Blind Cigar Review: C.A.O. | Columbia Tinto

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Columbian and Brazilian
Factory: STG Esteli
Blender: Rick Rodriguez
Number of reviewers: 5—–Dave (mdwest) Sandeep (Djangos) Gregg (McGreggor57) Robert (NavyPiper) Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Price: $6.00
Age: 3 Months
Release Date: August 2014
Contributed by: General Cigar

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 89

“This is a light brown, natural shade wrapped cigar which is sporting a smooth, satiny wrapper leaf that is nicely affixed. The entire cigar is firm to touch and heavy in the hand.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Aroma: 89

“A really nice aroma filled with light floral notes in the background and strong barnyard notes up front.” –Dave (mdwest)

First Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Lots of cedar is noticed in the flavor profile with just a hint of floral notes in the background. The cigar has a surprisingly short finish to it, and is almost “crisp” at the end of each puff.” –Dave (mdwest)

“The first cold puffs of this cigar were devoid of any flavor and displayed a slightly firm draw. Upon lighting I was greeted with a very, very mild fruity sweetness with a heavy creamy texture. There was absolutely no pepper at all either on the palate or through the nostrils. This is easily a morning smoke…hopefully it will remain interesting through the end.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)

Second Third

Flavor: 88
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The flavors are beginning to really meld together. Leather and some coffee with a nice floral finish are a welcome change from the initial brighter profile. There is an occasional spice on the retrohale that is making this an interesting third.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“Second third continues the same as the first third, until about 1/2 way in when some pepper and spice slowly and faintly start to creep in. By the end of the third, there’s enough pepper and spice mixed in with the tobacco and walnuts to leave a little zing on the palate and a little burn through the nose.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Final Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Once again, the predominant notes are of leather and nutmeg. There are definitely some woodsy notes appearing again and this is a pleasant change. The crack in the wrapper is getting a little difficult to manage but I keep going because the flavors are better now. The burn is skewed because of the wrapper. The smoke production is phenomenal. There is increased pepper towards the end that is also quite welcome in this otherwise not too spicy a cigar.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“The leather is starting to fade and the cardamom is creeping back toward the front. The burn has been fantastic up to this point. A little toast is coming late to the party on the finish but really pairs well with the muted zing of the cardamom.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 90

“As heavy and firm as the stogie was when pressed, I was concerned with how the draw would turn out, but the draw was very good throughout the smoke.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Burn: 89

“The burn was perfect in the initial third but skewed considerably after the mid point because of the crack in the wrapper exposing the binder. It remained skewed till the very end after that.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

Construction: 89

“Construction seems to be very good. Seams are really well done, tight and very well blended. The wrapper seems rice paper thin and you can see the veins/stems, etc under the wrapper. Cigar feels very dense and heavy. There was no give when pressed.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Overall Experience: 89

“Despite the exploding wrapper, this was a pretty nice smoke. I enjoyed the flavors and would be willing to give it another go in the future.” –Dave (mdwest)

“Overall, had it not been for the wrapper issues, it was a very good cigar. The flavors were pleasant and provided enough complexity to keep my interest. It would have scored higher had it not been for the wrapper. I will definitely try it again. I think the wrapper issue might have been because of increased humidity.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“The first third was a bit overpowering with the citrus and cardamom, but settled in by the the time the second third started. The leather and brief coffee and toast really complimented the zest and floral notes that were present. The flavor ransitions were noticeable and appreciated.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“All in all, it was a good smoke. I didn’t care much for the walnut flavor, the flavors weren’t really what I look for, but I can’t hold that against the cigar. If the flavors are in your profile then I’d recommend it, but I wouldn’t look for getting myself anymore.” –Robert (NavyPiper)

“Other than the construction, I have a hard time finding any redeeming aspect for this smoke for me. The initial flavors were pleasant, although mild. The final flavors were just plain unenjoyable. I would not recommend this to anyone based upon this one sample. Hopefully the others are better and mine was an anomaly.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
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Smoking Time (in minutes): 72

Edit

Reviewer	Appearance	Aroma	1/3	2/3	3/3	Draw	Burn	Constr.	Overall
Dave	85	90	90	88	90	90	90	83	88
Sandeep	95	90	92	90	90	97	88	88	90
Gregg	90	90	88	90	90	90	90	90	90
Robert	88	88	88	88	88	90	88	90	88
Jason H.	90	83	88	88	83	90	92	92	85

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
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Blind Cigar Review: CAO | Columbia Tinto