Vitola: Camshaft V19 (Robusto)- 5.5” x 50 ring gauge
- MSRP $11.99
- Purchased at Burns Tobacconist
Background
I reviewed the initial release of CAO’s Flathead line in October 2013, nearly 6 years ago…it’s really hard to believe this cigar has been available that long. I believed at the time and maintain until today that the Flathead was a turning point for the CAO brand. During the 1990s “cigar boom” the brand sprang up quickly and became a fan favorite. It stayed that way through the ‘00s with releases like Brazilia, Italia, and La Traviata. Then the little Nashville company that could got swallowed up by the General Cigar corporate giant and let’s just say, “Missteps were made.” Flathead was the third major release from CAO under GCC ownership and I still think it may be the best thing they’ve done since the change…at the very least, it’s their best regular release since the company left Nashville.
So how do they celebrate the brand? How about a new limited edition version? Flathead V19 ups the ante “by blending a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, a hearty Connecticut Habano binder, and a bold selection of independently-grown Nicaraguan Estelí, Jalapa and Condega leaves, with Dominican Piloto Cubano. They then gave each of the leaves an abbreviated fermentation to lock in the tobaccos’ native flavors and added a longer aging process to refine them.”
Brand ambassador, Rick Rodriguez says, “We wanted deep flavor and power, the kind of cigar that demands your attention, just like a classic car or motorcycle does. This is the cigar for the CAO smoker who likes the boldest blends in our line.” They are making the Flathead V19 in 2 sizes, the long robusto Camshaft that I’m reviewing today, as well as the 6 x 60 Carb. They are calling availability of this release “limited time and…limited quantities” without specifying exactly how many they made.
I have smoked a couple samples of the Flathead V19, one of which was a show sample and one of which I purchased at Burns Tobacconist where I work; this review sample was also purchased at Burns. Leaf Enthusiast sponsor, Small Batch Cigar, does carry the CAO Flathead V19 lines.
Prelight
I still think the boxes for the original Flathead release were fun and inspired, in spite of the fact that the lid is just taped on and never stays shut after you remove the tape. These boxes are very nice, with shaped pieces like car ornaments, and an inside of the box lid, like soft-touch vinyl on a car dash board. It’s classy and fun, cool-looking with making you wonder how much of the cigar’s price tag is wrapped up in the cost of making the box.
The band has the blind emboss of an engine piston, the word “Flathead” and wings off to each side, outlines in thin gold pin striping, while CAO and V19 are also rendered in gold foil. The whole thing is die cut into an intricate shape to just encompass the design. I don’t mind saying the look is a step up from the the regular Flathead line, and that I like it very much.
The Broadleaf wrapper was a dark chocolate brown color with some veininess and a nice oily touch. The aroma from it was leathery and earthy, with touches of unsweetened cocoa powder and espresso bean. The foot had rich earthiness and cedar, along with a slight vegetal note.
I used a standard-sized keyring punch to put a hole in the end of the Flathead V19, something I have considered standard practice on every CAO Flathead since the beginning since the shape of the head of the cigar makes most other cuts impractical. I got a very good draw that was sweet with some wood and bell pepper notes.
Flavor
The Flathead V19 opened with earth, bell pepper, and medium-roast coffee notes. A slight pepper heat became evident on the palate after a few puffs, but the retrohale had a stronger black pepper heat, along with leather and wood. It was full-bodied from the beginning. The first third continued along with leather emerging then taking the lead on the palate, while earth and coffee flavors played supporting roles.
The second third had a continuation of strong leathery notes with a backup of semisweet chocolate and darker coffee. There was still wood and pepper on the nose.
Leather and coffee led the way in the last third, with the chocolate notes relegated to the finish. Pepper made a slight return just to give some extra interest.
Construction
I had a great draw, very even burn line and solid ash for close to an inch.
Value
This limited edition Flathead was slightly more expensive than the regular version, but did deliver an overall better experience, so it’s worth the extra coin.
Conclusions
I’ve enjoyed CAO’s Flathead cigars for the last six year and this V19 edition is a special version that amps up the body and strength a bit while retaining the characteristic leather, coffee and chocolate notes so abundant on the original. Very good cigar and one that I will enjoy while they are available. It ends up with a rating identical to the original, but I would give this just a slight edge at this point because it’s new and different (if only slightly). If you are a fan of the original, get your hands on these while you can.
By-The-Numbers
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 9/10
