Those of you who read this site regularly already know that I’m a huge fan of CAO. From the everyday Gold line, to the more exotic Sopranos and Italia lines, there’s only one cigar they make that I’m not a fan of (the Criollo). While I may have lost a few points with some readers by saying the Gold Maduro is a fantastic addition to their lineup (a month later, Cigar Aficionado gave it a dismal 82 points), I’m confident most of you agree that CAO is arguably one of the “top three” producers out there (along with Arturo Fuente and Padron).

It’s not every day you get to try a new CAO–though sometimes it seems like every other day. Their newest is the “CAO America.” This is a very complicated cigar. The filler alone comes from four different countries: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Italy and USA. The binder comes from a fifth country: Brazil. Then there’s two wrappers, both from the USA–the first is a creamy Connecticut shade; the second is a darker sungrown ligero–wrapped together to form a “barber pole.” Much like the country it’s named after, the CAO America is a true “melting pot.”

But is it any good? Absolutely. In fact, this the best cigar CAO has made to date. The draw is perfect. The burn is good. The taste is powerful–spicy, nutty and woody, with honey and flower notes. Much like its namesake, this cigar is utterly unique. And, much like its namesake, it’s “heavier” than the rest of the world, ranging in size from 5 x 56 to a whopping 6 x 60. It’s more patriotic, too, with obnoxiously over-pronounced stars and stripes (only 45 stars, though–take that Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma!). And, like the country, CAO’s America gets better with time–up until the last few puffs, where everything kind of falls apart. (Sorry, no politics.)

I know some of you will disagree with my conclusion that this is the best CAO ever. Fair enough. This is America, after all. The land of free expression, opinion and ideas. America is controversial; so too is this cigar. One thing’s for sure, however: CAO has created something hitherto unknown to the cigar world. I, for one, think they did a great job. Or, as George Bush would say, “Mission Accomplished”.

LT Rating: 9 / 10 *********

Another Take: StogieReview.com
Yet another take: CigarCommand.com

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