Comments on: Stogie Reviews: CAO Black Bengal

By: Quick Smoke: CAO Black Gothic

Quick Smoke: CAO Black Gothic — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 08:02:39 +0000

[...] this torpedo-sized vitola (6 x 52) from CAO’s Black line isn’t as oily or complex as the Bengal, it still offers above average construction and a mild- to medium-bodied flavor profile of pepper, [...]

By: Stogie Spirits: Jameson Irish Whiskey Gold Reserve

Stogie Spirits: Jameson Irish Whiskey Gold Reserve — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:01:37 +0000

[...] the relationship between the spirit and your cigar. Let me recommend trying Gold Reserve with a CAO Black, Davidoff Grand Cru, PG Gourmet II, or an Oliva Serie [...]

By: Cigar Insider: Tim Ozgener of CAO International, Inc.

Cigar Insider: Tim Ozgener of CAO International, Inc. — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:32:36 +0000

[...] the purveyor of such notable lines as America, Black, Brazilia, and Criollo, Tim likely needs no introduction. But I will say this: I met him at last [...]

By: Stogie Reviews: Gurkha G3 Toro

Stogie Reviews: Gurkha G3 Toro — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:57:30 +0000

[...] Due to a shortage of Nicaraguan wrapper leaves, G3 only comes in one vitola: a six inch by 50 ring gauge Toro. It retails for $7 to $8.50 per stick and has a Cameroon binder and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. Special care is taken by Gurkha to make a good first impression. The dark wrapper is half covered with a smooth cedar sleeve that sports a shiny black ribbon across the foot – similar in appearance to a CAO Black. [...]

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:23:47 +0000

The Gold is milder and creamier. I prefer the Black, with it's hints of leather and spice, but it's been a while since I've had one.

By: Patrick A

Patrick A — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:55:49 +0000

Thanks for all the great comments, everyone.

Paul, thanks for pointing out that exclusive deal. I should have mentioned that in the review, and I'm glad you reminded me.

CigarJack, I wish I could offer a credible comparison, but it's been too long since I've smoked a CAO Gold. Anyone else want to chime in on that?

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:32:00 +0000

Great rundown on a great cigar, but it should be mentioned that there is only one place you can get these smokes due to an exclusive dealer arrangement with CigarsInternational.com. I would also highly recommend the Black VR, a chocolatey maduro version.

To answer Alexa, if I remember correctly, the name came as a way of differentiating from the CAO Gold (which has a gold band). At the time of the Gold's release, the Black was just called CAO, but since it had a black band people started calling it CAO Black. (Again, this is based on recollection, not fact, please take it with a grain of salt.)

By: Cigar Jack

Cigar Jack — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:30:23 +0000

I don't believe I've smoked one of these cigars yet. How does it compare in flavor to the CAO Gold which I enjoy as a light to medium smoke.

By: Alexa

Alexa — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:47:59 +0000

Any idea why they call the line "Black"?

Usually manufacturers save that term for maduros or other cigars that are heavy and dark in color (i.e. Partagas).

By: Randall

Randall — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:43:26 +0000

Excellent history and review. I've always enjoyed these as great mid-afternoon smokes, but they're starting to become more and more scarce. I hope CAO plans to make more.