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