Over the past several years, CAO has been doing some interesting things with their cigars and where they get their tobacco. Today's cigar, the CAO Arcana Thunder Smoke Toro Grande has some tobacco I've never tried before, and I'm really looking forward to it.
Initial Thoughts
Have you ever had tobacco from Zimbabwe? Ya, me neither. Well, the CAO Arcana Thunder Smoke not only has a unique story behind it, but it also features filler tobacco from the land-locked African nation of Zimbabwe.
The pre-light aroma of the Thunder Smoke was leafy and pleasant. Once lit, the flavors were odd but good.
Will the exotic CAO Arcana Thunder Smoke be a winner? Or, will it just be plain weird? Let's find out.
CigarScore:
Brand: CAO
Line: Arcana / Thunder Smoke
Size: 6 1/2 x 52
Cut: Guillotine
Light: Torch
Price: $14.30 – Adventure Club
Wrapper: Honduran Olancho San Agustin
Binder: Mexican San Andres
Filler: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Cameroon
Smoke Time: 117 minutes
Strength: ••••
Final Thoughts
After smoking the entire cigar, I will admit that the CAO Arcana Thunder Smoke Toro Grande was actually pretty good. I thought the first half was weird, but the second half was enjoyable enough to make up for the unique flavors of the first hour.
I'm not sure if the cigar had too much humidity in the wrapper, but I did have to blast the foot with my torch two or 3 times to keep it lit. I'd suggest dry-boxing this cigar for 24 hours before smoking it.
I like when companies try something new. I liked this one, so the CAO Arcana Thunder Smoke Toro Grande earns a CigarScore 5.
