CAO Criollo Pato (Robusto) Review

[Danimal]

Paid $5.50 for this stick at my local cigar shop. I thought from first appearance that the wrapper was decent and the label was a bit low and close to the end, which made me want to take it off in order to smoke it comfortably. The taste was decent at first and it got a bit more interesting towards the last 1/3 of the cigar. Overall, it was pretty consistent, decent burn and another good cigar made by CAO. I thought the label made the cigar look a bit modern, which doesn't necessarily always appeal to me since that old style, label looks better to me. (I sometimes judge a book by its cover).

I picked up the Brazilia Pirahna at the same time so I'll smoke that later.

[G-Man]

I recently gave the Criollo line another try. My first impression was not good, but my second go around was much better. I keep some of the Pato in my humidor now. You will enjoy the Piranha as well. That is also a must have in my humidor.

[Basil]

I'm a big CAO fan but have never tried the Criollo, though I keep hearing excellent things about it... It's going on my list for smokes to buy on my next trip to the Tobacconist.

[Jason Love III]

This is DEFINITELY on my "to try" list...Just haven't gotten around to it yet....

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by jmgcash3

This is DEFINITELY on my "to try" list...Just haven't gotten around to it yet....

I have had this cigar and it is on my "buy again" list. Very nice smoke.

[SmokusMaximus]

Sorry guys, I have to swim upstream a little on this one.

I tried the Pato today for an afterdinner smoke. This is a very well constructed cigar with a very even and consistant burn. I could taste a hint of leather however, the flavor just did not develop past that. I call it a "one note" cigar. It's does produce a lot of smoke and has a good ash.

My wife who grades the smell of the smoke said, "You've smoked better"

I give it a solid 7 out of 10.

For some reason, CAO has not been a good smoke for me. It is a solid smoke though.

[3x5card]

I just did a review of the Criollo Conquistador on another board but I think it's worth repeating here. Granted, my stick had a year and a half or so of age on it, but it was a satisfying smoke.

Tonight's study smoke was the CAO Criollo Conquistador. The accompaniment was a Milburn Orchards famous apple cider donut and a mug of freshly brewed Martinson coffee, regular. The setting was my garage as it was too windy outside to smoke on the porch.

Prelight and initial stage:
The Criollo Conquistador is a handsome bellicoso that comes wrapped in tissue paper similar to El Rey del Mundo cigars. This stick had been resting in my humi for about a year and a half. Removing the paper revealed a wrapper that was a rich mocha shade, finely veined and with a light tooth. It was supple and lightly oily. Construction was first rate and the roll was firm but compliant. In a word, suggestive of a good draw and burn.

The stick lit easily and started on a straight burn. First impression was very favorable with billows of heady smoke curling from both ends of the stick. After the initial settling-in, the cigar revealed a delightfully spicy and tangy flavor. Body was no more than medium, which suited the flavor profile well. The tobacco taste was pure and supplemented with notes of wood. Spice, wood and cedar revealed itself on blowing out through the nose. Overall profile was moderately complex, aromatic and very attractive. This cigar had good balance.

Late stage and overall impression:
The cigar eventually lasted over 80 minutes with light and leisurely puffing. This was an approach that rewarded the smoker with a continued fresh, clean and spicy flavor through the first half. Development was steady with the smoke volume getting lighter in volume but denser in texture. The middle third was predominantly spicy and woody. I would not say this was an exceptionally earthy or nutty cigar, at least to my sense.

Curious observation was that taking a puff right after a sip of coffee muted the spiciness allowing the woodiness and aromatic flavors to predominate. Even more curious, taking a puff after a bite of donut (with coarse sugar topping) resulted in a very odd metallic taste that was not part of the character of the cigar at all. I think this speaks to the importance of noting what accompaniment goes with your smoke as the interaction can so drastically affect what you can perceive.

The burn was reasonably good throughout. Only a few light touch-ups with the blazer were needed. The ash was solid, pale and when it fell of, revealed only slight coning. A good burn indeed. I also tried a new technique this time. I consciously rotated the smoke maybe a quarter turn after every puff and sometimes as I was holding it. I think it helped straighten most of the little lags that developed.

The cigar warmed up in the last third getting progressively more assertive. Spiciness was now predominant supported by more of that solid tobacco flavor. The finish was never harsh, never yucky.

My overall impression was very favorable. This was a medium-bodied, spicy, tangy and friendly smoke that you could enjoy for an extended length of time. Strength is probably somewhere around 2-3 out of 5. Construction was of high quality and the wrapper was just a beauty to behold. Satisfying, flavorsome, agreeable. Highly recommended.



Wilkey

Here is CAO's own description to provide some reference:

A medium to full-bodied cigar with a silky Colorado-brown wrapper and a rich, pleasing aroma. This cigar is packed with big, earthy flavors and reveals complex notes of sweet spice and leather. The finish is long and remarkably clean with hints of cinnamon and peppermint.

[Aaron]

Originally Posted by SmokusMaximus

Sorry guys, I have to swim upstream a little on this one.

I tried the Pato today for an afterdinner smoke. This is a very well constructed cigar with a very even and consistant burn. I could taste a hint of leather however, the flavor just did not develop past that. I call it a "one note" cigar. It's does produce a lot of smoke and has a good ash.

My wife who grades the smell of the smoke said, "You've smoked better"

I give it a solid 7 out of 10.

For some reason, CAO has not been a good smoke for me. It is a solid smoke though.

This made me wondering if, like cheese and garlic, there are cigars that taste great on the tongue but are horrendous second hand.

I've had the CAO Criollo Pato Robusto and it was nice. I wouldn't turn one down if offered, but I'm not sure I'd buy one again. Of course, I usually give everything 2 or 3 chances on the possibility that I may have had a bad or good one. 3 allows me to "average" the experience.