CAO LX2 Robusto
Every now and again I am lucky enough to try cigars before they are normally available. I like using these opportunities to take a little more time with a cigar and form a few opinions.
Seems Tim and the boys at CAO have come up with another cigar to bring to market called the LX2, which is a double ligero. I was quite a fan of the original CAO Maduro in the late 90's and a current fan of the Brazilia Box Press and the Vision. The only question I have, is if this will meet these expectations.
--First Impressions--
The cigar is tightly wrapped with a smooth dark wrapper. It is easy to see the sheen of oil over the silky surface. Smelling this cigar gives the impression of sweet somewhat floral spice and cedar. A dry draw through this smoke provides a tangy sweet malty spice. So far so good, time to generously apply some fire.
--Light and First Quarter--
As soon as I light this cigar a strong complex of malty sweet, black pepper spice easily fills the mouth. The draw is easy and generous. Rolling the smoke through the nose provides quite an effervescent tingle that perks me up and gets my attention. An after note of tea with cream and oily jalapeño spice settle on the palette.
The smoke is quite thick and heavy with sticky mouth feel. An overall impression of sweet and spicy with a cooling finish is left with me. Almost like pineapple salsa and a beer.
--Second Quarter--
As if right on que this cigar changes pace and the spice quickly leaves the dominant position. Filling its shoes is a still sticky nougat smoke with a meaty backing. Rolling away you are left with a salty tang that helps to open things up. At this point the cigar is still holding up quite well. The construction is very good, but the ash is a bit flaky falling off like leaves in the fall.
--At the half--
Around this point it becomes unfortunate that I find a soft spot in the cigar. As things have heated a small point past the half has become loose enough to quite effect the draw. While I work through this I must re-light and touch things up along the way leading to tart and piny flavors in the smoke.
--Finish and Overall impressions--
I did smoke through the softer section of this cigar, but it left a bad impression on me, so this stick came to a premature end. I'm actually quite sad for that, as up until that point the cigar was quite excellent. The flavors and complexity were reminiscent of all three of the previously mentioned CAO favorites of mine, plus it included a few new and unexpected notes. I think this will be a good line and look forward to smoking one again. Guess I'll just have to wait.
--Smokem' if you gotem'--
-Tony
EDIT -- So I can repost on the Outlaw forum
Every now and again I am lucky enough to try cigars before they are normally available. I like using these opportunities to take a little more time with a cigar and form a few opinions.
Seems Tim and the boys at CAO have come up with another cigar to bring to market called the LX2, which is a double ligero. I was quite a fan of the original CAO Maduro in the late 90's and a current fan of the Brazilia Box Press and the Vision. The only question I have, is if this will meet these expectations.
--First Impressions--
The cigar is tightly wrapped with a smooth dark wrapper. It is easy to see the sheen of oil over the silky surface. Smelling this cigar gives the impression of sweet somewhat floral spice and cedar. A dry draw through this smoke provides a tangy sweet malty spice. So far so good, time to generously apply some fire.
--Light and First Quarter--
As soon as I light this cigar a strong complex of malty sweet, black pepper spice easily fills the mouth. The draw is easy and generous. Rolling the smoke through the nose provides quite an effervescent tingle that perks me up and gets my attention. An after note of tea with cream and oily jalapeño spice settle on the palette.
The smoke is quite thick and heavy with sticky mouth feel. An overall impression of sweet and spicy with a cooling finish is left with me. Almost like pineapple salsa and a beer.
--Second Quarter--
As if right on que this cigar changes pace and the spice quickly leaves the dominant position. Filling its shoes is a still sticky nougat smoke with a meaty backing. Rolling away you are left with a salty tang that helps to open things up. At this point the cigar is still holding up quite well. The construction is very good, but the ash is a bit flaky falling off like leaves in the fall.
--At the half--
Around this point it becomes unfortunate that I find a soft spot in the cigar. As things have heated a small point past the half has become loose enough to quite effect the draw. While I work through this I must re-light and touch things up along the way leading to tart and piny flavors in the smoke.
--Finish and Overall impressions--
I did smoke through the softer section of this cigar, but it left a bad impression on me, so this stick came to a premature end. I'm actually quite sad for that, as up until that point the cigar was quite excellent. The flavors and complexity were reminiscent of all three of the previously mentioned CAO favorites of mine, plus it included a few new and unexpected notes. I think this will be a good line and look forward to smoking one again. Guess I'll just have to wait.
--Smokem' if you gotem'--
-Tony
EDIT -- So I can repost on the Outlaw forum
Anyways since the LFD double ligero's are pretty much at the high end of my taste buds a sweeter version may be an interesting smoke.