CAO Criollo

[jaewing]

I got 10 of these in a sampler. I believe these are the Pato size (4 7/8 x 50).

I have only smoked one so far but here is my review of the first (I will update after I smoke a few more).

Initial Impression Well cronstructed with a beuatiful reddish brown wrapper and a small "rat-tail" type top. Firm to the touch and round.

Pre-Light Aroma Rich and aromatic with a slight cedar undertone and a hint of vanilla.

Draw Smooth to firm draw, a bit difficult at first.

Flavor Medium at first then built to a Med-Full rich flavor. Rich thick smoke with a cedar undertone and lingering finish. For a smaller stick it was suprisingly rich and strong toward the end.

Burn Even burn with a firm salt and pepper ash.

Over-all Impression CAO makes another great cigar. Not as spicy as the Gold label I have tried in the past. Very smooth and if you like thick rich smoke that lingers on the pallate then pick some up. 91

[Cigar Jack]

The Criollo is one of my favorites. I haven't had a bad one yet.

[cigarsarge]

I'm not a fan of the Criollo line. The Brazilia line is much more to my liking.

[jaewing]

What is it about the Criollo line that you do not care for? And on the flip side (since I have never tried the Brazilia) what is it about the Brazilia that you do like?

[cigarsarge]

The ones I've tried seemed to never develop any complexity. The Brazilias start off spicy and get very full flavored...coffee, cedar, and dark spice. I nubbed one out last night. They go very well with rum and coke.

[Cigar Jack]

The Criollo seems spicy to me and so does the Brazilia just on different ends of the spectrum.

The Brazilia have a very nutty taste for me.

[Kenyth]

I tried one of these. Not a bad smoke at all, but nothing to rave about IMHO. This cigar was well constructed. A little loose on the draw for my taste, but nothing to complain about. A good burn, but the ash was a little weak. That is to be expected with a looser roll from my experience. A better, but quicker burn, and a weaker ash. The cigar did have a very nice bouquet. I found the smoke to be nice and thick, but a little one dimensional for a cigar in this price range. I expected more richness and spiciness to the smoke from the bouquet. I'm guessing that's because they used a great wrapper, but are a little lacking on the filler.