Brand: CAO
Line: Black VR
Vitola: Moby (Toro) 6 x 50
Origin: Honduran
Wrapper: Brazilian
Filler: Nicaraguan, Mexican
Body: Full
Strength: Full
Box Price: $116 (Box of 20)
A little while ago, I reviewed the CAO Black for CigarJack. Now, it’s time for its younger sibling, the CAO Black VR. Once again, Steve from Cigars International came through with this one.
The CAO Black VR is a good-looking cigar. Everything from the band, to the cigar’s oily sheen, all the way down to the extra Jackson Pollock-esque band at the opposite end of the cigar. (Then again, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an ugly CAO.)
When I lit into the stogie, it floored me with a nice 1-2 punch of a full body and a signature maduro spicyness — something I’m used to getting halfway into the cigar. I kept puffing away, a bit nervous about what the rest of the cigar had in store for me.
Then, a funny thing happened: the Black VR mellowed out a bit, giving the Brazilian wrapper a chance to sweeten the deal for me–literally. I got some hints of chocolate and leather, but as I continued, the stogie’s complexity continued to impress me.
Once again, even burn, nice white ash. A good all-around cigar.
Verdict: I enjoyed the Black VR; however, this cigar isn’t for everyone, as it doesn’t strike me as a “traditional” maduro. If I’m smoking a cigar this dark, I tend to enjoy bigger ring gauges, something this line doesn’t offer.
Similar cigars: Partagas Black
Popularity: 14% [?]
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Mmm, I feel my mouth water at the sight of these CAOs. Surprisingly, they are even getting some coverage in French press (cigar-related press, of course) – however, didn’t find it yet in local shops. Thinking about ordering some from the US..
They are a pretty unreasonable priced cigar typically. I want to see how the CAO Black and Black VR compare with the CAO Gold and CAO Gold Maduro.
If these are anything like the Partagas Black Label cigars, I can’t wait to try a few. Great review!
Sounds like you have some reviews planned out, Jesse!
This stick is great even at a smaller ring than you may think you usually like. It has lots of flavor I think as well as good complexity. It’s just a little spicy and a little salty to my way of thinking with sweet cedar tones that stay around and jostle for your attention. Yeah, I’d like a fatter stick, but this ones burns longer than I thought it would and had ample flavor without getting hot until the very end. CAO has a great blend here, try it because I think it will hit the right note with many of my fellow BOTL.
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