CAO Black???

[Swampfox21]

Ok, so ive been looking online at cigarsinternational at ordering one of their "make your own samplers" and ive found a few i want to try that my local B&M doesn't carry. Of those im lookin at are CAO blacks, being a CAO fan ive got to try these. So time to get down to the point of this thread. Has anyone had one? are they anygood? and are there any other suggestions you might have? thanks for any input and advice.

 

[Altercall]

I used to love them. They're good as a newbie cigar. As my pallet got more refined I lost my taste for them, but if you like CAOs stuff you'll really like them. They age pretty well, too. We found out that at about 8 mos to a year they really change to something new. I'd say try em.

 

[njstone]

Hey Swampfox21.

CAO Blacks are exclusive to Cigars International, by the way, so you'll never see them at a shop. They're mild-medium bodied with luscious creamy smoke. The flavor is not very strong, but I like it--lots of cedar and quite a bit of sweetness (not a flavored tip or anything, just naturally sweet and creamy smoke).

So the CAO Black is a great cigar, one of my favorites. In fact, I like them so much that I'd really like to give you a few. PM me your address and I'll shoot a little flight sampler your way.

 

[Altercall]

More Noob on noob violence. I like it!!!

 

[WhiteLightning]

Wtg Nj!

 

[jmatkins]

I like them for a morning smoke, I do like CAO a lot as well and most of there line minus one or two.

 

[smokinghole]

I went through a box of these about four years ago. As long as the blend hasn't changed Nate pretty much hit the nail on the head. I remember them being a creamy smoke that is certainly worth at least trying. Hell I still have that empty box somewhere!

 

[rick12string]

Never had the Black or the Black VR but I hear the VR is supposed to be better. Anyone have any comments on that?

 

[njstone]

Never had the Black or the Black VR but I hear the VR is supposed to be better. Anyone have any comments on that?

The "VR" is certianly stronger in body (more or less full, depends on who you ask) and the flavor is stronger as well, though very different from the original Black. As far as which is better--that depends. The first time I tried the Black (this past July) I thought it was probably the best cigar I'd ever smoked, and it's still one of my favorites. The first time I tried the "VR" I thought it tasted great but was too strong for me, both in flavor and in body (made me slightly queezy, but back then I hadn't yet learned to smoke slowly).

Right now I prefer the Black. If I had to guess, I'd say that in a few years I'd probably prefer the "VR" as my palate will inevitably change and likely more towards fuller-bodied and stronger-flavored sticks.

I'll toss a VR in the little Christmas package as well, for comparison

 

[NightStogy]

Had my first CAO LX2 last night. Had some quality problems. Immediately began unraveling at the head (possibly due to my cut) but then the foot really unraveled after about 15 minutes even though the burn was even. Started very spicy. I loved the flavor.

 

[CWS]

Never liked this cigar. Just not my cup of tea.

 

[Mitch]

I like them now and then

 

[Electric Sheep]

I used to freakin' *LOVE* the CAO Black, and I still find that they can be enjoyable, even though they're not my idea of a "good" cigar anymore.

Like Jay said, they do age well. Give them about a year and they really change radically.

 

[Asher]

Never had the Black or the Black VR but I hear the VR is supposed to be better. Anyone have any comments on that?

I've had a few, and wasn't impressed. Tight draw on every one, and not much flavor. A lot of folks love 'em, though.

 

[dpricenator]

I like the Black better than the VR. .02

 

[weskimad]

When I smoked one, I thought it tasted very similar to a Gurkha Expedition.

 

[Swampfox21]

Thanks for the input guys, im still pretty new to cigars considering ive only been smoking for about 2 years. But i am noticing that i am pickin up on the hints of flavor in cigars. But ive got word that njstone is hookin me up with some sticks.
Thanks again yall

 

[njstone]

^ ahem...

http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=23793

 

[Poni]

I used to love, haven't had them in a while. If they were more readily available i would pick them up. They come in a pretty cool box, also.

 

[em_burn]

I used to freakin' *LOVE* the CAO Black, and I still find that they can be enjoyable, even though they're not my idea of a "good" cigar anymore.

+1

The quality of their product appears to have declined in recent years. They may draw fine due to using draw testers, but the look and feel of their sticks just doesn't compare to other brands. I think they hire too many inexperienced rollers to meet demand/production numbers.