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CAO Criollo Review
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laxman Offline
#1 Posted: Thu, Jan 2 2003, 8:35 PM EST
Joined: 11-02-2002
Posts: 103
I smoked my first CAO Criollo, the Pato (4 7/8" x 50), and let me tell you, this is one heck of a smoke. Great flavor, medium to full bodied, and smoooth. It burned straight as an arrow as well. If you haven't tried one, do yourself a favor and pick one up. Now I just have to light up that Brazilia Gol I just bought, haven't tried that line yet.

--Adam
hegemonic Offline
#2 Posted: Thu, Jan 2 2003, 8:57 PM EST
Joined: 01-17-2000
Posts: 1,294
I second that emission.
SteveS Offline
#3 Posted: Fri, Jan 3 2003, 1:19 AM EST
Joined: 01-13-2002
Posts: 8,751
first CAO ?? ... you really ARE kinda lax huh? ... LOL

That Brazilian is a good one ... in fact, all the CAOs are good ones ... it's one of the best overall lines on the market IMO ...
Slimboli Offline
#4 Posted: Fri, Jan 3 2003, 3:53 AM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
... second to Fuente, of course.

Nothing beats a good Fuente!
jreddoch Offline
#5 Posted: Fri, Jan 3 2003, 4:04 AM EST
Joined: 12-30-2000
Posts: 1,309
Once again, I represent the minority report. I thought the CAO Criollo was an overpriced, unremarkable smoke. I love the Brazilias, but find the Extremes to taste hideous.

Give me a Villazon cigar anytime.
BMW Offline
#6 Posted: Fri, Jan 3 2003, 4:12 AM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 3,010
My favorite CAOs are the Ann. Cammie Toro and Beli. I also liked the churchill in the square tube 'cause the tubes made nice wind chimes. I've got another Criollo to try so jury is still out.

Barry
eleltea Offline
#7 Posted: Fri, Jan 3 2003, 4:32 AM EST
Joined: 03-03-2002
Posts: 4,562
Padron/Fuente
CAO
joelmitre Offline
#8 Posted: Fri, Jan 3 2003, 4:44 AM EST
Joined: 10-23-2002
Posts: 79
I agree with Jreddoch, on this cigar. I had one on New Year’s, and was not impressed at all. Every CAO I have ever smoked has been a very flavorful and a good smoke. The Criollo had remarkable construction, but it just wasn’t that tasty, IMHO. The fact that I was a bit inebriated may have been a factor! Come to think of it, I’d better try one sober before I write this one off. However, I purchased it at a decent price, in relation to other CAOs.


Mr.Mean Offline
#9 Posted: Fri, Jan 3 2003, 6:08 AM EST
Joined: 05-16-2001
Posts: 3,025
Slim's talkin out his backside again. No Fuente can top a Vargas Senadores or the Flor del Todo.
CAO Criollo's have a unique nutty profile that should really come through with some dor time.
justforfun Offline
#10 Posted: Fri, Jan 3 2003, 8:04 PM EST
Joined: 03-06-2002
Posts: 797
One of my favorite cigars right now. Santa brought me a box --- I must've been really good last year!!!

:)
wanyburger Offline
#11 Posted: Fri, Jan 3 2003, 8:14 PM EST
Joined: 07-21-1999
Posts: 665
Slim,

Had some friends over fo New Year's and we got on the subject of CAO cigars and Perdomo cigars. I was suprised to hear most of them preffered the Perdomo label (I think the "X" is crowd fav) What do you think knowing they are both made by Nick's crew?
calavera Offline
#12 Posted: Sat, Jan 4 2003, 4:28 AM EST
Joined: 01-26-2002
Posts: 1,868
I smoked a Pato for New Years Eve. Had a heck of a time keeping it lit and burning straight. Despite this, it was a great cigar. Medium body with a spicy/peppery earthy taste. Plus, it was only 5.50. I will be stocking up on these.

J
Slimboli Offline
#13 Posted: Sat, Jan 4 2003, 8:03 AM EST
Joined: 07-09-2000
Posts: 16,139
wanyburger --- they are both very good cigars.

An article in CA, published in December of last year, pretty much states it all:

http://www.ask.com/main/metaAnswer.asp?t=ai&s=a&MetaEngine=directhit&en=te&eo=2&o=0&frames=True&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ecigaraficionado%2Ecom%2FCigar%2FAficionado%2Fstars%2Fperdomo%2D2%2Ehtml&ac=19&adcat=kids&pt=Perdomo%2C+Page+2&dm=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ecigaraficionado%2Ecom%2FCigar%2FAficionado%2Fstars%2Fperdomo%2D2%2Ehtml&io=9&qid=36F9C773A27504469FF7EEFAA3B1B3DB&back=ask%3DAre%2BC%2EA%2EO%2E%2Band%2BPerdomo%2BCigars%2Bmade%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bsame%2Bfactory%253F%26o%3D0%26x%3D18%26y%3D11&ask=Are+C%2EA%2EO%2E+and+Perdomo+Cigars+made+in+the+same+factory%3F&dt=030104094006&amt=&pg=1&qsrc=0

WOW ... that's the link to beat all links! Sorry ... but I went through 'Ask Jeeves' to find it ... LOL!
wanyburger Offline
#14 Posted: Sat, Jan 4 2003, 8:41 AM EST
Joined: 07-21-1999
Posts: 665
I'm reading it now. interesting.
DrMaddVibe Offline
#15 Posted: Sat, Jan 4 2003, 9:29 AM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,516
I've had 3 "cigars" out of the Criollo line and have found them to be the biggest waste of money and time invested! Why CAO even brought this to fruitation is beyond me. They've got sooooooo many "real" cigar lines that offering up some gimmick smoke is a disservice to them and to the rest of the lines.
laxman Offline
#16 Posted: Sat, Jan 4 2003, 11:23 AM EST
Joined: 11-02-2002
Posts: 103
Wow--why, may I ask, do you have such a strong distaste for the Criollo line Doc?

--Adam
DrMaddVibe Offline
#17 Posted: Sat, Jan 4 2003, 11:58 AM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,516
The sizes, the prices, the taste, the smoke factor. I'm not saying it's a dog-rocket, but at the price they're charging for that tiny lil thing...it'd better light itself too.

CAO has some wonderful cigars, so I know it's not the company. It's gotta be some manufacturing "weenie" that dreams up this stuff to peddle! Now the Black(new and old),the Brazilia, the Extreme's and the Odyssey are a testament that cigar's can be a earth moving experience.
justforfun Offline
#18 Posted: Sun, Jan 5 2003, 9:21 AM EST
Joined: 03-06-2002
Posts: 797
Doc: sounds like your tastes are more matured and experienced and that the Criollo's are just too mild for them?? I also (very much) enjoy the Brazilia's and Extreme's, but must disagree with you on the Criollo's. In my opinion, it is an AWESOME cigar!!!


:)
Jon@CAO Offline
#19 Posted: Mon, Jan 6 2003, 6:17 AM EST
Joined: 08-23-2002
Posts: 745
I'd like to address DrMaddVibe's comments about WHY he did not care for our CAO Criollo cigars...

Let me preface by saying that everyone is entitled to their own opinions - also, taste is subjective; there is no one cigar out there that every single individual will all agree upon. Having said that...

SIZES: Each of the four shapes in the CAO Criollo line were influenced by and, in some cases, directly taken from the traditional and classic sizes/shapes of Cuba. If you don't care for the Criollo sizes, you probably aren't a fan of the sizes of a Montecristo No. 5, Cohiba Robusto, Punch Punch, or Montecristo No. 2 either.

PRICES: The CAO Criollo line is priced pennies more than our Brazilia line and significantly less than our L'Anniversaire line. For example: DrMaddVibe states he enjoys our L'Anniversaire eXtreme line; the eXtreme belicoso carries an MSRP of $8.10/cigar - the corresponding shape in the Criollo line (Conquistador), has an MSRP of $7.25/cigar. Further, the CAO Odyssey (also mentioned by DrMaddVibe) had an MSRP of $15.00/cigar when it was available.

TASTE: As I stated previously, this is subjective. I will add, however, that the CAO Criollo was always intended to be a rich and flavorful cigar that was medium in body and mild in strength. If you're looking for a "powerhouse" cigar, look elsewhere. If you want to smoke something that is akin to smoking a mild to medium-bodied Cuban cigar (as many have drawn the comparison), check out the CAO Criollo.

SMOKE FACTOR: Not sure what is meant here(?), however, if this is addressing construction/performance of the cigar, I have yet to smoke a Criollo that did not perform well or that was plugged, bunched incorrectly, etc.

To each his own....

DrMaddVibe Offline
#20 Posted: Mon, Jan 6 2003, 8:16 AM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,516
If I want to smoke a Cuban...I'll smoke a Cuban! Had I known that CAO was "trying" to duplicate the Cuban cigar experience I wouldn't have even bothered!

Thanks Jon for clearing that up.
Jon@CAO Offline
#21 Posted: Mon, Jan 6 2003, 8:19 AM EST
Joined: 08-23-2002
Posts: 745
DMV - My intent was not to "offend," but rather, to enlighten, provide some background as to the development of the shapes of this line, and offer concrete information regarding the price structure.

You're welcome.
DrMaddVibe Offline
#22 Posted: Mon, Jan 6 2003, 8:31 AM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 55,516
No, I understood what you said. I didn't think you offended me(or my tastebuds), it's perhaps I "expected" more and was very disappointed. On the flipside...I was gifted a box of "new" Black Labels or Frontiers...That's one fine smoke there too! What's the "real" name for them as depending on where I go...I hear different names for the same thing.

PS: #78 of 6000
SteveS Offline
#23 Posted: Mon, Jan 6 2003, 8:36 AM EST
Joined: 01-13-2002
Posts: 8,751
As in all other things, when it comes to cigars, one size does NOT fit all ...

Taste is an extremely subjective thing ... taste varies considerably from one person to the next ... the fact that some people actually like cucumbers and/or flavored cigars is powerful evidence of that to me ...

If that weren't true for everyone, CAO and other firms would have no neeed to make more than one cigar which would "fit all" ... lots of guys say they prefer the Brazilians, but if one size DID fit all, we'd all be smoking the L'Anniversaires and CAO would've never needed to introduce the Brazilians, let alone the Criollos ...

Jon, you tell your firm to keep 'em coming ... I'll try 'em all and I'll buy more of the ones I like ...
efm Offline
#24 Posted: Tue, May 6 2003, 10:27 PM EST
Joined: 01-23-2001
Posts: 499
Just smoked me first Criollo and I found it to be a superior cigar. Right up there in quality with the L'Anniversaire. Good job CAO.
gideon Offline
#25 Posted: Wed, May 7 2003, 4:32 AM EST
Joined: 04-23-2003
Posts: 108
Jon - thanks for the details on the development of the Criollo. That's the kind of unique information I like to see on the Forum. As for your cigars, I am a big fan of the L'Anniversaires Cameroon and after reading the reviews here, I'll have to go pick myself up one of the Criollos.

Take care.
Homebrew Offline
#26 Posted: Wed, May 7 2003, 5:40 AM EST
Joined: 02-11-2003
Posts: 11,885
Hey Guys,
Haven't had the Criollo yet, but everything I have ever smoked, by CAO, has been great, even if it didn't fit my flavor profile. I prefer stronger cigars, but can appreciate a mild cigar, especially on the ride to work in the morning. Just because a cigar doesn't fit your flavor profile doesn't make it a bad cigar. Hell if you don't like it don't smoke it. Send it to me.
LOL
Later
Dave
SteveR@CigarBid Offline
#27 Posted: Wed, May 7 2003, 5:44 AM EST
Joined: 11-19-2002
Posts: 12,746
I have to admit, I was anxiously waiting for this cigar, and couldn't wait to light it up the day my local retailer got them in. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed; mainly because I am such a fan of the Brazilia and L'Anniversaire line.

Of course, I tried it several more times, and enjoyed every once since then. It's a great change of pace cigar, from those large, full bodied maduros. To me, it's just another quality stick from a quality company.
cccbus Offline
#28 Posted: Thu, May 8 2003, 6:40 PM EST
Joined: 02-20-2003
Posts: 412
I for one do very much enjoy this Cigar. Nice relaxing smoke after a hard day. But to each his own. As my father in law says " thats why they make chocolate and vanilla Ice Cream"
emgjet Offline
#29 Posted: Thu, May 8 2003, 6:52 PM EST
Joined: 11-28-2001
Posts: 1,231
IMO, the best criollo available today. Had my first CAO Criollo while my wife was shopping two months ago. Decided to park myself on a bench while the wife was shopping...it turned out to be one of the better hour's I spent by myself on a bench. Good construction, fair draw, tight ash, and a spicy/nutty taste that kept me amused.

Ed
wouldestous Offline
#30 Posted: Sat, May 10 2003, 9:51 PM EST
Joined: 02-07-2002
Posts: 412
i thought the cao criollo was a flat, unremarkable smoke. the brazilia is a good cigar but they dont melt my butter. the cao maduro, on the other hand... yowza!
jd1 Offline
#31 Posted: Sat, May 10 2003, 10:31 PM EST
Joined: 02-14-2001
Posts: 3,118
Have to concur on the CAO criollo. Didn't do it for me, but after putting almost 5 months on the few I had left, they changed remarkably. Still not on my short list, but a testament to what age can do to some quality tobacco. The cammies and Brazilia on the other hand are my go to CAOs. There is no better cammie out there than a nicely aged CAO Toro. As for the Brazilia, the Piranha (with some age) definitely rocks my boat with the other Brazilias coming in right behind. Like them for a change of pace but feel there are just as good smokes for the price (El Rico, Antano '70, etc).
Robby Offline
#32 Posted: Sun, May 11 2003, 7:57 AM EST
Joined: 10-30-2002
Posts: 5,067
I missed Jon's response to Maddvibe's qstn which was an interesting one... "I was gifted a box of "new" Black Labels or Frontiers...That's one fine smoke there too! What's the "real" name for them as depending on where I go...I hear different names for the same thing. "
eleltea Offline
#33 Posted: Sun, May 11 2003, 5:21 PM EST
Joined: 03-03-2002
Posts: 4,562
I am a fan of the Brazilia line, too. I have a Criollo I got in a trade resting in the humi and am looking forward to trying it out. I enjoy a medium strength cigar once in a while, and I like the CAO Gold line, too. They have a rich cigar aroma. Not to be rushed, which I imagine would be true of the Criollo. I enjoyed the little history Jon posted. Thanks, Jon.
E-Chick Offline
#34 Posted: Mon, May 12 2003, 11:18 AM EST
Joined: 06-15-2002
Posts: 4,877
You KNOW that I am always one to beat the C.A.O. drum loudly...except for the Criollo...

Construction and burn are very nice, as usual. But I found all 3 a bit harsh...maybe I forgot to smoke with the lit end out?
BeatDragon Offline
#35 Posted: Mon, May 12 2003, 12:43 PM EST
Joined: 02-28-2003
Posts: 4,754
The only CAO to date I didnt care for.
penzt8 Offline
#36 Posted: Mon, May 12 2003, 4:54 PM EST
Joined: 06-05-2000
Posts: 1,771
I smoked my first CAO criollo yesterday with my morning coffee (courtesy of USAHog). I really enjoyed it. I believe the Brazilia line is more to my taste but I'd smoke the criollo again.
BMW Offline
#37 Posted: Fri, May 16 2003, 10:23 AM EST
Joined: 10-21-2000
Posts: 3,010
I gave the Criollo another chance today. With another 4 months on them the flavor starts to come through. It got past the spicey (translation-harsh,peppery) and gave in a little to the nutty flavors that I had heard these things had. Still not my favorite CAO, but with a year or so of age I think they will become much better.

Barry
redsquid Offline
#38 Posted: Sun, May 18 2003, 4:20 PM EST
Joined: 12-15-2002
Posts: 1,286
I went to a friends birthday at a cozy little bar/restaurant. I wanted to bring a nice cigar, but I figured something unobtrusive to avoid being asked to douse it prematurely. I picked a CAO Criollo Pampa. I never had a CAO before and figured the little petite corona would fit the situation even though I rarely smoke smaller cigars. I couldn't believe how much smoke that thing poured out. I was also surprised at the flavor and complexity offered by such a small ring guage, not to mention pretty good nicotine punch. The damn thing lasted over an hour as well, even being passed around so folks could 'try a drag'(the consensus being that the second hand aroma was very nice). Would I put it next to an ISOM Monte #4? Well... I wouldn't want y'all to think I was one of those paid CAO boosters. I am itchin' to try those Brazilia GOLs stabilizing in the humi though.
usahog Offline
#39 Posted: Thu, Jul 31 2003, 3:45 PM EST
Joined: 12-06-1999
Posts: 22,691
don't know how I missed this one... But it (CAO Criollo) in my Book and my Wife's is one of the better Cigars CAO has put out there!!! thanks to JCrimmons on the Recommendation of these to try... we (she and I) have found another Favorite that we share Often!!!!

I don't care for the Flavored Cigars much either... but She loves the Moontrance and the Vanilla's CAO puts out there also!!

Hog
ikonoklast7 Offline
#40 Posted: Thu, Jul 31 2003, 7:03 PM EST
Joined: 07-13-2003
Posts: 683
I've only had one Criollo, which came as part of a deal with a traveldor someone else bought and was a gift to me.

I thought it was tasty, but a little harsh (maybe just the one I had). But after having my first ISOM, a Cohiba Siglo III, I indeed agree with Jon@CAO that it does taste a lot like a Cuban.

I'll have to smoke more of them before I can pass my final verdict.
usahog Offline
#41 Posted: Thu, Jul 31 2003, 7:08 PM EST
Joined: 12-06-1999
Posts: 22,691
Ikon.. I to have had a few of them a little on the green side... in that case you have to Purge them of their Impurities!!!! after such they roll out to be a Very fine Smoke!!!!

and yes that is another reason why the Mrs. and I enjoy them so much... the closeness to ISOMs they have...

Hog
ikonoklast7 Offline
#42 Posted: Thu, Jul 31 2003, 7:19 PM EST
Joined: 07-13-2003
Posts: 683
If I buy any more...

Okay, WHEN I buy more of the CAO Criollo, I'll let 'em set in the humi for a while.
Go Stars! Offline
#43 Posted: Thu, Jul 31 2003, 8:11 PM EST
Joined: 12-16-2002
Posts: 62
Okay, my .02 worth. Got the Otter box w/9 stogies:

3 Perdomo 2 (good, mild-med. smoke!)
3 Idios Puros (thought they were still a little green & need dor time)
3 CAO Criollo Manchas

Gentlemen (and lady), this is the MIDDLE CLASS mans' cigar. I absolutely CANNOT throw the kind of money at gars that some of you do. Solution? Keep my tastes modest until that six figure income makes its' appearance!

THE CRIOLLO MANCHA: somewhere between 5-7 draws into this thing and I'm pulling it away from my face, staring in astonishment at this little (yes, little, but seemed SOOOO big) wonder! OMG! Thank you CAO for making this little gem and turning me on, overall, to the Criollo!

I've since picked up some Cupido Criollo's and find them just a step behind CAO, but still very good!

TO YOU DEEP POCKETED GARSMEN: please leave us peasants some of the drippings in the form of Criollo's while you buy up the "heavy artillery." Pleeeeeaaassssseeeee....(grovel, grovel, grovel)
godfather1453406 Offline
#44 Posted: Thu, Jul 31 2003, 8:27 PM EST
Joined: 06-11-2003
Posts: 426
he Gostars I got the same thing. The only thing I liked was the Puro. They both sucked if you asked me.
Go Stars! Offline
#45 Posted: Thu, Jul 31 2003, 8:58 PM EST
Joined: 12-16-2002
Posts: 62
Maybe having coffee w/that Puro overpowered that smoke. Hmmmm...I'll have to give 'er another try. Would love to take your remaining Criollo's offer yer hands, but don't know if I've got anything you'd like in trade.

my e-mail: [email protected]
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