CAO Criollo Pampa

[investandprosper]

One of the 2003 OR Pampas hitch-hiked in a box I bought here on CP a few months back. I'd never had a CAO, and it was a little guy (4x40), so I packed him with some Padron Londres in my cigar caddy and headed for the golf course. Man, that Pampa was a flavor bomb! Rich, creamy, and completely unexpected.

The current release Pampas are 4 x 38, and while not as good as the OR, they are still made with long filler and are very flavorful as well. Cheap enough for an every day smoke, and great for the course on windy days (doesn't take much to keep them lit). The flavor profile is fantastic. Very creamy, with a bit of white pepper on the finish. At around $1.50 / stick, I wasn't expecting something this good.

Has anyone else tried one of these lately?

 

[2K6TBSS]

I have not tried this yet, but I do like the CAO brand. I might have to pick me up a few of these and try them.

 

[thechenman]

The CAO Criollo Pampas were actually the first CAOs I tried. I think I still have the tin lying around somewhere in my office. Honestly, my thoughts were that they were just okay...nothing that I would buy again. I agree with you on the flavor profile though...creamy smoke, but not heavy in body and with a white pepper finish. Nothing complex, no evolution, but it is a small cigar. I originally purchased them as a winter smoke. For the golf course I prefer a Churchill or Double Corona.

 

[investandprosper]

The CAO Criollo Pampas were actually the first CAOs I tried. I think I still have the tin lying around somewhere in my office. Honestly, my thoughts were that they were just okay...nothing that I would buy again. I agree with you on the flavor profile though...creamy smoke, but not heavy in body and with a white pepper finish. Nothing complex, no evolution, but it is a small cigar. I originally purchased them as a winter smoke. For the golf course I prefer a Churchill or Double Corona.

I would agree with you there Dave, for the course on a calm day I would definitely prefer a larger cigar. When trade winds are blowing, though, the burn on larger cigars gets wonky and they go out a lot. I wish the Pampas evolved more throughout the smoke (I do find myself getting bored starting the final third), but for $1.50 I can't fault the stick

 

[4cbln3]

John, I remember smoking a larger robo CAO criollo when I first got into cigars, it didn't wow me as compared to those FABULOUS RP cigars

I couldn't get enough of.
My, how things change since finding CP, ya bastages! I know I don't have taste buds like yours, but I may revisit them for a 5'ver or so next time I place an order.

<edit, my last statement was for today's smoke, wasn't paying attention (again) >