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.

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

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 ...

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.

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.

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

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.

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"

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

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!

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).

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. "

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.

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?

The only CAO to date I didnt care for.

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.

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

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.

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

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.