CAO Black

dalime

First let me preface by saying that I am somewhat of a noob to the appreciation of cigars.  I have smoked many cigars over the years but only for the past year have I really been in search of what I truly appreciate.  So take this at face value.

I have a pretty decent palate when it comes to wine/beer/scotch (my beverages of choice) tasting.  But I have had a difficult time pulling distinct flavours from the cigars I have been smoking.  There are quite a few cigars I enjoy; Macanudo Maduro, Hoyo de Monterey Maduro, Gurkha Titan, Cigar.com Blue Label to name a few.  While I've enjoyed these for the "body" of the smoke I haven't been able to put a finger on what precise flavours I enjoyed most from these.

I recently purchased some CAO Blacks and I have to say that these are my new favourite.  My first impression was with the wrapper.  Oily, consistent, waxy.  At first the waxy wrapper threw me off but after smoking the whole thing down I found that this was truly a positive attribute.  The wrapper was never soggy or saturated.  It lit well, it burned well.  In fact, the ash was bone white, tightly wrapped, and never broke away until I decided it was time to do so. 

The thing that impressed me the most was the flavour and it's ability to pair.  The first one I lit, I smoked along side a North Coast Brewing Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout.  It tied in with the bitter specialty malts perfectly and I was able to pick up heavy cocoa and chocolate flavours about 2/3rds in.

Tonight I smoked another, but this time paired with a Glenlivet Nadurra 16 year.  At first I wasn't sure that these would go.  I find that much of the time the smoke of a cigar will overpower a good scotch muting much of the character.  While these didn't  completely mate on the frontend, they really brought out the best in each other on the finish.  Flavours I hadn't found in either on their own were brought forward with a punch; again, cocoa and a lingering graham cracker, wheaty mouth between each puff. 

Really consistent overall from build to smoke.  I really can't wait to see how this new favourite pairs with a nice red wine.

If you guys/girls have any suggestions for cigars that pair really well with beer or wine, I would love to hear about it.

Cheers!

kuzi16

Markbb

That it I was looking into buying some today and this clenchs it, good reviews deserve and try.....thanks guys

zoom6zoom

I have several Blacks resting in the humi, haven't tried them yet. I have, however, enjoyed a number of the Black VR's, which have become one of my favorites.

rdnstn

zoom6zoom:

I have several Blacks resting in the humi, haven't tried them yet. I have, however, enjoyed a number of the Black VR's, which have become one of my favorites.

I have a black in my humi as well. I have yet to try them but I have had the Black VR and enjoyed it very much. I highly recommend it.

j0z3r

Hey, Ron's back! How did everything go with your move?

rdnstn

j0z3r:

Hey, Ron's back! How did everything go with your move?

It went, thanks for asking though. Moving is always a pain in the tail end. I'm still unpacking after a week. Hopefully I can finish that up soon but I'm actually almost to a point where I can just take my time with the rest. I just hate having all the boxes in storage. I have way too much stuff and need to get rid of some of it. LOL

urbino

Regardless, welcome back. You were missed.

phobicsquirrel

Another nod for the black. I love the chocolate, wish it was a little stronger though.. I haven't had the VR yet, but I'll have to give it a try.

kuzi16

yeah.. i liked the VR also.

laker1963

urbino

laker1963

docedwards

The CAO Black was one of my top 3 when I started about 5 yrs ago. I'm not good at describing the flavor profile but the ones I've smoked over the past year just don't seem to be the same. In fact, I have none at this time. I know my likes/dislikes sometines change but I just no longer care for it. I would like to hear some of your thoughts on the CAO Black, especially from those that posted to this thread over 2 years ago. Thanks

kuzi16

JCizzle

Old Rasputin is delicious.

Russ55

I could never get into this stick. I kept trying it and it just never did it for me.