Quick Smoke: CAO Lx2 Lancero

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

This dark Lancero (7.5 x 38) had been resting in my humidor for several years, a relic from when CAO was an independent, Nashville-based company—before it was acquired by General Cigar. Age rounded its edges, yet the ligero-laden cigar still produced a bold profile of espresso, dry oak, and black pepper spice. Hardly any sweetness or creaminess emerged from the blend, which is comprised of a Honduran binder and a sun-grown Nicaraguan wrapper. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Lx2 Lancero then, and now I’m unconvinced time yielded much improvement. It’s not a bad smoke, but it isn’t particularly enjoyable either.

Verdict = Hold.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys