America: A Cigar That Reminded Me Why I Enjoy Cigars

Smoked: CAO America

Smoked at: Long Beach, Mississippi

America by CAO

Note: This review is of the America by CAO Monument, not the CAO America 250th Anniversary. Although they share the America name and signature barber pole appearance, they are different cigars. I’ll be reviewing the CAO America 250th Anniversary soon.

This cigar rested in my humidor for approximately six weeks at 65% to 68% humidity before I lit it. It was smoked from my front porch on a hot Mississippi Gulf Coast afternoon with nothing more than a Dr Pepper nearby and a fan blowing through the cracked back door. Those may not be ideal conditions, but they’re real world conditions, and that’s where most of my cigars are enjoyed.

The barber pole wrapper is one of the most recognizable in the cigar world, and it’s every bit as striking in person. Before reaching for the cutter, I spent a few moments simply appreciating the craftsmanship. Construction appeared excellent, and the cigar felt evenly packed from head to foot.

A straight cut produced an open draw without removing too much of the tapered cap. The cold draw immediately offered toasted wood and coffee with just enough sweetness to make me eager for the first light.

From the opening draws, the America settled into an easy rhythm. Toasted wood and coffee formed the foundation while the cigar remained balanced, smooth, and remarkably approachable. It wasn’t trying to overwhelm with strength or complexity. Instead, it simply invited me to slow down and enjoy the experience.

As the cigar developed, a warm baking spice gradually became more noticeable without ever overpowering the profile. I spent several minutes trying to identify another flavor before it finally clicked. The finish reminded me of a cup of hot black tea. Along with its warm, familiar character was that subtle floral quality that good black tea often carries. Once my mind made that connection, everything seemed to fall into place. The tea and baking spice complemented one another beautifully and gave the cigar a refined, relaxing character that remained one of my favorite parts of the experience.

As the final third approached, those individual notes slowly melted together into a creamy, well rounded profile. The baking spice remained, but everything became softer and more integrated. Naturally, the cigar became warmer toward the end, but never harsh or bitter. I found myself smoking it nearly to the nub simply because I wasn’t ready to put it down.

Construction deserves special recognition. The draw remained nearly perfect from beginning to end, the burn stayed remarkably even, and I never needed a single relight. I often forget to mention those things because they’re working exactly as they should, but a cigar that performs this well deserves the recognition. Sometimes the best compliment you can give a cigar is that it simply lets you enjoy it.

My smoking time came to approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, and honestly, I wished there had been more.

Not every cigar has to change your life. Some simply remind you why you enjoy cigars in the first place.

At its current price point, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one. In fact, I’d gladly buy a box. That’s about as strong a recommendation as I can give.

Bobeechee’s Buying Guide

Smoke Again? Absolutely.

Buy a Single? Without hesitation.

Buy a Five Pack? Absolutely.

Buy a Box? Absolutely.