CAO Cameroon L’Anniversaire
Today’s smoke was a CAO Cameroon.
Producer: CAO Filler: Nicaragua Binder: Nicaragua Wrapper: Cameroon
A Medium bodied Cigar, this captures the quintessence of a Cameroon wrapper. Beautiful box press, torpedo style, slightly veiny, but nothing to complain about with the appearance nor the place where I enjoyed this one; the banks of a nearby creek in the mountains. Pre-light was pleasant and it lit up well. I immediately picked up notes of spice, everything from Black pepper to nutmeg. Excellent clouds of dark smoke and ash buildup was long and held quite nicely. Even burn for the most part. The second third introduced more earthy flavours, a bit woody and leathery. Ash continued to hold very well. The final third mellowed out a bit and transitioned from earthy notes to coffee and caramel. While the finish was buttery and smooth, it unfortunately burned very fast and hot causing it to become bitter, which contradicted the mild sweetness on the palette.
CONCLUSION: Ok not bad. But it didn’t blow my mind. Decent flavour but a bit uneventful. Waiting for that moment of excitement and it never came. Sorta like the Pacers-Pistons brawl in 2004, it did’t end well. Good for a Cameroon wrapper but it just can’t stand up to the quality of Ashton or Padron. Sorry CAO. 81 RATING