Thought I’d try to kickstart some reviews in this here forum with this CAO Nicaragua. I think some of us would agree that Nic cigars are unparalleled. I could take or leave ISOM. The spice and power of Nicaraguan tobacco is beloved by my favorite blenders and I just don’t know what I’d do without it. So when a company slaps “Nicaragua” on the band, it better be good.
This is the toro size. Got it off CBid and has three months rest. CAO for me is hit or miss. They make stunners like Amazon Basin and the Flathead series, but a lot of others leave a lot to be desired.
I’m pairing this with an Old Fashioned.
Pre-light:
The wrapper is a beautiful light brown—looks like well-worn leather. Cap and seams are solid. There’s a bit of veining, but it’s a pretty cigar. Love the band. Once I clip the cap with a V-cut, the draw is a bit tight. Get my PerfecDraw and it only takes a little tweaking to get it right. Probably would’ve been ok without it, honestly. I don’t do cold draws, seems silly. I light it up!
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First third:
I’m worried, as the beginning is a little bitter. The draw is nice, but takes a second puff to get a lot of smoke—this all quickly corrects after about a quarter inch. I’m getting a really nice natural sweetness. A touch of spiciness on the retrohale. Flavors are cane sugar, leather, roasted peanuts. Touch of cream. The sweetness has a really long finish. Construction is great. Lots of smoke now with a half inch in, perfect burn line. Really enjoying thus far. Only downside is I’d like a bit more power from a cigar dubbed “Nicaragua.” The sweet peanut flavor is pairing handsomely with my Old Fashioned made with a smooth Canadian whisky (Royal Canadian).
Second third:
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Construction is still spot on. Plumes of smoke. Great ash. Required a slight touch up, but that was probably user error. Let it sit too long. It’s burning cool, which I use as a marker for a quality cigar. I’m still getting lots of natural, cane sugar sweetness. Roasted peanuts are still dominant, but a hazelnut coffee flavor has picked up. A light cream hangs on. There’s a definite pepper on the tongue—there’s that Nicaraguan tobacco. Foot smoke has a great smell. Thoroughly enjoying this.
Final third:
Pepper has taken over. Sweetness fell off a bit. Definitely a cigar that gets stronger as it goes along. Feeling a bit of a nicotine hit. Construction is still great—not getting terribly hot even with just two inches to go.
Conclusion:
I didn’t expect much out of this cigar, as the reviews aren’t greatly positive. I really enjoyed this, however, and at the price point of around $2-3 on CBid, it’s a no brainer. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily a standard profile of Nicaraguan tobacco as I know it. Not too spicy, and lots of sweetness. I wouldn’t put it on any top-10 cigars of the year list, but would gladly smoke it again. I see myself adding 5ers onto my CBid orders, but not box worthy.
Hope to do more of these in the future. Cheers!
