Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
Vitola: Robusto (5 ¼, x 54)
Purchase Link: CAO Session
CAO SESSION REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: The draw is slightly snug and offering raisins before lighting. A few puffs in and the foot audibly crackles when I pull. Are the firework stands already set up for Independence Day? Will this be a firework-less 4th of July with the shelter-in-place guidelines? Musky earth. Faint floral notes and nutmeg offer a glimpse of hope just as a burn touch-up becomes necessary.
Entering the second third, there are no flavor transitions yet to note.
Still primarily earth in the final third. Yo ho, yo ho, this stick is not for me.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Being marooned on an island without rum.
Pairing Suggestion: Hot buttered rum.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
CAO SESSION REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: This cigar brought flavors of earth, chocolate, molasses, oak, brown sugar, clove, and coffee. The profile shifted between chocolate as the main driver of deliciousness and oak leading the way. I'm going to be that guy with odd flavor notes and say something in this cigar also reminded me of blueberry at times.
The burn was very good, with small waves that corrected themselves. The draw was on the tighter side, but with no issues.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Dark flavors with balance.
Pairing Suggestion: Bourbon.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
CAO SESSION REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: The wrapper on this stick was dark and oily. Raisins, tobacco and a hint of molasses.
Clipped the cap....no air. Clipped again, and a third time.... finally got some air though this cigar but not much. The draw was immensely tight, killing the flavors.
Barely 1/4” of ash and the entire wrapper split up one side. Even with the giant “hole” in the side of the cigar...still no draw. Had some bitter wood notes, some floral notes...and that’s about it.
Cigar literally fell apart after 1 1/2” of smoking. The split wrapper continued to separate from the binder.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Completely failing at everything.
Pairing Suggestion: Something strong to help you forget.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
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