Size: Robusto ( 5" x 50 )
Wrapper: Dominican Corojo, 4 yr aged
Binder: Dominican Rep.
Filler: Brazil, DR, Nicaragua
These cigars come packaged in a pimped out, battery operated, humidor-type box.
I knew the DWSC crew was reviewing the CAO Vision last weekend, so I decided to smoke my sample as well and compare my results while listening to their show. I received mine from Altercall in our newbie trade a couple of weeks ago. These cigars certainly have a striking presentation with the large white main band and another smaller numbered band on the foot. Of course as CAO is mainly a marketing company, appearance is a big concern.
On closer examination, the cigar is somewhat rough in appearance. Several prominent veins are seen in the rather thick, medium brown wrapper. The roll is very solid, without much spring to it and the prelight draw has some resistance. On the initial light I noticed that one portion of the foot was not burning at all, so after several puffs I had to touch it up again with my lighter.
The flavors initially were pretty basic for Dominican cigars - a core of cedary tobacco with some mild spiciness. Despite the really solid roll, I was getting a OK amount of smoke, but I did notice that the burn was quite uneven. On ashing for the first time, I had something happen I had not seen in a long time. After the main ash had dropped off, I still had a burnt stem sticking out about 1" from the cigar. I had to break this off on the side of my ashtray.
The middle third of the cigar was somewhat funky. The burn issue changed now from an uneven one to tunneling. Once I saw this, I let the cigar go out and then relit. This problem continued though, because if I did not keep a steady pace of puffing, the wrapper / binder burn would slow and it would tunnel again. I also noticed that the ash was becoming quite loose and flakey. The flavors of cedar and mild spices continued although they became a bit stronger with some peppery notes.
Once I hit the last third I started getting some harshness and bitterness. I think this was due to several relights and the fact that I had to smoke at a faster pace to keep it from tunneling. So I basically let it die out.
I was rather disappointed in this cigar. I have not experienced these types of burn problems in the other CAO lines I've smoked. And as Bob McDuffee of the DogWatch crew also had some of the same issues, this probably is not an isolated case. I think I'm in agreement with many that comparing how these cigars are packaged + priced vs. the smoking enjoyment you get ... we might see the CAO Vision line on closeout sales within the next year or two.
Wrapper: Dominican Corojo, 4 yr aged
Binder: Dominican Rep.
Filler: Brazil, DR, Nicaragua
These cigars come packaged in a pimped out, battery operated, humidor-type box.
I knew the DWSC crew was reviewing the CAO Vision last weekend, so I decided to smoke my sample as well and compare my results while listening to their show. I received mine from Altercall in our newbie trade a couple of weeks ago. These cigars certainly have a striking presentation with the large white main band and another smaller numbered band on the foot. Of course as CAO is mainly a marketing company, appearance is a big concern.
On closer examination, the cigar is somewhat rough in appearance. Several prominent veins are seen in the rather thick, medium brown wrapper. The roll is very solid, without much spring to it and the prelight draw has some resistance. On the initial light I noticed that one portion of the foot was not burning at all, so after several puffs I had to touch it up again with my lighter.
The flavors initially were pretty basic for Dominican cigars - a core of cedary tobacco with some mild spiciness. Despite the really solid roll, I was getting a OK amount of smoke, but I did notice that the burn was quite uneven. On ashing for the first time, I had something happen I had not seen in a long time. After the main ash had dropped off, I still had a burnt stem sticking out about 1" from the cigar. I had to break this off on the side of my ashtray.
The middle third of the cigar was somewhat funky. The burn issue changed now from an uneven one to tunneling. Once I saw this, I let the cigar go out and then relit. This problem continued though, because if I did not keep a steady pace of puffing, the wrapper / binder burn would slow and it would tunnel again. I also noticed that the ash was becoming quite loose and flakey. The flavors of cedar and mild spices continued although they became a bit stronger with some peppery notes.
Once I hit the last third I started getting some harshness and bitterness. I think this was due to several relights and the fact that I had to smoke at a faster pace to keep it from tunneling. So I basically let it die out.
I was rather disappointed in this cigar. I have not experienced these types of burn problems in the other CAO lines I've smoked. And as Bob McDuffee of the DogWatch crew also had some of the same issues, this probably is not an isolated case. I think I'm in agreement with many that comparing how these cigars are packaged + priced vs. the smoking enjoyment you get ... we might see the CAO Vision line on closeout sales within the next year or two.
