CAO L’Anniversaire “Maduro” Churchill

Not a bad smoke for the money, hints of earthiness and spice. Ran a little at first but corrected itself, not overpowering, but a good smoke with coffee.

AGE, this Stick like most of the CAO Maduros needs time in the humidor. Some say a minimum of 6 months I say at least 8. I knew that and gave the one I'm reviewing today 9 months. It tasted as good as it looked. I've smoked these without any significant time in the humidor so I can vouch that then they are only "okay". With proper aging the sweet-cocoa flavor that is almost like chocolate candy. The burn and draw were good and it was a beautiful stick. These are a little pricey, but well worth it. I wish I had bought more!

Some minor wrapper variations, fairly solid, acceptable draw, reasonable taste, and not a bad price. All fine, but nothing special.

Just like the robusto, but sweeter if anything. Very oily wrapper, even burn, tight draw. Oozed maduro goodness (literally, the oils seeped out and over-moistened the tip). Around the band, a little loose, so the flatter design easily bent between the fingures. Enjoyed with a friend and we both agreed the taste was the epidemy of what a maduro should be. Definately should have been more thoroughly packed. But like any other CAO Maduro, will try again, and again...

At first sight, this stick is box pressed, with a dark, oily wrapper. The first flavors to engage the palate are cocoa and leather. However, the leather is more acidic/bitter than usual leather flavors...the leather remains dominate 1/2 way through, until it finally mellows. Throughout, there were slight nuances of expresso, cocoa, and chocolate. I love the entire line of C.A.O, however, I felt as if this maduro was only average, and didn't live up to the name/reputation of C.A.O. However, I have two of thses smoke's handy, I will certainly try the other one's before being convinced. Conversely, the appearance, construction, and burn(the ash was white and tight) are certainly C.A.O caliber.

Lovely box pressed,with maduro wrapper.This cigar has nice draw and burn with long white ash.lt has anise,black cherry and fennel flavors.
lt's chewy,earthy with leather and oily cocoa notes.The final has a cinnamon.lt starts poorly but improves with each puffs.A little complex cigar.Medium bodied.

A prett average maduro, with a nice box press and It had a strong earthy flavour that lasted throughout, but alos had hints of black coffee, and wood. It was medium bodied and nothing special about this except for appearance.

A good experience if you didn't pay retail. A bargain price supplemented the enjoyment of the CAO maduro. CAO makes some really good smokes but, I find the maddies only average or just above. You can do better if you're paying full price.

search around for a good deal on these, as they can be had for around 4 bucks..........a true deal on an excellent maduro

This is a very nice looking Maddy that is medium bodied and flavorful. Typical maddy flavor, slight bitter-sweetness, coffee hints and nice tobacco on the tongue. Only slightly harsh on the nose. Very interesting after about an inch in that there is a definate floral note to the smoke that lasts until the end that other people have noticed too. Did someone say lavender or was I imagining that. Gets better as it gets closer to the end. Very nice stick. Thanks Glovepuppy.

I just don't know. I had high hopes for this cigar, but I think I am a little disappointed with it. The cigar was a beauty, no doubt...but smoking it was nothing to write home about.

First of all, the draw was horrible!!! My jaws got tired working it through the first 1/3 of this cigar. It finally loosened up towards the middle but the burn would NOT hold up. Those that know me know I smoke pretty slowly, so I'm not crazy about a cigar I have to continuously puff at to keep lit. The flavor was just so "even par" that I just cannot get too excited about this. No complexity at all...just smoke. I did note a few puffs of a sweet taste...but it was very faint. Very pronounced, however, against the blandness of the overall flavor. I will try this again...and hold my "do not recommend" verdict until after a couple more.

It's hard to find a flaw with this cigar. Construction was superb, with a slight box-pressed shape that felt like it would never come apart. Perfect draw and even burn. Not too strong or too mild, just right. One of the best cigars I've smoked.

This maduro was an excellent cigar. No draw problems and the burn was even. The flavor was what a maduro is supposed to be. This cigar has a beautiful dark and oily wrapper. Outside of the Brazilia line, this was the best CAO product I have smoked.

Fine construction, and oily very dark wrapper with an intense prelit aroma. Once lit, this cigar comes alive immediately, with strong notes of bittersweet chocolate, pepper, and some cinammon. The body is medium-to-full, and the smoke is rich and complex, with the flavors being individually noticeable yet combining for a creamy overall effect. The finish is long and extra smooth, and the draw and burn were spot on. This is a remarkable cigar, and one of the best maduros regardless of price. A must have.

Smooth rich complex smoke. Perfect dead even burn but slightly tight draw. Like others in this line one of the best maduros on the market. The larger ring gaged cigars in this line are fuller bodied and more complex.

I purchased 10, and all 10 would not draw. all had to be trashed. What smoke I could get had a good flavor - But I will not purchase any more CAO cigars

A great maduro. Has flavors of walnut and a toasty aroma. A fine buy.

Dark rich oily wrapper with a a rich medium bodied smoke. Hints of fruit, nuts, and spices. Great cigar for the price. Will always have a box in my humidor.

I tried this cigar with no prior knowledge of the brand but it came recommended from a friend. When I purchsed it, I was impressed with its' looks and even more impressed withits' taste.

I smoked one of these beautiful looking smokes and liked it so much I smoked a second. It looks great, and has a wonderful combination of flavors. I agree with ML about chosing the softer ones, if possible. Buy some. You'll enjoy them. These are coming close to being my favorites.

A mild, sweet, and almost fruity cigar. Definately worth a whirl.

I was totally surprised by this experience. Are there CAO counterfeits out there? Poor burn, harsh, steely taste. I love tHe cigars I've smoked in this line but this one was a bummer.

A very nice cigar! Burns well and taste awesome.

Nice notes of dried fruit with some sweet spice. A tremendous smoke for the money.

I have smoked several of these.If you buy singles pinch them and go for the softer ones they are better!!

Beautiful cigar with a great draw and a solid medium body that has spice, nuts and cocoa flavors with quite a kick that last through out the smoke.

Well made cigar, except for the tattered ends which I contribute to Smokeys cigar shop(they sent me a sampler pack that needed to be brought back to life in my humidor). Tough draw at first but 1/4 way through it relaxed and became a very enjoyable smoke.

had to relight many times. wrapper was kind of bubbling as it burned. not to even of a burn. taste was good but it was spolied by the relighting.maybe a over rated cigar. will not by again.c.a.o. L/anniversaire camerroon is a much superior smoke. enjoyed

This smoke blew my mind! I can't get enough of this rockin' flavor! I'm a fan for life -- God bless CAO and the ground they're fertilized upon -- we have a new KING!!!

Entire line of CAO L'Anniversaire's are great looking. The churchill is my favorite with the bellicoso a close second.

Now my favorite maduro. Pulled ahead of La Flor Dominicana and La Gloria Cubana

A medium bodied cigar that gets full towards the end. The most appealing quality of this particular Churchill is that it is incredibly smooth all the way down to the band. There is some spicyness and a hint od cherry, all flavors were very subtle. A ve