CAO Black Bengal Review

5/15/2014

Cigar: CAO Black Bengal
Size: Toro, 6.0"x50
MSRP: $7.00
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Origin: Honduras

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Prelight: This cigar comes in a nice, cedar wrap. Upon unsheathing, the wrapper smells of hay and cedar. It has nearly no veins and is extremely smooth. The foot is very woody smelling. I punch and the cold draw is nice with a subtle hint of chocolate.

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1/3: A little spicy pepper at the start, with a backing note of honey and cream. The flakey ash is a medium grey and hangs on the entire third. The cigar feels more like a mild than medium at this point, but is nice and relaxing on this hot California day. (I had to smoke in the garage to escape the sun’s assault. I’m reminded of a Deftones song, and long for a cloud to shove the sun aside.) Chocolate comes to play at the end of the first third.

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*WARNING: Lots of Deftones references ahead.*
2/3: Lots of chocolate and cream in the second third, as the pepper has taken a back seat. However, it is still a passenger. Honey is still there as well, but didn’t bring a knife to the party, and the flavors are mild and anemic. At the halfway point, there is a change, and the wood grows in intensity. I open a bottle of Rancho Sisquoc Sylvaner which pairs nicely. The wood is accented in the Black Bengal while the apple flavors in the Sylvaner deepen. Drinks won’t stain this cigar.

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3/3: At the start of the final third, this cigar still seems mild to me. I’m not about to put the stick up yet, but I wish it had a bit more adrenaline. Still great construction, but the flavors are all wood and hay, and end that way at the nub.

Overall: While I was never bored with this cigar and wished for a real one, the flavors and strength are mild. I am coming off an Illusione kick, which are all full in strength, so that might be affecting my perception. Overall, this was a nice cigar at a reasonable price point (that can be found at a much lower cost than MSRP) and would be great for noobs and non-regulars. I recommend having a few on hand for guests and days when you don’t want to be knocked on your butt by a nic kick.