CAO Black Storm Review

[benjamin831]

It's been a while since I have reviewed; partly due the vacation I spent in Hong Kong, but also due to curricular related activities that I've been occupied with in the past months. Nevertheless, recent stogie talk with a few close friends have rekindled my interest and focused my attention to what's really important.

I christened my re-entry into the depths with Storm, a signature cigar from the C.A.O. Black series. This relatively new addition first caught my eye with their striking and contrasty boxes that looked like it was out from a Jackson Pollock painting. Black is actually a rebirth of a classic from 1995 that C.A.O. was proud to bear, now, as a limited edition series, the line would only add praise to C.A.O.'s already well-recognized collection. Storm features an Ecuadorian wrapper with a blend of Nicaraguan, Honduras, and Mexico for the filler, all of which have been aged for over five years. The credentials of this C.A.O. gem offer a sure-fire impression that should not disappoint. And it certainly doesn't.

This cigar is all about presence. The aroma that oozed out this stick is monumental and the wrapper its dressed in was absolutely flawless. Hidden behind the cedar sheet was an oily sheen that gives this cigar its character. As with most C.A.O. cigars, the pinch test revealed a construction that is unparalleled, something that is to be much desired for in Cubans of late. Under the nose, the cigar gave off with scents of cedar, spice, and cream.

A brief draw test became another testament to the superb construction of this cigar; easy draw, with just enough resistance to remind you that you are smoking on a cigar. Lighting the Storm was a breeze, within an instance a glowing ring was visible. After a few draws, the room was filled with velvety smoke that pillowed endlessly. Notes of caramel and spice became rather prominent until it reached halfway. At that point, the bomb dropped as a load of nutty and creamy flavours rushed in. Flavours became slightly more complex towards the end.

Overall, the cigar performed outstandingly. There wasn't an instance where the burn was anything less than perfect; not once did I need to correct it. The cigar delivers an unique and lasting flavour that is medium in strength and lipsmackingly good.

A perfect way to celebrate the end of the hiatus then. C.A.O. Black Storm makes a perfect cigar for anyone who wants to indulge in the natural current of flavours without digging through layers of fluff. The cigar offers just enough complexity for you to mouth on without being overly intense. In every department, the Storm is absolutely remarkable and highly recommendable. With only two left, I wonder how would I survive.

Pictures:
http://theperfecto.blogspot.com/2006...ack-storm.html

[TMoneYNYY]

Wow, GREAT review!!!!!! Thanks for the info... are you sure you don't work for C.A.O.?!?!?!?!

[jac2598]

Great review! I'm a big fan of everything I've smoked by CAO (Criollo, Italia, Brazillia, Gold) but I haven't tried the Black yet.

Need to pick some of these up now!

[kheffelf]

CAO Blacks in my mind are very good-my favorite CAO, nice review.

[mhillsing23]

The CAO Black is a very good cigar. It has a good creamy flavor, that I really enjoy when I am not in the mood for something stronger or heavier. Good review!

[Linder]

Wow, what a sales pitch!

Great review

[Bankshot1101]

Man, as if i didn't want one before this review...your making it worst, haha. Man i wish my B&M had some. I don't need to order any cigars, so i don't want to pay shipping on a Fiver. hmm...maybe i'll ask my B&M if they had any or can order some.

[KyLongbeard]

What a great and in-depth review!

[Airborne RU]

The CAO Black is probably the best of their line. It is a real shame that it is so limited in distro.

CI has it listed as a limited edition that will soon be out of. (is this true)

[palm55]

Wonderful review!!! You've made me "peek" into the coolerdors to see what CAO "treats" might lurk for me there this Thanksgiving holiday!!!!

[kjd2121]

Very nice review. I have 3 of these sitting just waiting for my next CAO mood.

[Boston_Dude05]

Very nice review and inspirational! Got 5 of these sitting in my humi for the right moment. Will also write a review when I have one and this review certainly speeds up my desire to try one shortly.

[madurolover]

Been wanting to try this as i have liked all of the CAO I have smoked. Wish i could find them at one of the 7 B&M's here.

[TMoneYNYY]

Originally Posted by madurolover

Been wanting to try this as i have liked all of the CAO I have smoked. Wish i could find them at one of the 7 B&M's here.

Wow... SEVEN!!!!! There are only 2 close to me! (3 if you count the variety store, but I don't like them too much). I've loved every C.A.O. cigar I've had, so I don't see how I wouldn't enjoy the Black (especially w/all the great reviews it's had over the years!).

[omowasu]

The CAO Black was originally available online only. I dont know if this has changed much recently. I have a box (now partial - 15 or so left!) of the CAO Black Frontiers, and they are a great daytime smoke. The construction is indeed flawless. I found the cigar to be a little more single-threaded than you did, but that may have been due to youth. I did find spice, woodsy tones, and caramel as wel.

The rest have 2 months on them now. I shall smoke one this weekend and see if more complexities are present!