CAO L’Anniversaire Belicoso

I am scratching my head on this one pre and post light. In the latter 90's and early 00 this was a stick that I absolutely loved at some point I migrated to other CAO's like the Brazilia and Criollo. Regardless this doesn't look anything like it did for many years. The wrapper is lighter the box press isn't as dramatic and the ring guage is notably smaller. look at the picture above! Unfortunately the size and general appearance were not the only changes as the flavor was completely different as well. Not bad, just nowhere like it used to be. Like most wives after 10 years. Anyway the construction and draw were fine and the flavor was not bad just a bit lackluster compared to the original blending. I picked up three of these with an online order to relive an experience that was changed dramatically. The other two just became gifts.

This CAO Cameroon Torpedo was a study in contrasts. The band is very elegant and understated, while the wrapper looked like the gifts my kids wrapped for Christmas when they were 7 years old. Seams were everywhers. The flavor wasn't anything to rave about for the first inch or so then the flavor started to pickup with a carmel tartness that I enjoyed to the nub. The burn was good so I might buy a few more of these babies.

It was an average smoke. I definitely didn't get all the flavors others are raving about. It was smooth from start to finish, but nothing notable either. Burned even, but fast, just a bit too loose and did have a good finish. It did have a sweet pepper taste that seemed to alway be underneath everything and kept other flavors from fully developing. For the money I would have rather smoked something else.

Tried 2, the first one was very enjoyable, medium strength very nice flavor, the second one like most of the guys here was loose and that kills everything, figurados appear to be not the best of cao cigars.

Got this as a free gift from mail order. Burned it today and it was average in the beginning and the last 1/2 was quite good --> burned it to the nub. Flavors are mainly medium strength tobacco and pepper flavors. The after taste was quite pleasant. Will smoke more of these.

Very easy draw, maybe too easy. Taste on the lighter side with the Cameroon wrapper flavor quite prominent. What is a "toothy flavor" anyway? A fun smoke, but I didn't find it as complex as others have.

A lightly toothy wrapper covers this brick-shaped cigar. Although it feels very light, the draw is not loose but excellent, producing lots of smoke. Burns pretty good too. The flavor of this blend has remained consistent over the years: wood, sweet spice, with hints of vanilla and coffee. Smooth and medium-bodied, it's smokable by anybody. A bit pricey, one of the few problems with CAO's.

Construction, burn good, aroma so-so, construction too loose, and taste alternated between dry bitter to dry creamy. Had that toothy Cameroon taste which apparently I don't like.

A nicely constructed figurado with a sexy box press. Nice complex flavor profile...smooth...just a hint of spice. Vanilla, nuts...and a little honey smack. Beautiful draw. Overall, a fine smoke well worth the $8...heck, it reminded me of a Padron Anni for half the price. Lionel Joseph, exchange student from CAMEROON would be proud..."Beef Jerky?" (one of Eddie Murphy's characters in Trading Places).

A very good cigar. Starts off with a strong tobacco flavor, mellowing into a leathery, complex treat. Extreme box pressed, chestnut brown Cammie wrapper, what few veins all heading head to foot, as they are supposed to be. When it is time for a 7 dollar treat, this is a must try. Leaves a very satisfying "full" feeling, similar to relaxing after a delicious, heavy meal. Full body, but smooth. Actually seemed to burn milder and cooler the further down it smoked, probably due to the fine construction, and box press. Next time you are going to plunk down 7-8 bucks for a Hemingway ( a fine cigar also ) ... try one of these instead.

This is one of those cigars that anyone can smoke, anytime. It is always rewarding. It is the best re-light smoke I have ever tasted. The nuts and caramel, yes the caramel really comes out at the 3/4 mark. Price is too high.

What are the people in this review raving about? I'm familiar with most of the C.A.O. line (I'm aquainted with both son and daughter) and I can tell you that there's nothing special or distinctive about this cigar. There are literaly dozens of others with a similar flavor profile which deliver so much more than this one does, and many of them do it for less money. There are exceptional C.A.O.'s, but this isn't one of them. It's not bad, but it's nothing special either, and very easily forgotten.

A very nice tasting cigar with a wonderful aroma. Loads of nut and honey flavor – like a good piece of baklava. Nice draw, but serious burn problems that took most of the cigar to correct. Worth trying, but too overpriced to smoke regularly.

You can always count on on a CAO Ann Belicoso to deliver. Wonderful flavor, great draw, well made. Overall great experience!

Well, the only thing that sucks about this cigar is the price. It is an absolute PRIMO smoke. Cedary, Leathery, full of flavor. This cigar spells CLASS. It is the height of luxury, sophistication, and good taste as far as cigars are concerned. This is a MUST for the serious connoiseur.

Alas, I am but a cheapskate, and can only seldom enjoy these awesome, wonderful cigars once in a while.

I have had 2 boxes of these and they are by far one of my favorite cigars to smoke. Consistantly well-made, consistantly great in taste, they are an absolute joy to smoke.

This cigar has it all the draw the burn and the notes of spice an wood. The box press was flawless. All in all a full body simply irresistible smoke.

From the first moment it picked it up, it was clear that this cigar was going to be different. The square-pressed torpedo was firm and flawlessly rolled, and I got the impression that its design had been pained over, ensuring that it fit the human hand perfectly. The wrapper was a nice caramel colored Cameroon with tiny grains covering it that were not directly obvious, giving it a nice uniform color and texture. When it comes to the draw of any CAO, it is as the wind goes… variable. This one required only the smallest cut to achieve the draw which I find perfect: little laboring, and an as-desired draw strength. I tend to dislike it when a cigar dictates how it should be drawn, often pulling on the thing like those too-thick milkshakes that render the straw useless and provide minimal returns. The burn was cool to medium, and it refused to go out, even if left untouched for 5 minutes or so. On to the flavor. Caramel and toast reached an agreement here, and their final product is a magically smooth, rich flavor that continued to impress me. The body is medium, and didn’t change at all when I drew it long, spiking the temperature. The ash of this smoke should be mentioned, and “unique” is the only responsible description. It was brown and gray, with tan and white grains that stood out on the ash. During the entire burn, it produced only 6 large ash cylinders, and not a speck or flake more. I then stood up and held the cigar several feet above the ashtray, and tapped one of the cylinders in. Not to my surprise, it stayed perfectly in tact. The experiment did raise one question though, and it was from the bartender: “Ummm… What the hell are you doing?” I burned this cigar down to one inch long, and had to finally and reluctantly snuff it out before it burned my fingers. At that exact moment, and I certify that this is true, a man with his underwear on the outside of his leather pants walked in to buy a couple of cigars for himself. Suddenly my experiment didn’t seem so strange.

This cigar started off OK ,but then began to get interesting.Slightly woody and nutty flavors began to take over the boring slightly spicy begining. This cigar kept getting better.Halfway through this cigar I wasn't overly impressed ,but the second half and finish more than made up for it.

About three years ago I came home from a night of drinking/smoking (Cigars) and smoke this cigar in the dark at 2am. On a scale from 1-10 it was an 11.5. Going on this, I ordered two box's. What happened? Not nearly as good. (Perdomo?)

smooth flavorful cameroon that gives an interesting feeling in your mouth because of the box press. creamy, with a touch of sweetness and plenty of flavor. CAO quality construction.

Coolest stogie I've chooked to date. This cammie spends more time with me on the back porch making the humming birds dizzy then in my humidor. Just can't keep 'em in stock. At the end of my third box over the last 6 months. Everthing you'd expect from the C.A.O. L'Anniversaire series. For me, it's a coin toss between the cammie and the maduro when it's time to re-order. I love 'em more than my Mother-in-Law...

I had this one in the humidor for a year and the last 12 months were very kind to it. Still medium spicy, herbal, and caramel with a finish that smacked of apples. Perfect burn, perfect draw, this was a delight. A true masterpiece!

A great, solid, medium bodied cigar. The taste lasts in your mouth, and if fantastic. What else can be said except that I always have several boxes. Aging is a must.

A very nice smoke. even burn, good ash, very good taste. A pleasant smoke that had a unfair advantage...I shared it with a glass of Grahams 1985 vintage port. A nice experience indeed!

I am telling you I can’t get enough of the CAO line. My favorites are a toss up between this one and the Belicosco Maduro. These cigars are just top notch in my book. This cigar is absolutely gorgeous, the Cameroon wrapper is awesome. The construction of this cigar is perfect, I have yet to find a flawed one. I love the cap on the Belicosco it’s more of a torpedo style, it is perfectly crafted. The draw was a bit tough, unlit. After I lit up it became much easier. The burn was flat even throughout the entire cigar and it produced a wonderful gray ash. The Cameroon is medium bodied in strength, light cedar overtones. I bought a five pack of these for $24.00 off an internet auction site. The hardest decision I am having is weather to buy a box of these or the Maduros’. BOTTOM LINE: Awesome, mouth watering, reliably good, good shape, solid, smooth as butta’, I can’t wait to smoke another. If you haven’t tried these yet do not smoke another cigar before you try one of these.

CAO had not failed to impress me with any of their cigars yet. This one was a medium bodied cigar with hints of cocoa and cedar overtones. I really do like the torpedo style and the great smoke that it was... 🙂 OUTSTANDING Ceegar!

One of the "cleanest" smokes I've tried. A roasted sun-flower seed aroma and taste. A cigar you have an "experience" with!

this medium bodied smoke has a smooth quasi complex taste. but off a stonger smell than the flavor suggests;) this ia great go to cigar.

ONE OF THE BEST I'VE EVER SMOKED...

Bought in 2000. I've had this many times. My experience is that it can be great to above average which is the case with this one I'm having. A little construction problem caused it to run on one side. Burns a little hot. Not as smooth as it should have been.

This cigar has a nice herbal spiciness without being flowery or harsh. That is to say, well balanced. Fairly smooth, but just enough bite to let you know it's there. You could smoke this before lunch. Very enjoyable.

Very smooth cigar great blend. Maybe too smooth. Is that possible? rated a 94

This was a rough looking cigar, nut was still enjoyable. I think this had been sitting around the tobacconist for awhile.

the box press is a little to "square" for my tastes. I like the feel of a round cigar in my mouth. The wrapper is smooth and earthy. The smoke is rich and thick with a nicy spicy, herbal quality. This is a very complex but smooth smoke. One of my favorite

I love this cigar!!! Definitely a top 5 smoke all time with me. Not too ridiculous price makes it affordable as well.

Excellent. Box press is a bit extreme. Starts a little mild but builds some nice balanced flavors. If it had more spice it would be a Padron 1964 Anniversario.