Cigar: CAO Session
Size: 6 x 49 (Bar)
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Dominican Vega Especial
Filler: Dominican Piloto Cubano and Nicaraguan Esteli
MSRP: $11.53 per cigar from my local B&M; $40.50 per five pack from CI
It’s always fun to go back to a familiar brand. CAO is one that holds a special place in my heart as it’s one of the very first I ever had when I starting getting into cigars. So when I made my way to a local B&M recently and found today’s cigar for review, I knew I had to try it. Reading into the cigar, its creator Rick Rodriguez wanted a cigar that hit medium bodied in strength with lots of flavor and complexity. Let’s find out if Rick hit the mark on the new-to-me CAO Session.
No construction issues found on my physical examination. The color of the wrapper coupled with the bright colors on the brand really makes this cigar pop to the eye. I know I caught it right away walking into the humidor at my local shop. I received heavy wood and something akin to black cherry on the pre-light aromas while the cold draw was a crowded mix of spice in the front, wood and faint dried fruit on the aftertaste. The light brought a nicely opened draw with a V cut. The cigar is listed as medium bodied in strength; I would probably say it’s around there or a little bit stronger but not much more than that. The opening flavor notes followed suit from the cold draw, bringing the spicy notes again on the front of the cigar, pepper along the sides, and wood and black cherry once again on the aftertaste and exhale. This is definitely one of the more complex CAO cigars that I have had in a long time. 21 minutes into the cigar was where I noticed the spice and pepper begin to wane upon the palette. The rest of the time, the cigar held true to the medium bodied strength and pushed forward. Heavier wood notes overtook the cigar in the last inch and a half and the inclusion of leather finished out the cigar while the black cherry faded into the back of the palette. Total smoking time on the CAO Session came in at 1:01.
Minus a quick relight that was probably due to a windy evening, the cigar smoked without fail. All in all, it smokes as describes and was one I will be looking forward to again in the near future.
By-The-Numbers
Pre-light: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Value: 1/1
Total: 9/10
To recap the CAO Session:
- Flavorful, complex and not too strong, even though the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper can make it look stronger than it is. Lots going on flavorwise but don’t expect it to get more complex as it smokes on. Enjoy it for what it is.
- This is one that can be enjoyed by nearly all levels of cigar smokers.
- Cigar taxes in my state make this one a bit expensive to buy in the shops but I was able to find them well under $10 a cigar online.
- I will be buying more of these in the near future (this weekend actually).
Thank you all for reading and have a wonderful weekend.
