Popular topic of late "CAO"

[Makeyawanalaugh]

Hey guys and gals, Its dave,
As of late on this forum a popular topic has been the CAO brand of cigars. Some love them, and some don't. This review is composed of the results of 5 CAO Brazilia Lambadas smoked over the course of 20 days. This was done to test the consitancy and the favor of 5 sticks from 5 different boxes of cigars NOT AGED. These cigars were purchased from two differnet parts of Florida, 2 were from stores in Bradenton and the other 3 were perchased in Tallahassee. Each cigar was smoked the same day it was purchased. These are the results.
Cigar-CAO Brazilia Lambada
Price-Around $6-$7 depending on the shop.
Length-6"
Ring Gage-50
First Impressions - Well built cigar, amost a fuzzy texture to the wrappers, also soft, and silky. None of the wrappers is too tight which prevents cracking during smoking. Smells spicey and wood like. Prelight draw was excellent in all cigars. Several medium veins visible.

First smoking impressions- WOW!! very spicy and tastes of cedar and rosewood. Very exotic, Hands down one of the more favorful cigars. The first puffs where already very strong in all cases. And the wrappers seemed nice and moist.

Midway- Cigar builds in intensity! Reaches point of climax about three inches in, strong spices overshadow the woody favor. The wood flavor is almost unnoticable at this time. In 4 of the 5 no touch up was needed but in the 5th some was required. Still has very smooth draw, but is by and far the strongest section of this smoke.
Smoke- The smoke tends to be very heavy with this cigar not as wispy as some other cigars I have smoked, and the cigars gives lots of it with almost no effort.
Ash- In all smokes the ash was a lovely salt and pepper coloration. The ash smelled of paprika and other spices.
Near the end of the midway sections much of the strength subsided and a new nutty flavor and more of the smooth and desirable wood flavor returned. The wood flavor that returned were not that of the spicy cedar anymore but much mellower rosewood.

I found that my favorite part of the cigar was the end. It continued and ended with the same mellow wood that was devopling in inch 4. Draw continued to be perfect in all cigars.
Comparassons between sticks- Flavor was consistant in all, and coloration and texture of wrappers were near identical. Draw was consitent.
Differences- Although the flavors were darn near idenical, I found that the changes in flavor slightly variyed in where they occurred. Not by much but still. I am proud to say I nubbed all 5 sticks!
Over all I rate this cigar 8.5/10 and established it as one of my favs.
In the end well all have different tastes when it comes to cigars, no one more right than the others. After doing this review, the only thing I can say is smoke what you love to smoke.
My two cents
dave
Happy smoking

[yayson]

I think I see a nose goblin

[illinoishoosier]

These are great smokes. I have only smoked the Gol! size, but would like to get some of the bigger ones. I go to these when I want a nice smokey stick with a little punch to it.

[Makeyawanalaugh]

Originally Posted by yayson

I think I see a nose goblin

lol whats a nose goblin?

[Fenway]

A Boogie?

[Marlboro Cigars]

Great review on one of my faves.

[Makeyawanalaugh]

oh ok.

[mike32312]

Very nice review. See you tonight for the Florida LSU game right?

[Makeyawanalaugh]

Originally Posted by mike32312

Very nice review. See you tonight for the Florida LSU game right?

Yeah 9 ok?

[JGIORD]

Nice review.

I've had the Gol, enjoyable smokes, but not my favorite. I didn't find them, to be as strong as you described, but everyone is different.

Looks like you really enjoyed them.

I think the Brazilia and Anniv maduros are probably the best of the CAO line.

[Makeyawanalaugh]

its not that they were excessivly strong i have had much much stronger. but they are very spicy! and yes i always enjoy them.

[Bob]

Of the CAO's I think they are one dimensional. Wrappers is too sweet and only one that is just ok is CAO Gold. I realize my tastes are different.

[tzaddi]

3 of my favorite CAOs are the CX2, Criollo and the L’Anniversaire Cameroon. I have also enjoyed the mild toasty flavor of the Gold.

Their product has always been consistent for me.

[guy g]

I like the Camaroon, but the Gold just didnt agree with my tastes. I will say they ARE very consistant. Four Golds over three months to give them a fair shake. Great construction, light and draw. Nothing but 9-10 points on that.

[Makeyawanalaugh]

I have not had the mx2 yet i will have to try it.