C.A.O. Criollo - Pato Review

[Jeff]

Introduction
This cigar came to my humidor via Papa Herf. He is a quality newbie that is quickly making positive contributions to the forum. I enjoyed it on the drive home from CigarFest in Allentown. The C.A.O. Criollo Pato is a criollo wrapped Rothschild measuring 4.88 x 50. It is a medium to full-bodied smoke using Nicaraguan filler, binder, and wrapper. The Pato retails for about $5-6 per stick.

Pre-Light Ruminations
This cigar’s appearance was very nice. The wrapper is a beautiful reddish-brown color. The construction was excellent. It was rolled firm and evenly.

Initial Thoughts
I’ve wanted to smoke this stogie for a few weeks now. It had been sleeping in my humidor at least a month and was ready to come out and play. Previously I had tried only one criollo cigar, which was the famous Bucanero Salsa.

Smoking Experience
What a joy this cigar turned out to be! The smoke began pouring out after a short toasting. I had no problems with draw or uneven burning at all. The aroma and flavor were very well balanced. The criollo wrapper provides a nice rich, full-flavored smoothness. Needless to say, I smoked the Pato down to an inch of its life.

Final Thoughts
What more can I say about this fine stick? It will certainly have a place in my usual rotation. I’m definitely going to explore other criollo wrapped cigars as well. I’m hooked on the criollo! I’m not a huge fan of C.A.O., but they certainly have a winner in the Criollo line of cigars.

[galaga]

Thanks for the heads up--nice review.

[Da Klugs]

Nice. You can add to your criollo reviews by smoking the one you got on Saturday from the CAO folks.

[Jsabbi01]

I love the CAO Criollo's, they are my go to cigars, along with ERDM's. Awesome smokes. I just started experimenting with the Camacho Corojo's and can't wait to try a few more, they are also great smokes!! Next time at the smoke shop I'll pick up a few 11/18's and let you know how they are.

[Uniputt]

I just smoked my first CAO Criollo last Wednesday. I have to agree taht this is a great smoke. Definitely worthy of the praise here.

The box is really cool, too!!

[Thurm15]

I smoked a Conquistador last week. Good Cigar.

[wouldestous]

not been a fan of these or the torano criollo (exodus 1959 silver label)