CRQuarto
Brrraaaiiinnnsss.....
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2009
- Messages
- 1,850
CAO Columbia Escaparte
Size: 5" x 50 rg Robusto
Wrapper: Columbian
Binder: Columbian
Filler: Columbian
Strength: Mild - Medium
I received this cigar as part of a package sent by fourthrail last month, and I have to say thank you to him for giving me the opportunity to try out something I have never heard of. This cigar is an exclusive to the store Serious Cigars, and is part of the Escaparte humidor at CAO which is a collection of cigars that were created using small amounts of estate quality tobaccos. These cigars were produced in numbers that are not feasible for large scale sales, and so are either kept in the Escaparte humidor for small, limited releases or used for exclusive offerings for certain stores. An example of this would be Drapers and the Mx3, which is the only store that currently sells it. I love CAO's, and so this was a treat for me to have the opportunity to sample something one could easily say is a rarity, even if able to be purchased from a retail store.
Pre-Light
This cigar features construction that could only be described as top notch. I was immediately struck by the appearance of the beautiful rosado red wrapper, which while very veiny, was still smooth and soft to the touch. There was considerable oils covering the wrapper, and the scent was that of delicious cinnamon. The weight was good in the hand, and on gently squeezing the cigar along its length I found a perfect amount of give to it that promised a perfect draw. The foot was tightly bunched, and was paired with a nicely done cap.
Draw & Burn
On punching the cap, I found the draw to have a perfect amount of resistance that pointed to the great construction of the cigar. The draw stayed consistent throughout the cigar, and it was the burn that revealed that perhaps the construction was not as flawless as I had initially concluded. Right from the get go, the burn was lopsided, requiring a touch up every ten minutes down to the last inch. The ash was a tight, dark gray that fell easily when let go every half inch to inch.
Flavor Profile
The first thing that I noticed after lighting this cigar, was the surprising lack of spiciness in the nose and mouth that I had anticipated. There was a good tobacco flavor on the palate, as well as an earthiness that made me think of a more mild version of the Brazilia. I also noted a slight woodiness that was prevailent on the gritty, dry finish as well. Towards the end of the first third I began to pick up a good leather taste, but that was the end of any changes in the flavor profile, save for the spiciness going up a notch or two towards the end.
Overall Impression
I hate to give a less than stellar review of a stick that was gifted, but at the same time I realize one must be objective. This cigar was decent, but lacked the complexity I craved prior to lighting up. The dry, gritty finish along with the lack of more flavor was a letdown, and I can only hope that this could be chalked up to a dud. I'll have to procure another couple of these to see if this is the case. Regardless, I want to again say thank you very much to fourthrail for giving me the opportunity to try something new!
Size: 5" x 50 rg Robusto
Wrapper: Columbian
Binder: Columbian
Filler: Columbian
Strength: Mild - Medium
I received this cigar as part of a package sent by fourthrail last month, and I have to say thank you to him for giving me the opportunity to try out something I have never heard of. This cigar is an exclusive to the store Serious Cigars, and is part of the Escaparte humidor at CAO which is a collection of cigars that were created using small amounts of estate quality tobaccos. These cigars were produced in numbers that are not feasible for large scale sales, and so are either kept in the Escaparte humidor for small, limited releases or used for exclusive offerings for certain stores. An example of this would be Drapers and the Mx3, which is the only store that currently sells it. I love CAO's, and so this was a treat for me to have the opportunity to sample something one could easily say is a rarity, even if able to be purchased from a retail store.
Pre-Light
This cigar features construction that could only be described as top notch. I was immediately struck by the appearance of the beautiful rosado red wrapper, which while very veiny, was still smooth and soft to the touch. There was considerable oils covering the wrapper, and the scent was that of delicious cinnamon. The weight was good in the hand, and on gently squeezing the cigar along its length I found a perfect amount of give to it that promised a perfect draw. The foot was tightly bunched, and was paired with a nicely done cap.
Draw & Burn
On punching the cap, I found the draw to have a perfect amount of resistance that pointed to the great construction of the cigar. The draw stayed consistent throughout the cigar, and it was the burn that revealed that perhaps the construction was not as flawless as I had initially concluded. Right from the get go, the burn was lopsided, requiring a touch up every ten minutes down to the last inch. The ash was a tight, dark gray that fell easily when let go every half inch to inch.
Flavor Profile
The first thing that I noticed after lighting this cigar, was the surprising lack of spiciness in the nose and mouth that I had anticipated. There was a good tobacco flavor on the palate, as well as an earthiness that made me think of a more mild version of the Brazilia. I also noted a slight woodiness that was prevailent on the gritty, dry finish as well. Towards the end of the first third I began to pick up a good leather taste, but that was the end of any changes in the flavor profile, save for the spiciness going up a notch or two towards the end.
Overall Impression
I hate to give a less than stellar review of a stick that was gifted, but at the same time I realize one must be objective. This cigar was decent, but lacked the complexity I craved prior to lighting up. The dry, gritty finish along with the lack of more flavor was a letdown, and I can only hope that this could be chalked up to a dud. I'll have to procure another couple of these to see if this is the case. Regardless, I want to again say thank you very much to fourthrail for giving me the opportunity to try something new!
), but it's too bad it wasn't a better smoke.
The lens I am currently using is just an 18-55mm, but I used