While it was nice and pretty so see the picture on the Instagram with the whiskey and coffee, I want to make it clear that I did this review with a clean palette, absent of any influences. Ricky Rodriguez gave me the advice of smoking cigars blind, which would strengthen my sense of taste and smell since my sense of sight is weakened. Just me, a bottle of water and a place to jot my notes down with little to see besides that paper and my cigar which truly helped me to get the most out of this cigar. The cigar that I’m talking about is the CAO Session, a cigar blended by Ricky Rodriguez himself.
This was not my first time smoking this cigar, but it was the first time where I really experienced this cigar. Absent of anyone else, my normal cup of coffee, and whatever might inhibit me from learning what this cigar brings to the table for me. Hopefully you all can learn a little something from my experience and be sure to let me know about your experience with this cigar as well!
The Cigar
- Origin – Dominican Republic
- Wrapper – Connecticut Broadleaf
- Binder – Dominican
- Filler – Dominican, Nicaraguan
- Vitola – Double Robusto.
- Size – 5.25 x 54
- Strength – Medium
Source: Cigar.com
Before lighting
Before I even cut this cigar I put it to my nose just to get this cigar into my senses and it had a pleasing smell. After cutting my cigar a dry inhale was in order to try and let the different notes hit my tongue. Although, the pre-draw was a little tight, the notes I got were very sweet, making me look forward to lighting this one up.
First Third 1.9/2
When I did light it up my first draw was packed with chocolate and earth notes. I found myself immediately having a good light with this cigar, no constantly using my lighter to try and keep a burn.
My exhale had enough clouds to make Seattle jealous too, it kept a good burn despite being a little uneven as seen above. Another thing I noticed was the fruity taste I got from the wrapper. It was an intriguing taste that I don’t see in many others’ reviews, so maybe it’s just me, but you won’t know unless you give it a try yourself.
Middle of Cigar 1.85/2
When it got further into the cigar I began to taste a lot more earthy notes than I did before, losing the chocolate that hit me earlier. Towards the end of the middle I began to taste spice too. My draw was open and I did not have much difficulty drawing and the burn was pretty solid.
When I took breaks to sip some water I was hit with a fruity flavor on my tongue which took me off guard in a good way. While I was smoking I had my girlfriend come out to ask me something, and she told me that the air smelled fruity, most similar to cherries.
End of Cigar 1.4/2
For the final third of the cigar I didn’t experience much else besides the flavors I mentioned for the middle. I might have tasted some spice, but it burned a little hot for me towards the end so it wasn’t hitting my palette as much as it could have. It didn’t reach the nub for me, but it certainly had me taking off the band.
Overall Thoughts
I had a good experience with this cigar and would be one I’d be comfortable with handing out to my friends if they asked for one. It’s very affordable at 8-9$ in New Jersey so you’re not breaking the bank either. I’m sure if you pair it with some pieces of chocolate, a coffee, or a nice red wine you will be able to enhance the experience even more making that price a steal.
Although, the draw can be tight at times. My second smoke did not open up as much as my first, and it made it a little tough to get through the final third of the cigar. The flavors were still present though so I stuck with it. I’d advise everyone to give this cigar a shot nonetheless!
Ratings:
1/1 – Pre-Light
1/1 – Construction/Appearance
0.8/1 – Overall Lighting/Burn Process
5.15/6 – Smoking Experience
1/1 – Personal Enjoyment/Value
8.95/10 – Overall
~Connor Coles
Beforetheash 