Cao cx2

[Artyman1200]

Wrapper and binder - Cameroon obviously...
Filler - Columbia and Nicaragua

I found this stick at a B&M in Pigeon Forge, TN (Stogies In The Smokies) - a little 15'x30' yellow building that is completely climate controlled. The guy didn't have a large selection, but what he had was really good. He was able to stock Padron's b/c his wife's brother's girlfriend's cousin knew somebody with Padron or something. He also had a house blend made in Honduras that he gave to me for free to try, nice guy. Anyways...

I paid way too much for this stick, but none of the other 5 B&M's in Knoxville carry it and I really wanted to try it. He only had the toro vitola. The overall construction appeared to be solid with minimal veins and such. It has a nifty looking band. Pre light draw seemed good.

Flavor - the flavor was actually better than I expected - licorice, toasty, nutty, all very rich Cameroon type flavors. I prefer this flavor over their more mild Cameroon l'anniversaire. This has less licorice flavor than the Cuesta Ray Stanford Reserve if that matters to anyone.

Construction - very straight burn, light brownish/gray ash that lasted over 2" (see pic below), the cigar was generally a two-puffer to get a decent amount of smoke though

I would rate this a solid 8/10 for a Cameroon. It exceeded my expectations. I just wish CAO would get their act together with the draw issues. I would like to try other sizes.

[mrtr33]

Nice review. The *X2's have eluded me. I do have an MX2 awaiting, we'll see how that one goes.

Stogies in the Smokies.....great name. There are some pretty cool knife stores up that way, too, if memory serves correctly........

[Artyman1200]

Yeah, Smoky Mountain Knife Works along the Parkway in Sevierville! Where you can get the official Rambo knife and all kinds of ridiculous swords! Absolutely genius idea for a store.

Like I said, the CX2 was better than I thought it would be. I've read reviews where the reviewer noted lots of spice, but I never encountered that. I'd like to try the robusto size. It might offer a little more flavor. Robusto is usually my vitola of choice...

[mrtr33]

That's the one!

From what I remember, they not only have a WIDE selection, but also some pretty good prices. I got my groomsmen knives for my wedding last year, and took a long look at them, but did end up going with another company.

I should be up there before the end of the year, I will have to go back in and check it out.