Cigar Watch

Cigar Brand? CAO LX2

Size Name? Robusto

Length/Ring Gauge? 52 x 5

Purchase Date? December 2008

Box or Individual? Box

Smoking Date? March 28, 2009

Packaging? No cellophane

Price (Per Cigar or Box)? $6.50/stick retail

Where Purchased? Online

Country Where Made: Nicaragua

Meal/Beverage: Heineken Premium Light

Overall Appearance and Presentation of Cigar (Max. 20 Points) ( 14 of 20)

Wrapper Color? ( 3 of 4)

Consistent Color Within Box? ( 2 of 2)

Oily/Dry? ( 1 of 2) Somewhat dry

Veiny/Smooth? ( 3 of 5) few veins

Cap Construction? ( 1 of 1)

Packaging? ( 2 of 2)

Ease of Cutting? ( 2 of 2)

Construction (Soft, Hard)? ( 1 of 2) Firm

Lighting and Burning Properties (Max. 15 Points) ( 13 of 15)

Even Initial Light? ( 1 of 1)

Even Burn? ( 9 of 11)

Initial Slightly Uneven 50% Even 75% Even

Resting Smoke (light & even, smoldering)?

( 1 of 1) Light & even

Burn Rate (fast, perfect, slow)? ( 1 of 1)

perfect

Ash (Solid, Black, White and Crumbly)? Semi-solid white ash

Require Re-Lighting? ( 1 of 1)

Construction (Max. 30 Points) ( 25 of 30)

Initial Draw easy 50% easy 75% slightly tighter draw ( 23 of 27)

Wrapper Stays Intact? ( 2 of 3)

Slight split about 1/3 of the way in

Taste (Max. 35 Points) ( 33 of 35)

Light, Medium, Full-Bodied? Full-Bodied

Bitter, Harsh, Smooth? Smooth

Sweet/Salty? Slightly sweet

Bland, Vegetal, Spicy, Peppery? Spicy flavor, long finish

Describe Any Changes in Body or Flavor

Initial flavor is full of hints of woody cedar, pepper, and spice

Midway through flavor changes to more of a tea & licorice profile

Aroma (Rich and Smooth and Acrid)? Rich aroma

Finish? Long finish that stays on the palate

Comments: The first of these that I smoked right out of the box seemed very one-dimensional though very powerful. After allowing these cigars to rest and age for about 3 months, the flavors have really begun to take shape without sacrificing any of the ligero strength in the cigar. Definitely a smoother cigar with age and I anticipate that these cigars will get better in the 6 to 9 month range. A very enjoyable smoke that lets you know it is ligero times two from the start. The initial draw was very easy yet perfect. The burn was slow and as with most cigars that are packed with ligero, it requires your full attention to keep it from going out. The wrapper did have one slight split about a 1/3 of the way in although this did correct itself nicely without any additional “burning” or re-lighting. The cigar is firm and has a good feel in the hand. The pepper and spice is prevalent though not overpowering throughout. The hints of licorice and tea midway through the cigar give it a subtle sweetness that is enjoyable. The finish is long and pleasant. This cigar produces lots of thick white smoke that fills the mouth and dances across the palate. Holding the smoke and blowing it through the sinuses allows the licorice flavors to intensify. Overall a powerhouse of a cigar that continues to improve with age. Definitely a cigar that I would purchase and smoke again.

Total Score / Grade: 85/100