CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

Brand: CAO
Name: MX2
Size: Robusto 5 x 52
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Connecticut (Maduro)
Binder: Brazil (Maduro)
Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Rep. & Peru

The Look, Touch and Smell
This cigar truly lives its name … Double Maduro. Very dark, a tight oily wrapper and no soft or hard spots. It’s a beast to see, especially with the fat band around its neck. The smell is of heavy dark soils.

Look at that thing!
http://members.shaw.ca/amsterdan/Cig...%20Robusto.jpg

Cut & Light
No problems cutting and lighting. Because of the MX2’s appearance, I had expected a beating to the head after the first couple of puffs. If you’re a softy like myself … not to worry; the spice is very modest and the light cedar wood tones are suitable. There is a dry soil flavour accompanied by some sweetness. Already, this early! Having said that, I do not find the flavours to be ‘one’ yet. They are not harsh but not smooth either.

At the halfway point, all flavours turn darker and the sweetness turns into a typical maduro palate. Raisins might be the right word. This combines with the earlier named cedar wood tones and becomes creamy. This holds for a while until the ends is nearing. A certain bitterness comes forward. This is just like the spice, very suitable for the smoke itself but they do not entirely fit my ‘enjoymental palate’. I have to stay unbiased, so I respect the palate for what it is for those who appreciate a bitterness.

Conclusion
A tough cigar to see and to be seen. The ash is dark grey with little black chunks and holds about 1.25 Inches. The draw is fine and there is lots of smoke. Looking at the burn from the halfway point on … cross eyed situation and needed to correct a couple of times. The flavours were enjoyable cedar wood, soil and typical maduro sweetness with a suitable spice and bitterness. If this is your kinda palate, you definitely should try this beast of a cigar ... sometime soon!

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

Thanks Dan, I have 2 sitting in the vino getting some age...

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

That is great. The one I smoked did not have any aging really, but it would definitely be interesting to see how one comes out aged. By all means bud, post your findings in this post later on once you have smoked it! The more complete information the better.

Has anyone else smoked the MX2? If so, did you taste the bitterness as well and did you like it?

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

These smokes are awesome with a year + of age on them.

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

I found them to be surprisingly light bodied for a maduro, but about the same flavor profile wise. Great stick

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

These are good...but the MX3s are sooo much better. :dr :dr :dr

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

Well, duh, its 3 times the maduro in the MX3s, only twice the maduro in the MX2s. :noon

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

They have been one of my favorites since I bought my first box of them 4 or 5 years ago. That box is gone, but I still buy the MX2 on a regular basis.

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

The MX2 and the MX3 taste nothing alike. The MX3 tastes completely different. And yes, while it is 3X the maduro goodness...the MX2 doesn't even compare when it comes to flavor. And with some rest on the MX3s... :dr :dr :dr

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

Thanks for the input dudes and dudettes! From what I read over and over again is that the MX2 and MX3 get better over time, with about a year of aging. See, this has changed my mind a little and wouldn't mind purchasing three or four of the MX2, and MX3 for that matter, and try them again later. Great!

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

Maduro leaf is not strong, it's naturally sweet. The blend makes a cigar strong, not the wrapper.

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

These are decent smokes. I think I prefer the Black and VR, though.
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Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

I have to agree the MX2 is a good stick but the MX3 is just AWESOME!!!!
If you can lay your hands on either of these two cigars, I recommend that you do so.

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

But where to get the MX3???

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

Great review. I have one sitting in my humi waiting to be smoked.

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

WC Drapers in DC. PM me for details Larry. :dr :dr :dr

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

I'm always so tempted by these when they hit the deal sites. Don't know why I haven't pulled the trigger yet, seems like I should.

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

Just ordered some. Thanks for the reviews. You made my choice for me. Will try one and let the rest sit for a while.

Re: CAO - MX2 - Robusto
 

I agree with the OP's review. I found the MX2 (I smoked the Toro) to have a strong (but pleasant) pepper not throughout the first third, and I also found that it picked up the raisin notes as the smoke progressed.

On the strength of the Toro, I bought half a box of the box press. I've only smoked one, and it was so tight that I was only able to smoke the first half of it...just exhausting. :sh I'm hoping that the rest of the box won't share this isssue.