Review: CAO Criollo Pato

The Start of Something New & Different

So tonight marks my first in a long line of reviews for CAO given the number of smokes currently produced and rumors of many more to come in the near future. I say the word first, however I have reviewed the Flavours line some time ago, which needless to say put a bad taste in my mouth. I’ve decided to wipe the CAO slate clean and start fresh, disposing of any ill conceived notions that I may have developed in the past as a result of the Karma Sutra Splash. Tonight pulls me out of the realm of flavored cigars into that of a more traditional smoke. Tonight paves the way for the real CAO cigars, starting with the Criollo Pato.

The first thing to strike me about this stick is the color. The wrap shows off a beautiful deep and rich tone which at first glance looks to be Cameroon; however it’s actually Nicaraguan Criollo. The Criollo (cre-yo-yo) seed is rich in the history of cigar making. Originating in Cuba, Criollo simply means ‘native seed’. Just the appearance alone denotes an earthy flavor with moderate veining and a surprisingly smooth texture. Craftsmanship and attention to detail is top notch, all the way to the band which almost seems to fade seamlessly into the wrap.

This stick is easily lit followed by a smooth draw, pulling flavors of mocha, leather and heavily toasted walnuts. As the wrap suggests, this is a moderate to full bodied smoke which pulls subtle flavors of allspice and sweet paprika as it burns down. The craftsmanship is also evident in the ash, which holds easily through two-thirds of this smoke, pleasantly assisted by a razor sharp burn.

The finish is also strong on the Criollo and never burns hot. After 40 minutes, this is a smoke that truly doesn’t want to end. Flavors are just as sharp and complex as it burns past the band then when it was first lit.

Needless to say, I was rather impressed with my first foray into the additional lines that CAO has to offer. If I’m able to continue these experiences, maybe, just maybe, I might be able to forget a certain “flavour” that’s been convoluting my judgment of what could truly live up to the hype.

As previously mentioned, I must give credit to the marketing talent behind CAO. Along with filling the shelves in the local cigar shops, they seem to have taken over the one city devoted to vices and fine living, Las Vegas. Just today I’ve read that CAO has been selected to provide cigars for the NBA Players Association Annual Summer Meeting at the newly developed Wynn resort. Not only will we see the NBA’s finest lighting up, we’ve also seen the Hard Rock Hotel’s 10th Anniversary party go up in a fury of CAO smoke filled celebration. I think Jon Huber may be onto something.


CAO Criollo

Is CAO Really the Best?

It seems no matter where you turn in the world of cigars, CAO is always there saturating the press. If there’s one name who knows how to market themselves, it’s definitely CAO. They were the strongest presence in the Las Vegas Big Smoke of 2004, drawing the biggest crowds and generating the most talk. Unfortunately for that event, they were introducing their lackluster Flavours line of smokes, which I didn’t take to with any enthusiasm (a review of which you can read here). With additional sticks appearing on a regular basis, it’s now hard not to walk into your local smoke shop and not have CAO catch your eye.

Recently, the CAO Italia has been ranked among the “Best of the Best” according to the Robb Report. It ranks along with 7 other cigar brands to become heralded as the “Best” for 2005. Upon researching this cigar, I’ve found that the Habano seeds are grown in Italy, which I think is quite the unique twist. CAO Vice President, Tim Ozegner, comments on that practice as having “amazing potential and we felt strongly that blending it with the right tobaccos would yield an extraordinary cigar”.

Nothing I’ve smoked up to this point with CAO has been extraordinary, however I’ve been impressed with the Cameroon line, which I have yet to review. If anyone has any thoughts on the Italia line, I’d be eager to read them.


CAO Italia

Review: Zino Platinum Grand Master

The Philosophy of Zino

While at the Big Smoke in Vegas last year, one couldn’t help but notice the Zino display near the entrance of the event. It stood well over 20 feet tall as a silver doorway to the gala, catching the eyes of everyone who walked in. Upon researching the man that is Zino Davidoff, I couldn’t help drawing parallels to the impressive eye catching display and the life the life he once led. One word sums up the life and times of Zino Davidoff, impressive.

Zino had leaded a life rich in the development and trends that encapsulate the cigar community today. He had paved the roads to success with one simple philosophy; to enrich life through enjoying its good things. Since 1924, Zino had been engulfed by the world of cigars, first by teachings from his father on how to produce blends of tobacco for cigarettes and pipes, to opening a cigar department in his Fathers shop shortly after his studies on the tobacco culture in South America. In 1991 he helped launch the sudden “boom” we’ve seen by introducing the “New Generation of Davidoff Cigars”. Shortly thereafter, in 1994, Zino Davidoff passed away, only to leave a legacy of truly great smokes. The Zino Platinum Grand Master is an example of true craft in the world of cigars.

The first distinguishing figure of this cigar is its band. Bound like a platinum ring, the silver and black contrast on the rich mahogany tones of the wrap couldn’t be any more striking. The construction of this cigar is well crafted without any visible blemishes to take away from its beauty. The fill is tightly packed and the size (52 x 5 ½) makes the Grand Master feel like it was made to fit the hand in perfect harmony.

Upon lighting up, the burn remained even and the initial ash was solid, structurally in place throughout the first half of the smoke. Given it’s solid construction, I found the draw to be somewhat easy, and would have preferred a little more effort, however that may take away some of the attention to flavor. With a bold palate containing earthy hints of spice while avoiding a bitter burn, a bit of sweetness came through as the complex flavor continued its rush on the senses. The smoke emitted was light and flavorful as well, ensuring that it will not offend. You’ll find the balance of tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Peru finishes not with force, rather with a subtlety that will have you coming back form more.

As Zino has often stated, “It’s the real things in life that make it worth living”. Take these words to heart, and ponder what it is that fulfills your life while enjoying the beauty that is a Platinum Grand Master.

Zino Davidoff