In terms of the CAO Black Bengal’s flavor, it offers a good dose of complexity. It begins with an interesting mix of creaminess, pepper, and cedar in the first third. The pepper is not too strong, but provides just enough of a kick to let you know it’s there. The second third offers up more pepper plus some wood. The final third finishes things off with creaminess, wood, and delicious cocoa.

I can certainly say that the CAO Black Bengal was as good as advertised. The presentation was solid, and so was the construction. I had zero burn issues and the flavors were varied and pleasant. If you are a CAO fan looking for something smooth but also flavorful, give the CAO Black Bengal a try. At around $5 per single, the Black Bengal is a good value. You can also look for it in packs of five or boxes of 20. Is it box-worthy? I believe so, and can be enjoyed during any time of the day.

The CAO Black Bengal earns a rating of 3.75 out of four stars.

La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Obelisco

To say that the La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Obelisco is a unique cigar would be an understatement. This oddly-shaped yet beautiful cigar was designed after the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration that resides in the Dominican city of Santiago. Highly-rated, the Artesanos de Obelisco has me very intrigued, to say the least.

The La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Obelisco measures in at 5 inches long. It’s ring gauge is 57 at its widest point, and 44 at its thinnest. The cigar’s filler is a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos. The binder is Connecticut Broadleaf, and the wrapper is of the Ecuadorian Sumatra variety. As far as strength is concerned, the Artesanos de Obelisco is said to be full-bodied.