CAO has announced the 2022 iteration of their limited edition Vision cigar. The blend uses 100% habano-seed tobacco grown in microclimates surrounding the STG Estelí factory where the cigars are rolled. CAO Vision uses a reddish-hued Honduran Jamastran Viso wrapper, Nicaraguan Jalapa binder, and blend of Nicaraguan fillers from Condega, Estelí and Jalapa.
STG has announced the return of one of their more popular releases in recent years, the CAO Arcana Mortal Coil. That cigar got a 95 in our blind tasting during it's first release. The blend is a limited-edition cigar that features "Andullo" tobacco, which uses one of the oldest tobacco fermentation methods of the Dominican Republic.
"A well constructed cigar made for a light that we dream of. I needed only one short match for an even light. As the smoke hit my palate, I could easily identify the subtle bitterness of dark chocolate surrounded by silky nuances. After about ten minutes, the flavor began to change, introducing mint to the party on the palate. Unfortunately, it was a little much, as it muted the other flavors that had been present. As I continued to smoke, the mint settled down and the other flavors returned for a merry blend that pair well with a morning cup of joe, or a nightcap with some Irish cream." -Jai P. (Jai)
CAO launches an innovative AI tool, "Flathead Dream Machine," allowing users to design virtual hot rods, reflecting their passion for cars and cigars, and share their creations online.
"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)
"This cigar could be made 100x better if the construction was in such a way where the draw wasn't so loose. As a result of this loose construction, I feel the flavors were a bit light on the mouthfeel. Flavor-wise, it wasn't too interesting but wasn't horrible by any means as leather, char, and some other earthlike flavors were evident. Not sure if I'd pick this one up again as it just wasn't my gig to repurchase. Perhaps you might like it, give it a go!" -John A. (Bostoneo)
Smoking Time (in minutes): 80
The original CAO Amazon Basin was inspired by a rare tobacco in a remote region of the Amazonian Rainforest. The initial release happened in 2014 and was re-released in 2016 and inspired several spinoff cigars in the years since. Now in 2022, the original blend is coming back again.
"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)
"Another great cigar that I enjoyed. Beautiful light chocolate wrapper with bumps and veins showing. Nice notes of sweet tea, hickory, black pepper, and butterscotch balance this cigar out. Minor splitting at the end that corrects itself. Even burn with a nice inch long ash. Great late afternoon smoke. A cigar I'd try again." -Sean F. (fullermaine)
The long-popular “CAO Gold” blend of cigars has now joined the other benchmark premium cigars in Arango Cigar Co.’s Clasico series of private label brands. All Clasico brands are exclusive to Arango. They are sold only at brick and mortar shops, not through mail order or Internet sales.