CAO L’Anniversaire “Maduro” Belicoso

I have really enjoyed the taste of the CAO maduro line in various sizes, but am growing tired of the numerous instances of overly tight draws that make them at times unsmokable.

I haven't rated one of these babies in a couple of years. They still are terrific in the taste department. Remember they need aging. Some cigars don't, these do. You will be rewarded by a sweet, caramel-chocolate flavor that just doesn't quit. I smoked this one while backpacking, and even the black dogs liked the aroma. The only negative is that the draw is still a bit too tight.

I found this cigar to have great construction and excellent flavor. The burn is straight and the ash it good, it's a solid smoke with lots of great flavors. I could taste coffee, spice, dark chocolate and its very smooth.

This is one of my favorite CAOs. A power blaster that can sneakup on you if your not careful. Go cautiously inhalers. Not quite an Opus or the chisel but strong. Occasional burn problems and make sure to choose ones that are NOT stiff or hard as the spungier ones burn better.

This CAO is PDG (pretty darn good). A distinctive maduro taste, to me it was sort of a cross between molassas and chocolate. Again, it was definitely a unique taste. The only problem was with the construction, the Anniversaire Belicoso had a tight draw (maybe I didn't cut it far enough toward the foot?), it also had a minor run problem toward the end. I say, just give it a try!

I've really enjoyed a number of CAO's other offerings, so I had high hopes for this one. I was really let down. While it was a very attractive cigar, its flavor left a lot to be desired. It was very plain - there was no richness or character to it at all. With the large number of good maduros on the market, CAO really needs to rethink the blend on this one if they want to make a mark in that area.

This is an excellent smoke. Good construction and burn. Great flavors, with dark chocolate and coffee, spice. Recommeded!

I concur with the attributes described by "shrink" below. Burn and draw were excellent, no re-lights. Aged 4 months in the humi. Very nice experience!

TIGHT DRAW, WITH THICK GRAY TASTELESS SMOKE, OVERALL A WASTE OF MY TIME AND MONEY.

I have smoked half a box of these and they are one of my favorite maduros. Beautiful, dark wrapper with a bright red and gold label. The construction and box press are perfect. Fires up easily, and after an inch or so you are rewarded with a deep, spicy semi-sweet chocolate expresso that justs keeps on getting better. The burn and ash couldn't be better, and the draw is easy and full. You don't want to smoke this past the label, though, as it starts to bite. Nevertheless, a real addictive, middle-price stick.

I absolutely love the L'Anniversaire line of cigars and the maduro belicoso is one of my favorite (just behind the camaroon version). I would recommend this cigar to anyone

This is a handsome cigar that has a sharp, dark appearance. Draw was a little difficult in that I had to cut it farther down than I'm used to to properly enjoy. Nice flavor and did enjoy.

The look of this cigar is outstanding the wrapper is extremely dark and the roll of the beli was great. I lit it up and immediately was hit with lots of smoke and great taste. I would recommend this cigar to anyone who can handle it

I wrote a great review and somehow register.com came up instead of enter ratings and comments. My bad. So here we go again. Nice black wrapper, good firm, box pressed barrel and pre-light aroma. Harshness and one dimensional character made this maduro only average.

A long pointy cap on this box press. The wrapper is a rich reddish brown w/black grain. Uneven burn. Probably due to the moist, oily, thick wrapper leaf. A bit knarly at 1st. Not the smoothest CAO I've smoked. Ahhh! The flavor kicks in about an inch in. There are some leathery tones here & plenty of spice. Some of that earthy barnyard I like so much & a bit of sweetness. Flashes of bitter coffee ground in the finish. Doesn't hurt it. Interestingly, there are some high tones in the nose. A regular buffet. Nice!

Now... I sat down and dedicated a good deal of time to the enjoyment of this one. From the start, the Torpedo shape required a more liberal-than-usual cut to get a good draw. The first sensation it gives you is that of full richness. I would equate this cigar to my High School Prom: everyone was talking about it, and though enjoyable, I never got the homerun I was expecting. And unlike that uneventful night of my childhood, this cigar is something I wish to experience again. Yes, this is an enjoyable smoke, but it may take some breaking in.

Beautiful looking, smooth smoking. Medium bodied, perfect draw, and flovorful. Perfect smoke for Sunday afternoon football...or anytime.

A well constructed flavorful smoke. I didn't think it was as full bodied as I was led to believe but a very good medium bodied smoke.

I loved these a year or two ago. They are still damn good smokes, but I feel their quality and taste has dropped while their price has risen. The older ones are the among smoothest and most flavorful maduros Ive had. A bit chocolatey, and I cant emphasize how smooth for a medium bodied cigar. A wonderful cigar

In my opinion this cigar is the undisputed king of the L'Anniversaire line. Some how better than the Toro despite the fact they are the same size both, however, are just superb. Only the Cuban Bolivar Belicoso Finos equals this smoke in refinement, strength, flavor and balance. Construction is sometimes off but not enough to be a nuisance. After 1 year ages to absolute perfection.

This is an excellent smooth, mild cigar that can keep my company anyday. This was the one that brought me back to cigar smoking with a good coffee falvor with some nutmeg. This and the CAO Amazon ROCK !!!!!! Very very nice looking cigar worth the price..

I am speachles for the first time in my life...best torp maduro on the US market today for the price bar none. I've a tried a bunch of highly rated maduros cigars over the last couple of years and haven't found one that compares...it's got all the foo foo you foo foo lovers can possibly want at a moderate price tag. They look great and smoke great. Smoke 'em if you got 'em...and you if you don't got 'em get 'em....

Good flavor, smell, and taste. A good addition to any humidor.

Excellent favor that provides true satisfacton in this cigar. This should be an addition to everyones collection.

An instant favorite! Solid, well rolled cigar with a smooth draw. Medium bodied, never bitter. Spicy, rich, espresso-like flavor. Didn't want this one to end.

Prettiest cigar I have ever seen. I pulled this old reliable out after tossing a piece of crap Sinatra I started into the fire. These are my absolute favorite cigars. Everything about them is just perfect. Just awesome to look at, the maduro wrapper is gorgeous. The construction of these is flawless, tight wrap, nice cap, and even though it’s box pressed it just feels good in your fingers. The Belicoso has a torpedo style head on it. I cut a little bit off and the draw, unlit, was perfect. These have a great spicy flavor, lip smackin’ good. When I lit this one up it was just wonderful, no flavors really stood out for me, just very rich and complex. The burn on this, as with everything else was perfect from start to finish. The finish on these cigars is great, and it stays cool until about the last inch. I smoked this thing down until I burnt my fingers, and I still was trying to get more. Bought this cigar at the local retailer, he charged me $9.00 a little pricey but still all worth it, these can be purchased on the internet for better prices. BOTTOM LI
NE: my favorite, perfect in everyway, consistently good cigar, a must try.

This is one of the best cigars that I have smoked. Construction was good, beautiful dark oily wrapper, draw was easy, and the burn was good. Flavor was rich and smooth with a hint of spice. Flavor lasted all the way to the last inch and a half.

Was looking forward to this and wasn't disappointed. perfect draw, excellent taste. Highly recommended.

Lot's of tooth on the wrapper although a little bumpy. Smoke was thick and spicy. No bitterness, very smooth right down to the nub. Hated to put it out.

Chocolate, sweet coffee bean. Aromatic.
Delicious

Looks good enough to eat, very well made, even burn most of the way, an aroma even my wife enjoyed, medium to full spicy flavors, overall an enjoyable smoke that will be smoked again.

A creamy, ultra smooth wrapper that's beautifully finished. Firm to the touch, this cigar has a perfect draw. A light aroma with medium bodied strength and complex taste. Very smooth. Very even burn with a solid white ash. Not the best cigar I've eve

Dark, rich wrapper. Adequate draw. Full bodied without a bite. The smoothness and taste improve as I got further down. Mostly even burn, white ash. Never got hot. A very good cigar.

the actual shape was a belicoso, but couldn't enter in the field.

One of the most substantial, great tasting, ease of draw smoking experiences to have.

Excellent value!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great flavor, great smoke quantity, great 'Gar!

Nice draw too.