Initial Thoughts:
When it comes to the “classics,” what comes to mind? Cars? Movies? For me, “classics” are cigars like the CAO Gold Robusto, a cigar that's been around, and one that helped put CAO on the map back in the 1980s.
The CAO Gold has a classic look and feel to it. It's got a Nicaraguan filler with an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper to hold it all in. I'm not sure, but I'd suspect that CAO created this blend long before the Perdomo Champagne or the RoMa Craft EC XVIII were even thought of. And, to me, something that leads to or spawns other somethings is a classic.
Regarding the smell of the cigar, before it's even lit, the CAO Gold Robusto smells very leafy. Even after torching the end, the flavors were green and light. My suspicion is that this cigar won't deliver the delicious flavor-punch of the Perdomo or the RoMa Craft mentioned above.
FUN FACT: Nick Perdomo made cigars for CAO in 1999 through part of the early 2000s.
CigarScore:
Brand: CAO
Line: Gold
Size: 5 x 50
Cut: Punch
Light: Torch
Price: $7.09
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Smoke Time: 45 minutes
Through the first third of the CAO Gold, the flavors were very mellow, straight forward, and complex. They're not bad flavors, but I don't know if this cigar is going to deliver what today's smokers are looking for.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the CAO Gold Robusto had flavors that were very Cuban-esque. That is, the flavors were of dried wheat and grass. If you're looking for the rich, bold flavors of the Perdomo or RoMa Craft cigars that also have Nicaraguan fillers with an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, the CAO Gold cigar isn't it.
Regarding the construction of this cigar, it was almost perfect. I got an even burn and a great draw through the entire smoke.
The CAO Gold Robusto is good enough to smoke again, but it's not a cigar with which I'd fill my humidor. If you like rich, complex cigars, you should probably skip this one. However, this cigar is well made and not terribly expensive, so the CAO Gold Robusto earns a CigarScore 3.
