Not the best of the CAO line...

Cigar Reviewed: CAO Surplus Sweet Gigante

Smoked at: Martinsburg, WV

Let me start by saying I grabbed a 20-pack from a Thompson promotion, mainly because I was curious if I'd like them. Of the five I've had so far, one smoked beautifully and I enjoy that one. Not all too sweet, compared to a Drew Estate or similar, but heavy dark chocolate and moderate spice. The other four all suffered from the same problem, about halfway into the smoke, the stick would eventually very quickly canoe with the less burning side always on a side which had developed a pronounced "ridge" that has a dark "tar" that leeches out that just doesn't seem to want to burn, and really detracts from the taste. Touching it up with a lighter doesn't seem to help. Eventually the tar will ash off when the space around it has burned sufficiently leaving the tobacco behind it scorched and black, but unburning. This may be a phenomenon more common in lesser quality cigars, but I don't equate CAO to a lesser quality cigar, so I've been a bit baffled by the experience. I didn't pay an exorbitant amount for these, but when only ⅕ the sticks burn properly, I'd say I'd he better buying someone else next time. I get these sticks are meant to appeal to a cost conscious customer, but I've always felt a brand is judged by everything they stick their name on. So I'd say CAO isn't doing themselves any favors branding these, sadly.