"This was an enjoyable cigar from the prelight on. It started of medium-full, built a little strength as it went, and finished in the upper end of the medium-full range. Flavor transition from the 2nd to the final third sealed the deal on the enjoyment factor and this is definitely a cigar I would visit again." -Kevin A. (Kevin A.)
AllBlind Cigar ReviewsCAODaveDianaDouble ToroFeaturedJohn A.Mexican San AndresMickey T.NaturalNicaraguaRick RodriguezRyan 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)
CAO has announced a new cigar in their Arcana Series: Firewalker. The Arcana Firewalker follows the Arcana Mortal Coil released last year. The series focuses on old-world processing methods and a limited run. Firewalker was inspired by the Chincagre method of aging and will come in one vitola a 6.5 x 56 toro.
CAO has announced a new, stronger follow-up to the Flathead V-19 blend, Flathead V21. This brand new blend, created by Rick Rodriguez and the CAO blending team, uses a Mexican San Andres wrapper, Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and Nicaraguan and Dominican ligero tobaccos.
"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
"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
"I really enjoyed the peek-a-boo with the spiciness at the beginning of each third. The first and final thirds offered the best flavors while the middle section was a let down for me. Sadly, the wrapper coming apart near the end really hurt the overall experience." -Gregg (McGreggor57)
CAO is known for using some of the world’s most unique and unexpected tobaccos in its blends. Previous blends have included tobacco from the Amazon jungle, the wilds of Africa, Italy, Columbia and many more. Now, with their latest cigar, the aptly named CAO Borealis, uses tobacco from none other than Canada. This cigar is only for the Canadian market, hance the plain packaging.
CAO (Owned by General Cigar) has announced a limited edition follow-up to their Pilón line which has been around since 2015. CAO Pilón Añejo will use the same labor-intensive fermentation techniques along with a new blend and period of aging after it's been rolled.
Adam B.AllBlind Cigar ReviewsCAOConnecticut BroadleafFeaturedIsaac M.Jason H.John I.NicaraguaRick RodriguezToro
·"Holy hell, three hours to smoke a Toro? Sure was! And it was a great one at that. It had great flavors, good transitions, and kept my interest going, somehow, for that long. The entirety of this cigar is better than its components. Each third, when broken down, doesn't score as well to me as the entire experience. This isn't a cigar I could smoke on a daily basis because, frankly, I don't have three hours every day to enjoy a cigar. However when I find such occasion you bet I will fire this one up again. " -Isaac M. (The Nothing)