CAO Cameroon L’Anniversaire Robusto – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

The CAO Cameroon L'Anniversaire Robusto is a celebration of CAO's enduring legacy in the cigar industry, particularly marking the brand's exploration into the use of Cameroon wrappers. Introduced in the late 1990s, this line was developed to commemorate CAO's significant anniversary, quickly earning accolades for its innovative approach and exceptional quality. The choice of a Cameroon wrapper was a nod to the rich tobacco heritage of West Africa, known for producing some of the most sought-after wrappers in the world, appreciated for their unique flavor profile and impeccable burning qualities.

Since its introduction, the CAO Cameroon L'Anniversaire series has stood the test of time, maintaining its position as a favorite among aficionados who seek a blend of tradition and innovation in their smoking experience. The Robusto size, in particular, has been praised for offering a balanced and accessible way to enjoy the distinctive qualities of the Cameroon wrapper, paired with Nicaraguan fillers and binders.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: STG Estelí
Blender: Undisclosed
Number of reviewers: 5 – Randy B. (randobush) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf) John A. (Bostoneo) Alan (Eulogy) Quinn (quinnpins269)
Price: $9.49
Age: 6 Months
Release Date: 1998
Contributed by: Blind Man's Puff

Initial Impressions – CAO Cameroon L'Anniversaire Robusto

Appearance: 95

“A box pressed robusto adorned with a toothy medium brown wrapper with many tiny veins. This sample is very superb looking with sharp lines from the box press and amazing texture throughout. All topped with a well-applied triple cap.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Aroma: 93

“I was getting a sweet cocoa aroma from the wrapper, with hints of mineral notes from the foot.”-Quinn (quinnpins269)

First Third

Flavor: 93
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Upon lighting up I am greeted with a medium-bodied profile of wood, salt, faint leather, and peppered cream. Retrohaling results in a wonderfully creamy aroma. Just as quick as the strong notes of salt and wood come in it immediately subside an inch into the cigar, which results in a much-balanced experience of the former flavors for the rest of this third.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“The first puffs on this cigar open up with velvety soft smoke with light white pepper and baking spice on the back of my palate. This is a very nice start. Through the nose the smoke is chock full of white pepper and just the slightest burn. It's just perfect for me right now!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)”

Second Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The smoke output has up ticked and with it came some sweet cocoa and fresh roasted coffee flavors. The toasted oak notes continued to be in the background rounding out the profile. The wrapper has continued to crack and swell in the final third. It has not affected the review yet.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

“There is a lot of baking spice and cedar this third. Very creamy and rich profile with a nice red pepper finish.” –Alan (Eulogy)

Final Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Into the final third, the creaminess carries more baking spice to it, and the retrohale is filled with dry, well done, but not burnt toast, graham cracker, and soft fluffy baking spice. The finish is now a pleasant medium.” –Randy B. (randobush)

“The final third seemed to have mirrored the profile from the second. But it did not reach its full potential as it started to fall apart from the swelling and cracking. Once I removed the band all hope was lost.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Overall Impressions – CAO Cameroon L'Anniversaire Robusto

Draw: 96

“At the beginning, the draw felt a bit snug. It did open up nicely by the end of the first third and was great till the end.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Burn: 92

“The burn tended to waver on this sample yet only required one touch-up to keep things going acceptably well. Considering the breeze, I'm quite pleased with the burn performance.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Construction: 94

“Excellent construction, the cigar burned decently and the draw was a beauty to withhold.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 92

“In summary, this cigar was a soft, mellow, well-performing smoke. The draw was exceptional, delivering mouthfuls of tasty smoke with a mild medium finish. The burn and the construction were pretty much flawless. There was something oddly relaxing about this cigar.  That said, I reckon that I'd smoke it again. Be perfect with coffee.” –Randy B. (randobush)

“Some days are just better than others, and this was one of those days. Beautiful weather paired with good company and capped with a superior cigar make this a day to remember. I honestly can't remember a cigar with such luxurious smoke. And the light pepper and baking spices on my palate were interesting and welcome. This one is highly recommended!” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

“Overall, this cigar was a decent performer. While the flavor wasn't as lively or complex as I would have liked, it certainly was predictable the whole duration. Lots of wood, salt, peppery cream, and some earth notes were the main takeaways flavor-wise for this medium-bodied based cigar. Construction and burn characteristics were wonderful as there were no technical issues smoking this cigar. While I may not have this cigar in a normal rotation, I am sure it would suit many smokers' likings.” –John A. (Bostoneo)

“I'd smoke this again right now. It has a very classic profile and almost perfect resistance. The cedar, baking spice, rich tobacco, and leather are always bold and is doesn't overstay its welcome in the robusto size.” –Alan (Eulogy)

“Would I reach for this again? The short answer is maybe. The profile never seemed to pick up much and was relatively muted throughout the review. But at no point was it so terrible I would not give it a second chance.” –Quinn (quinnpins269)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 68

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CAO Cameroon L'Anniversaire Robusto – Blind Cigar Review