CAO Gold Maduro Cigar
It has been quite a while since I last smoked one of these — a few years, in fact. Ironically, just before posting this review, I discovered that I had actually reviewed this same cigar back in 2012. Apparently, some things are worth revisiting, because I’m still just as pleasantly impressed with this cigar today as I was then.
From the start, this cigar delivered an exceptionally smooth and refined smoking experience. The profile leaned mellow to medium-bodied, built around creamy notes of coffee, subtle earth, and a touch of natural sweetness that lingered softly on the palate. There was no harshness whatsoever — just a rich, balanced smoke that felt effortless from beginning to end.
Visually, the cigar was beautiful. It was wrapped in a dark, oily, toothy maduro leaf that practically begged to be smoked. The construction was flawless. The burn line stayed razor sharp and remarkably even around the entire circumference — honestly, one of the cleanest burns I can remember experiencing. The ash held firm and compact for long stretches without flaking or wavering, which always speaks volumes about the quality of the roll and the tobacco.
One thing that stood out to me was the texture of the smoke itself. Over the years, I’ve often heard cigar enthusiasts describe certain cigars as “chewy,” but I never fully understood what they meant until now. This cigar finally made it click for me. The smoke was thick, dense, and almost velvety — coating the palate with a rich, oily texture that allowed the flavors to linger long after each draw. It created a depth and mouthfeel that made the experience feel far more luxurious and immersive than your average smoke. Enthusiasts often use “chewy” to describe a cigar with a thick, velvety smoke texture and strong mouthfeel, and this cigar absolutely delivered that experience.
This was not a loud or overpowering cigar. Instead, it was refined and balanced — the kind of cigar that reminds you why slower, more nuanced smokes are sometimes the most memorable of all.
