CAO Arcana Mortal Coil – Limited Release is a very special entry in this great company’s portfolio.
Arcana Mortal Coil is a bold and bodacious blend featuring Andullo tobacco. This technique is a unique, old-world Dominican Republic aging process. This method of tobacco curing has survived the test of time because of the amazing qualities it imparts. Not only does it amplify the strength of the leaf, but also enhances the aroma to tobacco.
The results? How about Cigar Coop giving it a 90 rating and Blind Man’s Puff scoring it an astounding 95!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: USA Connecticut Shade
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua
Factory: STG Estelí
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO New Age: Flathead is still one of this company’s most popular cigars, HANDS DOWN!
CAO introduced the Flathead into the marketplace in 2015 and it received 90+ ratings immediately! This solid medium to full bodied cigar is a box pressed beauty. It’s dark oily wrapper encloses a terrific blend of fillers and binders that yield a great open draw, slow burn and robust complex taste.
When Cigar Aficionado rated it an astounding 95, everybody took notice. Their review still stands. “From the first light, this seriously squared-off cigar takes off with notes of ripe fruit, leather and molasses that only gain intensity as it smokes.”
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: USA Connecticut Habano
Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
Factory: STG Danlí
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO’s World Series has been a huge success bringing us cigars using the best tobacco from many countries.
This highly rated Brazilia edition continues this experience by using the finest Brazilian Maduro wrapper leaves cut from the top of the plant and then triple fermented. The result is awesome. What makes it stand out is that it’s a cool burn to the finish.
Over 20 years ago Cigar Aficionado rated this blend’s Torpedo a very respectable 91. Their description still holds up. “A dark, oily cigar with a beautiful torpedo tip. It has an easy draw, burning with a rich aroma. The smoke is complex, with an earthy, floral flavor and a toasty, nutty quality. Full bodied, with a long, toasty finish.”
Origin – Honduras
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper Type – Brazilian-Maduro
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO Classic: Pilon continues to be one of this company’s best sellers for almost a decade.
Pilon gets its name from the fermentation technique that goes back to 1800s Cuba. Skilled workers called piloneros used a slow, 18-month fermentation technique using smaller round pilons instead of today’s huge square ones. The result is an enjoyable smoke producing a complex medium to full bodied flavor with a great blend of sweetness and spice. In fact, when Blind Man’s Puff recently revisited this cigar, their rating went from 91 to 93!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: STG Estelí
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
The CAO Arcana Firewalker series is another unique selection focusing on old-world processing methods and limited production.
This very special blend utilizes a proprietary “chincagre” fermentation process that’s pretty impressive. The filler, which grows in Nicaragua’s Mastepe region, is assembled into a pilón and then buried in the volcanic soil for two months. After that, the tobacco goes to the factory for nine months of secondary fermentation.
The result is a smooth, mellow medium bodied smoke possessing complex flavor notes of earth, leather, dried Fruit and white pepper. If you’ve never tried one of these very special cigars, what are you waiting for. They won’t be around forever!
MX2 is still one of the top maduro cigars being rolled today and available on a limited basis throughout the year.
In fact, this edition was produced almost 20 years ago to achieve one purpose; to test the capability of your taste buds! This dark, oily vitola achieves its goal via a five country blend of fillers and binder with a serious twist. Underneath the ominous looking USA grown Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper lies an even darker Brazilian Maduro binder leaf.
You can expect an open draw yielding aromatic smoke and a tight ash for starters. From start to finish, this medium to full bodied cigar is slow burning producing undertones of sweetness, spice and espresso.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: STG Estelí
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua & Peru
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO New Age: Flathead Steel Horse is a follow up to the very popular original Flathead series.
This complexly blended cigar is wrapped in a proprietary Connecticut Habano Grueso [meaning thick] leaf featuring tobacco from four countries containing Brazilian Arapiraca as the binder along with Honduran, Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos comprising the filler. In short, this is an entirely different cigar from the original Flathead. As a bonus, each cigar is in it’s own individually box.
The result is a medium to full bodied box pressed cigar with uniquely smooth flavor notes. Think roasted coffee beans, sweet raisins and bits of peppery spices for starters. Hey, don’t take our word for it. With Cigar Coop scoring it a 90 and Blind Man’s Puff at 93, we think you’ll agree that Steel Horse is another winner for CAO.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Proprietary Connecticut Habano Grueso
Binder: Brazilian Arapiraca
Filler: Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua
Factory: STG Estelí
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO Classic: Gold is the first cigar this legendary company created.
In the height of the “Cigar Boom’ of the 90’s, CAO added this line of cigars to their offerings. Until then, they were known for pipes, humidors and other smoking accessories. When this cigar hit the streets, Cigar Aficionado’s review then still holds true today. “A silky, smooth wrapper on a well-made medium bodied cigar. It is earthy, with wood and sweet spice notes.” Oddly enough, in 2109 they rated this blend a score of 91. No doubt the CAO Gold was a winner then and is still pleasing smokers today.
Origin:Nicaragua / Filler:Nicaraguan / Binder:Nicaraguan / Wrapper:Ecuadorian Connecticut
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
The CAO Limited Edition Vision Humidor & Toro Cigars contains a new edition of the 2007 Vision entry.
This new blend contains tobaccos from three countries and four growing regions. The prime grade Cameroon wrapper encases a vintage blend of an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder along with Nicaraguan Habanos fillers from Estelí and Jalapa. To say this medium to full bodied, smooth smoking cigar is complexly blended is an understatement.
Now for the best part. The double sliding drawer humidor with LED lighting is worth the price of admission to say the least. This masterpiece will be around long after you finish those great cigars. This CAO Limited Edition Vision Humidor & Toro Cigars won’t be around for long. Get the hint?
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Ecuador Sumatra
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: STG Estelí
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO Pilon Anejo is a limited edition follow up to the very successful Classic Pilon from 2015.
The Pilon Anejo’s complex blend uses a Cuban seed Ecuadoran Sumatra wrapper, Honduran Habano binder, and vintage grade Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. The result is a terrific medium to full bodied smoke thats as enjoyable for passionados as well as new comers.
Don’t take our word for it. Cigar Coop gives it a 90, Blind Man’s Puff gives it a 92 and KATMAN gives it an astounding 94! There’s no doubt Pilon Anejo is another winner for CAO and all cigar lovers!
Country of Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Factory: HATSA
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO Bones is without a doubt one of the most complexly blended cigars from this great company.
The result is a medium bodied smooth tasting cigar with an array of balanced flavor notes able to pleasantly stimulate even the most discerning palates around the world. Think toasted marshmallow, vanilla and clove for starters!
Hey, you don’t have to take our word for it. With a 91 rating from Blind Man’s Puff and an astounding score of 95 from Leaf Enthusiast, how can you go wrong!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: USA Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: USA Connecticut Shade
Filler: Honduran (Jamastran + La Entrada), Nicaraguan (Esteli), Dominican (Piloto Cubano)
Factory: STG Estelí
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO Session is yet another fantastic blend from CAO’s brand ambassador Rick Rodriguez.
This exceptional cigar uses a near black and oily top grade Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper, Dominican binder, and vintage filler from Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.
The best way to describe Session is it’s ability to be bold and flavorful without being overpowering. In fact, this cigar’s medium body remains in place from start to finish via wide open draw yielding heaps of aromatic smoke. You’ll also enjoy an array of flavor notes along the way. Think espresso, cinnamon, cocoa and bits of peppery spices to liven things up.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Dominican Republic [Vega Especial]
Filler: Nicaragua [Esteli], Dominican Republic [Piloto Cubano]
Factory: General Cigar Dominicana
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO World: Nicaragua is one of this company’s very popular World Series.
All the fillers in this spectacular cigar all come from Nicaragua, specifically Condega, Estelí and Jalapa. The Honduran wrapper and binder comes from the Jamastran Valley.
While the jury’s still out deciding if this edition is either medium to full bodied or just flat out full flavored from the get go, what has been decided is this 90+ rated cigar is the most uniquely tasting one of the entire series. It’s generally agreed this darker cigar is robust and spicy. But who would have thought that a two country blend could produce a spearmint undertone in its overall taste bouquet?!
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Honduran (Jamastran)
Binder: Honduran (Jamastran)
Filler: Nicaraguan (Esteli, Jalapa, Condega)
Factory: STG Esteli
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO World: Italia is one of this company’s very popular World Series.
The addition of rarely grown Italian long filler leaves to this cigar’s mix produces a highly rated full bodied, thickly sweet and spicy, bold masterpiece. Cigar Aficionado rates this jewel a very respectable 92. Their description is spot on. “There’s a reddish, colorado-maduro gleam to this dark cigar, whose creamy smoke is lush with fruity, ripe apple notes, molasses and brown sugar. The finish is long and spicy. Tasty and bold.”
And don’t forget about the large volume of wonderfully aromatic smoke thats perfectly matched to its long finish. Ciao Bella!
Wrapper: Honduran Habano
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Italian Habano Cuban Seed, Nicaraguan, Peruvian
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO World: Colombia is one of this company’s very popular World Series.
This highly rated cigar utilizes a unique blend of Colombian and Brazilian leaves found nowhere else. But the key to this amazing, medium bodied cigar is the Cameroon African binder. The cigar is well constructed and tightly packed from head to foot. Despite the amount of tobacco, this vitola has a wide open draw with a slow burn.
When Cigar Aficionado gave it a score of 92, the industry took serious notice. Their review still holds up. ” A large, thick cigar that draws and burns evenly. It’s core of earth and wood is balanced by sweet, fruity notes of black cherry and nougat with a nutty touch of cashew.” What more do you need to know about this very exceptional cigar?
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Columbian and Brazilian
Factory: STG Esteli
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO World: America is one of this company’s very popular World Series.
Yes, you’re right! This terrific cigar has two different wrappers! It’s what we call a barber pole! Or in this case, more like a candy cane. With attention to detail, this highly rated cigar has a four country blend including rare tobacco from Italy! This America blend’s combination of fillers along with a twin Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper gives this smoke a very unique medium to full bodied taste with a bit of sweetness. Be Patriotic and give it a try!
Origin – Honduras
Wrappers: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro and Shade
Binder: Brazil
Filler: Ligero from Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Italy, and USA
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO New Age: Consigliere is a sequel or remake of sorts of the CAO “Sopranos” Cigar from the HBO series.
Consigliere is handmade in Nicaragua, with a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper, bound with a Honduran leaf and features a blend of Nicaraguan,Dominican and Colombian leaves. This complex four country blend produces a rich, balanced medium bodied smoke that burns smoothly to its finish. The results when the jury returned were….Cigar Aficionado @90, Cigar Coop @ 90 and Blind Man’s Puff @ 91. Looks like this CAO offering is one you can’t refuse!
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Brazilian Mata Fina
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican and Colombian
Factory: STG Estelí
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO Classic: Maduro is formally known as the CAO L’Anniversaire Maduro.
Its wrapper is fermented under extreme heat for three months until it becomes rich and dark with an even burn and razor-thin carbon ring. It’s then wrapped around an Ecuadoran binder and a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos to produce an outstanding smoke with a lavish finish.
The result is a spectacular cigar standing the test of time for over 25 years. This is a medium plus to full bodied smoke is meant for seasoned smokers and passionados. Newcomers need not apply.
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic
CAO Classic: Gold Maduro is the long awaited follow up to the original Gold entry.
It took about ten years for CAO to come up with this darkly wrapped counterpart to their legendary gold line. Cigar Aficionado had kind words in 2007 for this flavorful and medium bodied maduro, as well. “Near black, this cigar has a solid core of sweet tobacco, complemented by nuts, coffee and a hint of leather on the finish.” It goes to show you that after 15 years, this cigar is still a winner!
If you liked the original Gold, you’ll love this maduro!
Origin:Nicaragua / Filler:Nicaraguan / Binder:Nicaraguan / Wrapper:Brazilian Maduro
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
CAO Classic: Cameroon is formally known as the CAO L’Anniversaire Cameroon.
This amazing cigar was crafted by Nick Perdomo way back in in 1999. Since then it has remained a hugely popular edition of the CAO lineup. Becoming one of Cigar Aficionado’s Top 50 Cigars and giving it a ’92’ rating, the magazine noted, “Nicely pressed, with rich color. The cigar has a lovely draw and burn. It’s nutty and toasty, with coffee, cocoa, and dry wood flavors. The finish is long.”
If you consider yourself an aficionado and haven’t tried one of these amazing smokes, what are you waiting for? See what countless smokers have been enjoying for almost 25 years.
Origin – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaraguan
Binder – Nicaraguan
Wrapper – Cameroon
See all the CAO Cigars available on The Cigar Thief HERE
