CAO Gold 10th Anniversary Perfecto

I picked up a fiver of these on Cbid. For the price (about 6 a stick) this cigar was a deal. It had a beautiful construction, prelight the draw was a little loose for my taste, but not enough to sway me. Upon lighting there was a bit of spice at the begining with toast and a light pleasent smoke. Coming up on the first half, the cigar began to produce more smoke but the spice was less evident and a light toast and a faint smell of vanilla came through. It burned cool until the end. I smoked it pretty close to the nub. I thought it was a little light, but CAO golds usually are. I think that this is a good cigar option for an afternoon smoke, or a novice smoker wanting to try something a little stronger than AVO or Macanudo. It was a great stick and something that I would keep on hand for bbq's or the golf course (this is not an insult) I don't like really strong cigars while golfing. CAO never really dissapoints. They are great with value, taste, and construction.

SmuttlyDog is right on with the 10th Anniversary's, however what Markj's been smoking is the re-release which uses the standard gold line blend.
The tell-tale signs between the 10th and re-release are: the 10th had a second band just underneath the CAO band, the box presentation of the 10th is a flat 1.25 inches high in comparison to the 2.75 inch high double tray box that the re-release is packaged in.

The cigar that I experienced was too fat for my enjoyment (it was a gift). It did not burn evenly and I can't concur on the assertions of a creamy texture or a subtle nuance of spice. 3 reviews by SmuttlyDog are biasing the rating in my opinion.

I was really surprised. I like the regular Gold line, however only when I'm in the mood for a mild-medium smoke that is mostly one dimensional. But the 10th Anniversary cigar builds on the best parts of the Gold (perfect construction, great burn, long ash), but adds a tasty and spicy flavor that intensifies as you get further into the cigar. It goes from delicious and mild to medium to spicy to tasting like the best maduro you've ever had, and best of all...volumes of thick smoke. This cigar is great...best CAO I've ever had. One of the top 3 cigars that I've ever had, for that matter. I've had 3 now, and tonight I just ordered 2 boxes to put in the humidor and have on hand for whenever I want a real treat. Shape is that of a Perfecto...and it almost looks like a torpedo on both ends...very unusual. Size 6" x 60 ring in the middle of the cigar. Spectacular cigar.

The first impression was wow!!! I purchased five and could not wait to light one up. the construction was very nice but three of the five the wrapper cracked at the apex of the cigar. the draw was very light getting a little tight at half way ( i prefer a little tightness). the ash stayed on half way. the taste was almost like smoking a cigrette , not mild, just bland.the smoke was not even rich smelling . the ash was a dull grey,and weak not tight at beginning. halfway there was a slight hint of cedar to the blandness. also at about 2/3rds the taste was a bit bitter but on a smoke like this i will call it spice. the perfecto design was pushed too far with the stretching of the wrapper cracking at the center and the choice of tobbacos. it was almost work to smoke two more. the other two i gave them out to friends during a round of golf. overall a huge disappointment from a maker like cao. great cigar for beginner wanting to impress with its look. cigar was below average.

Great appearance and construction on this one. Draw was nice and the burn was excellent, holding a nice ash until almost the halfway point before falling off. The flavor was pretty spicy and not that enjoyable for the first third. After that, it settled down to a creamy tobacco taste with a hint of spice. The only problem was that throughout the entire cigar there wasa bitter undertone that really took away from the rest of the great flavor. Except for that, it was a nice cigar, and at $6.50, an absolute steal.

age only seems to add to the complexity of this cigar. they are great. better than some of the Cubans I have. you have to tr one. A bit like a very good Fuente

This is a great cigar. Floral and spicy. . draw and burn flawless. Better than some of the Cubans Ihave had. Only thing missing is the famous Cuban twang. The flavor is wonderful. tons of smoke. Worth more than they are charging for them. This cigar for what ever reason will hold an ash for half its length. All 3 I have smoked have done so.!!

Had aa very good burn to it. Held an ash for half of the cigar. It is obvious to me that they are using super quality tobacco in these. had a light , spicy floralness to it. Great after taste . I am definitely going to reload on these. Thsi is the best CAO I have ever had. One of the best cigars I have ever had also. Wrapper is flawless. They really are thanking there loyal customers with this one.