CAO Criollo Pato

I don't hate it. I might smoke it again if theprice was right.

This cigar was nasty.

The appearance of this cigar was top notch with no noticeable defects. The draw was a little tight, but didn't detract too much from the experience. I got some really good roasted, nutty, sweet woody flavors from this cigar. The wrapper split a little bit near the foot, but no problems ensued. I am definitely going to get some more of these!

Not as flavorful as prior samples but very well made, volumes of smoke and tasty flavors of sweet wood and spice. A nice aroma as well. Good performer good taste but not stellar by any stretch.

This cigar had plenty of smoke and its ash held very well. It had a pleasing aroma and plenty of taste though I enjoy some of their other blends alot more.

Like the Italia, the Criollo has a distinctive taste along with other more typical tobacco flavors. I found some notes of walnut and a subtle musky flavor I couldn't quite place but it was by no means unpleasant. Otherwise it's a nice, sharp tasting full bodied smoke of dark tobacco and sweetness on the finish. Not unlike an RP "Edge".

The draw leaves a lot to be desired though. I don't think its difficulty is due to construction but, rather, the amount of oil in this sucker. Unless pre-aged, there really is no way you are going to get very far with these right off the truck. The best bet is at least 6 months of aging but if you really want to smoke one sooner, try letting them sit two weeks and then dry-box them for 3-4 days , set them back in the humi for another 2 days and then enjoy. They should draw better and the oils should have hardened enough to allow it to stay lit.

To be honest though, the ones who will enjoy these most are true cigar aficionados who will let them sit for a year or more and be rewarded with a fantastic smoke at the end of their waiting.

The CAO Criollo Series has a distinctive look that matches it taste like a good tie matches a suit. CAO has a kind of aged, local, rough hewned, package going on here. You can tell they've worked hard at it. However, (you knew there was going to be a however) as distinctive as this cigar is, it lacks one thing ...FLAVOR. I would have to describe the Pato's taste as leather, with a hints of spice. I'm sure some out there will like it, but for me it was a decent smoke, but my money could be much better spent. I will say I did not experience any burn or draw problems, in fact that was the strength of this and most CAO cigars.

Good looking and tasting. Ash held well and was an enjoyable start of the day with my morning coffee.

Draw was terrible.I had more smoke billowing from the heater than i could get from the draw. One dimensional but slightly spicy since my lips and tongue were getting numb(or was it from drawing hard to get a mouthful of smoke) It was a little peppery near the end after I poked through th cig a few times. After this terrible smoke I had an Astral Maduro to quench my taste buds which doesn't say much for the Crillio.

i couldn't say it's a great cigar, but the taste is somehow particular; price is proportioned, and worths to make a try

I found the Criollo to be very enjoyable. Appearance/Construction were top notch, plenty of smoke. Slightly reminded me a Cohiba Red Dot, but not as strong. Only knock would be a bit of a bight for the initial 1/4, but that smoothed out and the nutty and woody flavor came through. I'll keep a few of these around.

I kept a few of these in the humi because I greatly enjoyed them with my friend from Great Britain when he was here. Although these remain a decent cigar, I think that the atmosphere had more to do with my high rating than the actual cigar did. Perhaps the best review is in the same neutral location with the same conditions every time? This is cigar smoking, not rocket science 🙂 The cigar was a little flatter than before and the burn was hotter. Otherwise, it is still a decent stick.

Just about nubbin' my first Criollo & I must say that the Pato is a very enjoyable smoke! Not sure how long these have been sitting at the b&m I bought from, but I know they've been there at least 1.5 months. After reading the mixed reviews my experience definitely falls in the 'would buy again' category... I've been smoking stronger bodied cigars (mostly maduros) in the last month or so, & the Pato definitely kept my attention. Smoth, consistent, tasty mild/medium smoke. This is one cigar I'd be happy to pass to a friend who's an occasional cigar smoker & also one I'd like to keep around for a change of pace. Only problem was that the ash didn't hold well & went out twice, but that wasn't a big deal.

This one is horrible. The worst smoke I have put to my lips. Harsh, extremely new and grassy. Nothing short of horrid. Don't waste yout money or your time, you'll regret it! The criollo needs to go back to the drawing board!

I agree with the last two reviews to some extent. The CAO brand is so well advertised. Ozenger is a marketing genius from the packaging to the appearence of the cigars to the banding. The boxing of the criollo makes it an almost must buy. I myself want to enjoy these cigars more than I probably do. Seems to be most of the beginning portions of these smoke are a bit of the harsh side. And give off a mild ammonia smell, which lightens as the cigar burns down. I had a burn issue with the Criollo but it did give of some interesting cigar notes. Nutty, woody with a herbal spiciness I would call tea like. Good draw with fair amounts of smoke. I will continue to try CAO

...I want so much to like CAO cigars. They look so good pre-light, people rave about them so much...and I just can't get into them. This one had a terrible burn that wouldn't straighten out until the last fifth of the cigar. Tasted like burnt caramel for the first two thirds of the cigar and at the last third started to take on a nice floral taste which then rapidly deteriorated into a tarry tasting mess. I keep buying CAO cigars just to see if I'll ever "get it", but the Criollo seems to follow the same course as the other ones I've tried.

I want to like CAO cigars, I really do, but they disappoint me every time. I expected this cigar to be stronger, but it was very weak. Flavor tasted like a strong cigarette.

Did they load the tip of this stick with gunpowder? POW! Super spice hit that almost imediately mellows down to a leathery pepper taste. Not my bag but not bad either. Cut this thing off at 2/3 down. Had major burn issues, at one point went out. I used all my lighter fluid keeping it alive.

I'm not very good at reveiwing cigars (describing taste, etc.) but I know what I like. After about a year of sampling, this is the cigar that dominates my humidor. The taste of the cigar changes as you smoke. It starts off with a quick hit of a very sharp taste (some described it as peppery), then it becomes smooth but you still wouldnt confuse it with a mild cigar. I prefer the robusto because I usally don't have time for a long smoke. It's a short cigar that packs a great punch. It's not the finest cigar in th word, but your favorites, are rarely that. It's a great everyday smoke, at an afordable price that I highly recommened. You won't be disapponted.

This cigar was a bit one dimensional but solid with a really nice balance of nicaraguan earth, spiciness and occasional hints of cocoa. The wrapper tended to be a bit flaky, and the body was medium+ and very smooth. A little expensive for a smaller cigar but worth it!

Starts out with a sharp peppery bang, soon followed by cedar. Two thirds of the way in it mellows and becomes creamier, with fits and starts of pepper. Burns perfectly with a firm draw and a solid ash. It heats up a little at the end. This is the third one I've tried, and I've found that a month at 65% have improved them tremendously. The first two were pretty harsh and didn't burn as well.

Great construction/burn/draw. Nice coffee with cream flavor and maybe a bit of sugar. Cedar notes in there as well. Good cigar

This is a nice little and good tasting stick. It had excellent construction and a perfect burn. It heald a nice ash also. It had some good spicy flavors thanks to the wrapper and some woody state to it. This is a nice short smoke.

Got as part of a CAO sampler and like their others, its a great tasting cigar. Not as full tasting as the Maduro, and not as sweet as the MX2. Creamy is a good word, not much tobacco taste, which is a plus, and aroma is pretty good. Also wish it was a little longer, but it lasts pretty long for such a small size.

Not has much tobacco flavor as the Conquistador but considering it's diminutive size, it was nice. Hints of wood and spice. I would agree with other reviews that this stick has some "creamy" characteristics. The nice draw contributes to that belief. Beautiful veinless wrapper. Affordable, mild cigar.

I've smoked three of these now and just can't see what others do. There are peridoc hints of a unique flavor but very slight. I just kept hoping something would be memorable and...nothing. So, for the hype, and coming from C.A.O. it's a disappointment. I will say the construction is flawless--great, slow, razor like burn and long ash. Just not enough to hold my interest. Will not buy any more. Bummer...

I was offered this cigar by a gentleman visiting my home town on buisness from Great Brittan. We were in a local bar (he had to call it a pub of course), so we moved to a back room so that the cigarrete smokers did not complain. The label was removed and I was told that the English feel that it is poor manners to keep your label on a cigar when smoking with others. Apparently, you could hurt someone's pride if your cigar is better than theirs (Sheesh, sensitive Brits!).

The cigar was very smooth was a full bodied flavor. I was amazed as to how little after taste there was. Very even burn and a nice solid construction. I would smoke this again, but leave the label on! 🙂

Good looking and very tasty stick. I just wish it was a lot long so I could've enjoyed it longer.

Creamier and milder beginning than my last Pato. Medium at best with good spice and pepper to go with the creamy flavor. It won't kick your butt but it will bring your tastebuds to attention. Still a very good smoke

I have smoked 2 of these, one I loved the other kept going out and did not have much flavor. I would buy more though.

My favorite CAO. The criollo wrapper brings a rich and jazzy taste to the pallate.

I am a huge fan of CAO, especially the Criollo line. This one had a very loose draw/loose tobacco and was prone to going out. Despite many re-lights, it never got going and did not develop any flavor. Sent it to the compost pile 1/2 way through. They must have had a newbie rolling this one.

I got this cigar in a CAO sampler and have been looking forward to trying it because it’s a great looking stick; nice leather color with defined veins, very classic looking wrapper and a twist on the end of the cigar. However, at 5 bucks for this stick at this size, I’m very disappointed (although I paid about 3 bucks for it because it was in a sampler). The flavor isn’t very interesting and I’m kind of bored with it half way into the smoke. This is a fairly mild bodied cigar (3/10) and just doesn’t have enough flavor for my liking. This is definitely not one that I would recommend, unless you really like mild cigars – but even in that case I think you could find a much better value.

I am a true believer in CAO cigars. They usually take up about half of my humidor and are usually the first ones I reach for. This is the first cigar from CAO that I can honestly say will not accompany it's brethrin in my humidor. Very ordinary and uneventful. Not a CAO that is worth the price.

This a very nice looking cigar. It smoked very well. NIce cigar to relax out on the balcony with. And looks nice displayed in the humidor.

Complex yet smooth flavor that really openned up halfway through the cigar. Excellent draw and fragrant smoke. I smoked this short stick for about 40 minutes to the nub and it never got harsh or hot. Love this stick!

I loved this cigar! I wouldn't buy a whole box simply because it is too damn expensive, but I loved this one. It was smooth and had a great taste to it. I can't explain all of the little nuances to the taste, but believe me, it was good. Definitely recommended.

I had higher expectations for this one given the CAO pedigree. Nice rich brown wrapper with minimal veins and no soft spots. Great construction. Prelight aroma was bland. Easy light but firm draw despite 3 months at 65/65. The flavor, which I would describe as a nutty with a bit of flora, remained mild-to-medium in intensity and one-dimensional throughout. I kept waiting for it to develop additional complexity, but it never opened up. The burn was perfect, but I chucked it by the last 1/3 as I got bored with it. Perhaps best enjoyed in the morning or afternoon. Could be shared/given to friends who wouldn't mind a mild cigar with a big name but not a "big taste". All in all, fairly average and unimpressive, at least for my taste....

This is a nice stubby smoke, built perfect, and smoked like a champ. This is what I always expected a cigar to be, but rarely is. The entire Criollo line is superb, but this one is the mainstay in my Humi because of the size. It’s perfect for a relaxing smoke after work, but doesn’t take the entire evening. Along with two fingers of Makers Mark, this is a good smoke for winding down from a hectic day. It’s worth a purchase if only to get the unique 4 drawer box.

This one is another great CAO cigar. I've personally had good luck with all CAOs, and this was no different. Started off a bit rough but turned into a medium bodied complex smoke that I thoroughly enjoyed. Gotta love the cameroon wrapper (at least I think that's what this is). Burn was classic CAO, very even all the way down. Draw was great, I got plenty of smoke without much effort. Try one!

this cigar is not as well made as the conquistidor but still a good smoke.

I like these cigars, although I don't have plant to buy a box. Nicely rolled, but a bit on the tight side for draw. Burn was excellent, taste was medium bodied, decent flavors, slightly metallic part way through, earthy flavors, left a nice aftertaste in my mouth. Not bad but in the price range there is a lot of competition.

I enjoyed this cigar, but I think my expectations were a little too high. This was not the best CAO I have had. It seemed to lack character and flavor like the other CAO's I have enjoyed. Can't all be winners.

Interesting retro box with cedar drawers and a folding front organized these cigars beautifully. They came individually wrapped in tissue bound with an earthen colored ribbon. The tissue peeled off to reveal a stylish cigar that glowed with a wonderful natural wrapper showing nice tooth and dark brown highlights. The tiny pigtail on the expertly applied cap was a nice touch, and the antiqued band understated and appropriate. This cigar was frikken gorgeous, and the scent of cedar clung to it tightly.

A lovely flavor with a hint of cork, reminiscent of a punk, and a tangy tongue tingle. The ultimate impression was of dark, bloody meat with a slight coppery taste. Delicious. A pleasant, medium full cigar with a lovely aroma that exhibits interesting multidimensional character. Even the aroma stung the nose pleasantly. The cigar got a bit soft as it burned, and the grey ash was a bit loose and had a small amount of flaking. Perfect draw and great smoke production.

I enjoyed this cigar along with a Togo’s hot pastrami on wheat and it turned out to be an excellent pairing. The cigar’s classic and mellow flavor complemented the sandwich and offered a refined and mellow counterpoint that was sublime in its harmony. I nubbed this cigar and was very satisfied afterwards.

Overall this was a great cigar from start to finish. Nice, unique box, beautiful presentation, well executed, and solid in all respects. Yeah, I’d smoke more of these. Definitely recommended.

A CAO that is consistent. I have had the same experience as Ozzmosis with most CAO's but I've smoked 10 of these babies and so far the draw and construction have been right on time. A really nice medium bodied cigar for any time of the day. Straightforward tobacco taste, not overly complex and a quick finish. This is my everyday cigar right now.

Tried as part of their commemorative sampler of the 7 lines. The flavor (spicy,leathery,nutty) of this was quite unique, such that I probably wouldn't want to get a whole box, but having a few in the humi when the palate gets jaded would be a good thing. Excellent easy draw giving thick rich smoke.

still having draw problems.CAO's always have great taste ,this was no exception.Their rollers as usual leave something to be desired.I am going to hold off buying any more until I hear they have adressed their QC problems.

Seems the prevoius reviewers of this cigar either loved or hated it. Put me in the loved it column. Only had one in a sampler and saved for about 6 weeks B4 sparking. Construction was great, wrapper was as dark and beautiful as the thighs of a nubian goddess. But more importantly the flavors of pepper and spice flowed throughout this wonderful experience. Just hope I don't get one of those bad ones next time.

Maybe it's just me, but nothing from the CAO line has really made me want to buy more. While this cigar had a nice even burn with an easy draw, the taste was somewhat metallic. After 2/3, I finally gave up.

Not much to this cigar. Very average in about all categories. The flavor was mild and really nothing to get excited about. I had a little runner on the burn, but not too bad. It had a good consistent draw that you don't always find with a CAO cigar. I didn't find myself wishing I had anther one of these in the humi.

The usual characteristic of this cigar family is like the repressed Librarian at my elementary school... often wrapped a little too tightly. But this cousin, the Criollo, is making a nice name for itself as "the easy going one"... the fun cousin. Now, the qualities: The body is quite firm (avoiding the obvious joke) and the wrapper has a slight sweetness to it. What makes this cousin the "Easy going one" is the easy draw... unlike its relatives. The dark wrapper and delicious filler give it a very easy taste, and a strangely cool temperatured burn. The burn is exactingly even, and never went out, maintaining the easiness of the draw as well as the certainty of its not-too-serious nimble flavor. It was delicious and increasingly complex as it went. The Criollo comes in a small box with several drawers, that can be recycled as a dresser for a Leprechaun or well-trained helper-monkey. By well trained, I mean that it should at least be able to fold its own clothing.

I generally really like cigars of this size. They're quick, full of flavor, and great to fit in when you only have a few minutes. By that respect, this was a great cigar. However, a little more in-depth, it was too one-dimensional. The flavor was there, but never developed into the usual CAO punch. I have a few more. I'll give these another go and see how it goes.

Flat out one of the worst cigars I have ever had the misfortune of lighting up. you couldnt get me to try it again for anything. I tried to make it through but after 1/3rd of it I was done. What was CAO thinking??? Profit. Left me with a headache and nothing more. I stick to the extreme line.

I THOUGHT THIS CIGAR WAS VERY GOOD.THE WRAPPER HAD AN OILY SHEEN AFTER I SMOKED HALF OF IT AND IT HAD A LITTLE BIT OF A CUBAN TASTE .MEDIUM BODIED.

This cigar is awful. Sharp, bitter, and leathery yet one dimensional and flat. A true disappointment. How this cigar can be so bad when the Conquistador is so good is a real mystery to me. CAO has some great cigars but this level of inconsistency in a cigar line is inexcusable . I agree with Don Candido75 "should be better".

Let Set A Month at the Least! I made the mistake of lighting one of these Patos up right the moment UPS dropped em' off and just about hacked my brain loose. After a couple of weeks mellowness crept in. Now after a couple of months, all is good and I see the smoke at the end of the tunnel. This little Pato is first of all, Smooth, incredibly smooth. Yet it contains a full robust earthy tone, with what can only be described by me as a "dry roasted" nutty flavor Plus a marshmallowy background, weird, sounds like a freaking campout, and it is. A very good cigar that keeps getting better as I store them. Has a delicate balance, with finess and style, surely has potential to be right over the top.....But let them age..at least a month( if not 6). Like all CAOs I've smoked, this one is vibrant and slightly edgy, keep up the great work CAO! Oh yeah, your gonna get a buzz from this Pato, it has a definate buzz factor, not as strong as the eXtreme line, but close.

This cigar should be better for a Torano manufacture. I found it lacking finesses and complexity. If it is criollo leaf you like, go for the Camacho Churchill--or better Diploma with the corojo leaf