Cigar Info
Back in February of 2021, CAO that their limited edition Zócalo would be returning as a regular production cigar and in some new sizes. The name comes from a celebratory city square in Mexico. CAO Zócalo first came out in 2018 as a limited edition blend and only in a 6 x 60. The new regular production edition of Zócalo comes in three sizes: Robusto (5” x 52) MSRP $7.99, Toro (6” x 50) MSRP $8.49, and Gigante (6” x 60) MSRP $8.99. Today we will be reviewing the CAO Zócalo Robusto.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
CAO Zócalo was the first CAO to use a Mexican wrapper. We did a blind review of the original limited edition blend in 2018 and gave it an 89. CAO Zócalo uses a rare Morron wrapper leaf grown in the Mexican San Andrés Valley, Cameroon binder, and Nicaraguan filler. Zócalo comes in boxes of 20 with the vibrant colors of the Mexican flag. CAO Zócalo is rolled at STG Esteli.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 52
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Morron
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Nicaraguan
Factory: STG Esteli
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
Number of reviewers: 4 – Chad M. (Chad Tchad) Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard) Randy B. (randobush) Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Price: $7.99
Age: 6 Months
Release Date: March 2021
Contributed by: General Cigar
Initial Impressions – CAO Zócalo Robusto
Appearance: 89
“This 5”x52rg Robusto comes a dark brown, rustic, broadleaf wrapper. Noticeable “flavor bumps” from emerging oils up and down the cigar. A triple cap up top and open foot at the bottom. Tight and nearly invisible seams, firm pack with no soft spots.” –Randy B. (randobush)
Aroma: 87
“Getting wood and leather notes from the foot; not much smell from the cap.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
First Third
Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“This is a deep, heavy blend, strong earth, leather, and smoked spices. A strong black pepper settled into my nose and the exhale leaves a slightly dryer smoke.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
“First couple puffs are outstanding. Baking spices, coffee, spicy savory chicory and cedar notes. Retrohale is a must to capture the whole bouquet of flavors. It’s a nice palate pleaser so far. Med-Full body, Med + strength, and Med finish.” –Randy B. (randobush)
Second Third
Flavor: 93
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“The white pepper has gone away and now the cedar flavor is picking up and in the main flavor now light salty flavor coming through. The retrohale is still black pepper but not as strong as it was during the first third. ” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
“A bit of more complex flavors is coming into play now behind the heavy earth. Slight roasted caramel and occasional hints of cedar sweetness. A touch of the mocha I smelled on the foot has also begun to make an appearance. The cigar is also holding gorgeous ash so far and burning well.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Final Third
Flavor: 92
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium
“A few relights have been required in this final third pushing the blend into a more medium-full strength but not harshly. The leather and mocha have become the prominent flavor with just slight cedar notes sneaking in.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
“In the last third the whole cigar has toned down a ton. The cedar flavor has remained. The Black pepper on the retrohale has just about faded away. Getting some chocolate and coffee flavor that is very light.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
Overall Impressions – CAO Zócalo Robusto
Draw: 93
“Great smoke output, perfect amount of resistance.” –Randy B. (randobush)
Burn: 90
“Over a solid burn with only the slightest wiggle due to relights.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Construction: 89
“The cigar looked great but it had a hairline crack, the cap fell off when it was cut, and in the last third, the wrapper fell off.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 91
“Overall this was a strong white and black pepper bomb. With light cedar/wood flavors and some chocolate and coffee flavors. There was some transition during the smoke which was nice. The pepper flavor however was strong and enjoyable.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)
“With the construction issues aside, it was a good smoke.” –Joseph S. (Bearded Bastard)
“Really good cigar overall. Flavors were distinct and enjoyable, complete with a sweet retrohale. I’d smoke this cigar again.” –Randy B. (randobush)
“For what a heavy flavor profile this blend has it smoked very smooth and easy. The opening pepper kick-started the stick strong and the caramel, mocha, and cedar notes gave a nice complexity overall. This is absolutely a cigar I will go back to and smoke again.” –Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 78
| Reviewer | Appear. | Aroma | 1/3 | 2/3 | 3/3 | Draw | Burn | Constr. | Overall Experience |
| Chad M. | 88 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 85 | 88 | 85 | 85 | 88 |
| Joseph S. | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 83 | 88 |
| Randy B. | 90 | 85 | 95 | 95 | 92 | 95 | 92 | 95 | 92 |
| Lauren S. | 90 | 95 | 95 | 92 | 92 | 97 | 95 | 95 | 95 |
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.