CAO America Potomac (5 x 56)
Posted by Uncle Moneybag$ on 16 Oct 2007 at 12:13 am | Tagged as: Cigar Reviews
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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Correction: technically, there are four stars on the bottom band (which I forgot when I counted), so I guess the only state not represented is Hawaii. Maybe that’s because CAO read my post on the availability of cigars in Hawaii (see my previous post)?
I have seen them in a local shop but didn’t pick any up yet. I sure wish they would make a smaller size. The ring is to big for me. I will be picking a couple up to rest until next fourth.
A very entertaining review. Just for that alone, I’ll definitely give them a shot sometime in the near future.
Best review I’ve seen in a long time. I’ll have to try this new cigar out when I see it. Do any online retailers (JR, CI, CBID, etc) sell these yet?
[...] CAO America Potomac (5 x 56) cigar. The filler alone comes from four different countries: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Italy [...]
Stinkie:
I agree with you on the sizes being too large. My bet is that CAO will include some smaller sizes (like they did with the Brazilia and Italia lines) if this is a success. Regardless, I hope you try it, if only to celebrate our nation’s independence day.
UncleMoneybag$
Long Ashes:
Thanks for the post. The Americas are currently available at famous-smoke.com:
http://www.famous-smoke.com/cigars/search/sr.cfm/st/cigbr
Prices (for 20, including free shipping) are as follows:
CAO America Landmark $152.95
Size: 6 x 60
CAO America Monument $138.95
Size: 6 1/4 x 54
CAO America Potomac 20 $121.95
Size: 5 x 56
Dandyman,
Thanks for the post. Glad to hear you’ll try this fantastic smoke. Please let us know your thoughts in a future post.
UncleMoneybag$
[...] Leafy Times reviews a COA America Potomac. [...]
I will try it for sure, I would just like a smaller size in this cigar along with the Oliva Serie V as well.
Long Ashes Ditto, you can get a 3 or six sampler from tinder box from $21.99.
I just picked up this baby the other day. I have dinner engagement tonight that will be a perfect time to fire this up. I can’t wait.
You said it was the best CAO ever! Huge statement and can’t wait to see if you are correct. So far, the CAO Extreme is tops on my list. But then again, we are splitting hairs. CAO is probably the top manufacture of 2007.
[...] CAO America Potomac (Leafy Times) [...]
I took the challenge and smoked one last night. Needless to say, the cigar failed to live up to all the hype. Don’t get me wrong, it is a good smoke but there are other CAO cigars that are far better constructed. The Extreme and Mx2 are just a few that are a better quality smoke.
I am being overly critical due to all the marketing for this smoke. It’s good but not great.
Update: Cigar Aficionado gave the Landmark (6 x 60) CAO America a rather-mediocre 87 points in their latest issue. While I haven’t tried that particular size, I’m surprised it did not score higher.
Incidentially, they gave the Gold Maduro Churchill an 83–a full point higher than the Robusto reviewed in the last issue. Maybe they just don’t like CAOs?
I think Monkey Dan is right. Unfortunately, CAO makes a better presentation than they do cigars. Sure, they have some good ones, but overall the cigars are just okay.
Anyone had the CAO Visions? I actually really liked the Epiphany cigar and I think the reason it got mediocre reviews is that the presentation is so amazing that the smoker has this idea that the cigar must also be fantastic. This holds true with the CAOs in general I think.
You gotta admit though - it is a very pretty cigar
You wanna smoke one as soon as you see it.
[...] stick, but agreed that the flavor isn’t as full as the hype. The Velvet Cigar was also impressed, Leafy Times wrote it is “the best CAO ever,†and Cigar Command quipped “this will be a hit for [...]
[...] best cigar yet, at least Uncle Moneybag$ at Leafy Times thinks [...]
[...] know I tend to overrate cigars (e.g., CAO America), but Diablos are actually fantastic little smokes. They have a “peppery” aftertaste [...]
Over rated