Welcome back to my review of CAO cigars.  Today we will finish up by taking a look at the CAO America Potomac and the CAO Black VR Totem.

CAO America Potomac

The CAO America Potomac is a cigar that was developed as an appreciation of the United States as a country.  Not only is this evident in its moniker, but also in its appearance, composition, and overall profile.  It’s a full-bodied cigar aimed at aficionados who prefer a bold cigar with some kick to it.  You could say that the cigar’s strength in flavor is somewhat analogous to the United States’ power as a nation over time as well.

The CAO America Potomac measures 5x56.  It also comes in four other, larger sizes as well.  It has a filler that is an international combination of tobaccos from the United States, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Italy.  Keeping with the homegrown American theme, it’s wrapped by a combination of two leaves: the Connecticut Shade and the Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro.  The Potomac is finished off by a Brazilian binder.

In terms of appearance, the CAO America Potomac is one of the best looking and most unique cigars I have seen in a while.  It has two highly decorative bands which will make you want to examine the cigar a bit before striking a match to it.  The band at the very foot of the cigar has a gold border and shows an emblem of an eagle as well as stars similar to those found on the American flag.  The band at the head of the cigar showcases the CAO logo, some stars, and the America moniker, all highlighted by a mixture of gold, red, white and blue.  The bands definitely let you know that this cigar has an American theme.  The overall design reminded me a lot of the patriotic posters used during World War II with Uncle Sam and the like.  Even the insignia and CAO logo look similar to decorations and patches found on some American military uniforms.  If you purchase a box of CAO America Potomac cigars, you can look forward to more of the same designs on its exterior. 

The bands, while nice, are not the highlight of the CAO America Potomac’s look.  The combination of the Connecticut Shade and Broadleaf Maduro wrappers give the cigar an elegant pinstripe appearance throughout its body. The cigar has an overall dark and slightly oily appearance.  Giving it a feel you can tell its packed firmly.  It has a bit of a cocoa flavor and earthy smell before being lit.