CAO CX2 Review

[Hammerhead]

Disclaimer: I'm a newbie, so I haven't yet developed my palate yet as thoroughly as some of you other guys, and I also don't have the language yet to describe all of what I tasted. Also, the fact that I made the mistake of eating some KFC Buffalo wings that singed my taste buds out probably didn't help matters along.

Anyway, I picked up three of these bad boys at an area shop in New Jersey. Got two Toros and one Robusto, which is the subject of this review. I'll follow the T25C conventions here.

MFR: CAO
Model: CX2
Size: Robsuto
Price: $9.50 (the Toros were $10.50)
Appearance: 7
Construction: 8
Flavor: 7
Value: 6
Overall Experience:7

Pre-light boquet was very nice. Almost smelled like an OpusX, but without the "nutmeg" fragrance that the Fuente Opus line has. The CX2, like it's sibling the MX2, is a tightly packed smoke. Very firm to the touch, but not excessively so. Wrapper is slightly veiny, with a smooth brownish olive tone, cap seemed to be done well also, but it's hard for me to judge definitively just yet. I have to credit CAO for their "out of the box" approach to bands on the 'X2' series. This one reminds me of a G-string for a cigar. It looks like some sort of bizarre 'thong' for tobacco, that when unwrapped and laid flat could double as a racoon mask.

The cigar was a bit more difficult to light than most, probably given the tightly packed nature of its construction. But when lit, it burned steadily although requiring a fair degree of intervention on my part in the form of turning and a few vertical draws to keep it consistent. To be fair, I'll attribute this to the fact that it's obviously new production (they had just arrived at the local store), and not aged quite well enough just yet. Ash was solid and tight also, and didn't fall off by itself easily, smoke volume was a bit on the lean side, but would increase in intensity and density if I drew more regularly.

Flavors were a 'nutty/toasty' profile with an aromatic/floral undertone. There was a high degree of consistency (minimal flavor variation) throughout the stick except when I got down to the last 1/3, where it turned into a warm bread taste that momentarily brought me back to a 4th grade trip to a local bread bakery I visited in Da Bronx as a kid for a class trip. I was reminded of the Fuente flavor profile. I'm sure it would have had more 'dynamic' if I hadn't previously burned out my taste buds with those damned buffalo wings just prior to lighting this up. (note to self: ixnay on the ingways before okingsmay igarcays).

On the whole, it's a worthy smoke, and in fairness I have to give the two Toros a try. However, at these prices, I think I'd rather have a Hemingway Signature and save the buck. It's a decent smoke that would serve you well if you have a newbie who's curious. Although it's a medium bodied smoke, it's not too aggressive that someone just starting out would have a problem with.

I'll have to circle back and try the MX2 again, since I didn't have an opportunity to evaluate that one thoroughly, and then compare it to these two, after they've had a chance to sit for a while and get some age on them.

[Spagg]

Nice review!!

[SmokusMaximus]

Nice review Hammerhead!

I see that you also discussed the "value" of CAO's when compared to other sticks. I had a CAO cammie that I was underwhelmed by. CAO has decent sticks, but relies on heavy marketing to justify the price. I tend to think that they are "OK", but not that "OK" if you know what I mean.

I have some Brazilia's coming in a sampler. I hope that my expectations don't get in the way of an objective tasting.

[pierce652]

I tried the CX2 and wasnt overly impressed, at least not for the price paid. The draw was a little loose for a CAO and the cameroon flavors didnt begin to jump out until the second half and even then not as much as I had hoped. Its not a bad cigar but I just expected more from all the good things I heard. Personally I will stick with the Italia or Brazilia.

[Basil]

hmm I'm a big fan of Cameroons to begin with - I guess I'm going to have to get a couple of these now

[OpusEx]

Very nice review! I agree with almost all of your asessment. My experience with this cigar did have a little bit of sweet cream, but I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that the wings you had prior to smoking it would have made the smoke more "floral" and/or on the "acidic" side. The responses to this point and your own view agree with what I told the company myself. This is a good cigar and could have it's place in the rotation of those who smoke domestically available cigars. However, the price is a bit high and therefore will only be tried or more likely purchased regularly by those who have deeper pockets, thus once again CAO brings to market a cigar that misses the "mark" on a wider public acceptance. Hate to be the bearer of bad news for those who enjoy CAO's products, but the Soprano cigar, while also being a good smoke (mostly delivering a "black cherry" flavor), is going to be even more "over priced", at least until and if they continue using the blend for it and remarket it, after the license agreement with HBO is over.

[illuminatus]

Nice reveiw, that's going on my "to try" list.. unfortunately, there's only one supplier I can get to around here, and they are almost always out of all CAOs... looks like a JR order to me! =)

[Cap'n Mike]

I doubt KFC wings would be hot enough to numb your taste buds. Now if they were "suicides," that would definitely do the job.

Any way, that is an EXCELLENT and very imfomative review. Thanks for taking the time to write it!


Mike

[psygardelic]

Thanks for the review HH. I tried the CX2 and was upset that I actually paid $10 for that stick. I would much rather smoke a Criollo.

[Hammerhead]

Well, guys, I just tonight smoked my 2nd of the CX2's I had in my humidor, and my opinion remains the same. I thought that perhaps I might have been overly hard on it the first time, but I'm even less impressed now, than I was when I initially smoked the first.

It's nice to look at, but it just doesn't cut it. The flavor is mellow, and perhaps it's a good beginner smoke, but not At $3 more than a Hemingway Signature, I won't be buying them again.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not necessarily "biased" toward stronger smokes. I absolutely LOVE the Maria Guerreros which are a lighter smoke. But the CX2 is just a bit too unidimensional and uninspiring for me to buy it again.

Now the MX2... THAT'S a different breed of cat. But this one just doesn't do it for me. In fact, I might even knock it down a point in flavor, value and overall experience.

Just thought I'd share the news.

[carbonbased_al]

I agree with you on this one Rob. For such an expensive smoke it's pretty bland and simple, definetly not worth the $$$$.

[jaxf250]

@hammerhead - agree ! Thanks for sharing your review... seems your taste buds match a lot of us. I now have given away my last cx2 from my humi to a neighbor as a "good will" gesture... let's me make room for something else!

[croatan]

I smoked one of these last week and was very underwhelmed. I don't think it comes close to justifying its price tag.

[Hammerhead]

Yeah, it's really a let-down. It's a shame, becaue the MX2 is terrific, and their Extremes are awesome. Haven't tried any of their others, but reports are pretty good all the way around.

Too bad. I really wanted to like them, but it just misses the mark.

[TypeO-]

I bought a five-pack of CX2s some time ago and finally decided to smoke one tonight. I was completely disappointed. The cigar looked nice and the draw was good, but the cigar had no noticable aroma, while toasting the foot or while smoking. I don't believe the cigar had much taste either.

Prior to smoking the CX2, I had a wonderful little petite corona, unknown name or origin. This little prize was given to me by the owner of a local B&M. It's his "house brand." There was no band. On my next trip to my B&M, I'll have to get some details on this cigar and pick up a bundle. It was goooood. Reminded me of a PAM64. Anyway, after smoking this wonderful freebie, I was hoping to finish up with something nice. I've read a lot of good feedback regarding CAO cigars, but the CX2 doesn't seem to measure up to the rest of the line.