CAO American

[Domer]

I was gifted this cigar by a friend over the summer. It has been in my humidor ever since. The cigar was almost too pretty to smoke. I loved the understated double wrapper look, which was mostly maduro with a thin striping of connecticut shade wrapper. Also the bands, one at the foot are great looking as I believe most CAO's bands are. I believe this was a Potomac, it was about robusto size perhaps a bit longer. I don't think it qualified as a toro though.

The cigar started with cream buttery profile quickly becoming earthy. Most of the cigar had a spicy note, with possibly a bit of nuttiness. The burn was razor sharp despite a poor light job as the lighter ran out of fuel. I finally had to ash at the half way point because I inadvertently let the cigar go out as I was fixing another drink and when I returned I had to relight it. However it showed potential to have a very long ash. After the relight the peppery spice from before became a bit more like cinnamon in my opinion and there was more nuttiness.

Overall the cigar was enjoyable, occasionally however I got a bit of harshness on the back of the throat. If the price on these is right (read: same range as Italias and Brazilias) I would buy again. For me this would not be a regular everyday smoke, but I would have to be in the mood for it. I would like to try a smaller rg of the American to see how the flavors differ. I have found myself moving away from larger rg and perhaps I would more enjoy a corona size American. All in all a good smoke.

Construction: 10/10
Taste: 7/10
Value: it was free to me so I guess 10/10