through more as I proceed through the first third. There is almost a minty sensation mixed with the coffee and some nuts. Overall it is an earthy rich cigar with a little bit of light refreshment in the floral notes.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Second Third

Flavor: 90
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Full

“Loses strength to medium +. Some cinnamon joins this awesome experience. Dark coffee is one of the less prominent flavors in the profile.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“Spicy plant like flavors start me off here. Plumes of smoke exude from the stark white ash as the flavor profile remains steady. Traditional strongly flavored tobacco takes over on the back end giving this stick a classic feel. ” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Final Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Strong
Body/Complexity: Full

“As I start to finish the cigar the sweetness returns and ends a very enjoyable smoke. ” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

” The smoothness of the smoke is getting better as I go into the last third. The leather has come forward but the rest of the notes, coffee, nuts, floral, are mixed in nicely. The hickory wood is coming forward as I near the end. There is a nice sweetness to the aftertaste that I really enjoy. ” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Overall Impressions – CAO | Zócalo

Draw: 90

“Very nice open draw with plenty of wispy smoke, the smoke was quite light.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

Burn: 89

“The burn on this cigar is boringly straight and maintenance free. The ash does have a bit of a hard time holding on though and typically drops on its own with just light handling of the stick anytime it gets more than about an inch in length.” –Dave W. (mdwest)

Construction: 89

“No problems with construction looked very good no imperfections. ” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

Overall Strength: Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Full
Experience Overall: 89

“Very nice cigar very box worthy. I hope they are arou d for years to come.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

” It started off as a tasty cigar, however it plateaued about halfway through into a steady flavor profile. The back half remained a pleasant profile but lacked complexity. Draw, construction, and burn were exceptional for this sample considering the size. Not something I’d run and grab every day but definitely smoke one here and there when I crave a large stick.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“This one surprised me. The looks of this cigar is quite concerning it’s big, it’s dark and it’s a time commitment, but it was not the big, bad strong smoke as it portrays. In fact it was very smooth with light smoke, and just at a medium. There was plenty of sweetness with some wood, coffee and leather to keep me interested along with some fruit elements. I would gladly smoke this again, but next time in a smaller ring gauge please.” –Mickey T. (irratebass)

“I am just not much of a fan of the big boys, no matter how hard I try to be. More often than not they are big on strength and flavors are muted. That was the case with this cigar most of the time as well. The profile it provided wasnt bad at all. In fact I enjoyed it. It just lacked clarity or depth. This one just wasnt my thing (although it might be really appealing to others).” –Dave W. (mdwest)

” I was somewhat apprehensive with this cigar. I am not generally a 60 ring gauge smoker so I worried that the cigar was going to be too long and too much. However, the cigar kept me interested throughout the smoke. The flavors were complex enough that I enjoyed the mix of flavors throughout. The cigar is powerful and catches up to you by the end. The flavors do not portray as a full strength cigar so it can blindside you if you are not ready for it. Overall this is a great cigar that I would smoke again on a lazy fall evening sitting by the fire and drinking a nice cup of coffee.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 89

Blind Cigar Review: CAO | Zócalo