smokinafuente
12-18-2004, 01:49 AM
CAO Criollo - Conquistador
Appearance
I get a little nervous about buying a cigar that I can't see first, but I guess that it's a good thing in this case for a review. When I ripped open that white paper rapper, I was very impressed with what was waiting below. The thing that caught my eye right off the bat was the very original and classy band. A nice simple "CAO Criollo" on what looks like charred parchment paper. The dark brown stick was nice and firm with lots of tooth. The cap of this Pyramid/Torpedo was very well formed. I did notice that a good size vain ran up the one side. Also, there was two small "lumps" in it, one near the foot and the other just above that lovely band.
Pre-light
The aroma was light and woody. On the pre-light draw, which was a little firm, there was a nice peppery flavor that I really enjoyed. Then I clipped off the first 1/2"
6:30 pm
This cigar fired up easily in a big blue cloud of smoke, then again, everything does with a Space triple torch lighter. The draw was still a little firm but manageable.
6:45 pm
I was about an inch in to it and by now the draw was tight. I then clipped another 1/4" off and the draw was near flawless. I wish I had done it earlier. The new ease of puffing, really brought out the earthy flavors with just a hint of coffee. The first and largest "lump" has now been smoked past with no issues.
7:00 pm
She is really burning nice and even with plenty of that blue smoke.
7:15 pm
Ok, now the strength has by now kicked it up a notch or two and built up to medium/full. The flavor has become more peppery.
7:30 pm
I just had to do a very miner touch up because I'm planning on nubbin this one.
7:40 pm
R.I.P. my tasty little friend, for we shall meat again.
All in all, this was an enjoyable smoke and I would have to give this cigar a 7 out of 10.
Appearance
I get a little nervous about buying a cigar that I can't see first, but I guess that it's a good thing in this case for a review. When I ripped open that white paper rapper, I was very impressed with what was waiting below. The thing that caught my eye right off the bat was the very original and classy band. A nice simple "CAO Criollo" on what looks like charred parchment paper. The dark brown stick was nice and firm with lots of tooth. The cap of this Pyramid/Torpedo was very well formed. I did notice that a good size vain ran up the one side. Also, there was two small "lumps" in it, one near the foot and the other just above that lovely band.
Pre-light
The aroma was light and woody. On the pre-light draw, which was a little firm, there was a nice peppery flavor that I really enjoyed. Then I clipped off the first 1/2"
6:30 pm
This cigar fired up easily in a big blue cloud of smoke, then again, everything does with a Space triple torch lighter. The draw was still a little firm but manageable.
6:45 pm
I was about an inch in to it and by now the draw was tight. I then clipped another 1/4" off and the draw was near flawless. I wish I had done it earlier. The new ease of puffing, really brought out the earthy flavors with just a hint of coffee. The first and largest "lump" has now been smoked past with no issues.
7:00 pm
She is really burning nice and even with plenty of that blue smoke.
7:15 pm
Ok, now the strength has by now kicked it up a notch or two and built up to medium/full. The flavor has become more peppery.
7:30 pm
I just had to do a very miner touch up because I'm planning on nubbin this one.
7:40 pm
R.I.P. my tasty little friend, for we shall meat again.
All in all, this was an enjoyable smoke and I would have to give this cigar a 7 out of 10.