My, my, where has the time gone? I haven’t reviewed a cigar since last year! This hiatus has gone on for too long. I should really stop studying so hard and focus on what’s really important haha. Well here you go readers, wherever you may be—my first review of 2013.

-Josh

Vitola:

I have here with me the CAO America Potomac by Drew estate, weighing in at 6” X 52. It sports a beautiful barberpole-style wrapper made with Brazilian aged connecticut. It is a chocolate colored wrapper with a thin stripe of caramel spiraling down its sides. The pinstripe wrapper complements the beautiful label as well, covered in stars and stripes of its own. The aesthetics cannot go unappreciated—this is a prime example of beautiful presentation. The wrapper is fairly smooth in texture but bumpy, with some minor veins here and there. The construction isn’t perfect, but it’s a damn good job considering it’s a barberpole.

I’ve been holding onto this one for a long time, probably five or six months. I’ve been looking for a good occasion to smoke this one, and I figured I’d break my hiatus with something special. I’ve barely punch-cut this cigar, and it turned out alright considering I have a broken fifth metacarpal on my left hand (yes, I’ve had a little accident). Anyway, now that I’ve made my cut, LET THERE BE LIGHT!!

First Third:

The draw is very good. After toasting and lighting the foot, the first few puffs are instantly toasty and nutty. I’ve seasoned this stick very well apparently. There’s a little bit of lingering sweetness in the scent as well, not sure exactly what kind, but something slightly saccharine. The distinctive scent of coffee also makes its appearance, making for a very pleasant combination of olfactory stimulation. The burn is very slightly uneven, but I am not too worried about it. It should correct itself soon enough.

Now the bouquet has developed into a deeper roasted coffee bean and sweet cocoa flavor. The scent is still very much nutty. It is also oily and savory, as any well-aged tobacco should be. Delicious. The flavor on the palate is mild but there. It’s slightly bitter but nutty, like cocoa. There is also the crisp woodiness of cedar on the palate, with a slight creaminess in the scent to go with. The combination of the tastes and scents give off the vibe of dark chocolate and coffee beans.

The flavors haven’t changed much but it is very pleasing and I am fine with them sticking around longer for my enjoyment. The burn has since become fairly even and the ash is holding on quite firmly despite a weak breeze.

Second Third:

Ah, a new arrival. A sweet and fruity tartness in the scent. Reminds me of craisins, actually. I might be crazy, but I’ve double and triple checked and am positive. Besides, considering this stick is by Drew Estate, hands down the best roller of flavored cigars, I suppose it’s not such a far-fetched claim. The creaminess has also picked up in addition to the introduction of a subtle but growing leatheriness.

After about a minute, the tartness is sadly gone. It was a very unexpected turn in flavor and I’m sorry that it’s gone so soon. Taking its place is a vanilla bean sweetness, creamy cedar, a raisins (without the tartness of course) and leather, so often seen together with raisiny notes. It’s a good mix and a very pleasant smell. The taste is toasty and bitter, giving the flavors and scents another level of complexity.

Two-thirds down the second third. The burn is good and the flavors have been consistently tasty. No significant changes were experienced, just a smooth, relaxing ride.

Final Third:

I am increasingly amazed at the relentless deluge of flavors and sensory stimuli. There is no time to rest, (but I am very far from complaining). The sweetness alternates between a creamy, saccharine sweetness and a fruity, nutra-sweet flavor. The creaminess is substantial, but not overpowering. Oily and cocoa-sweet smoke. The palate is toasty and nutty with just the right amount of spice from the tobacco.

Home stretch. The smell is mostly that of a creamy coffee with hints of leather. I think I also sense a subtle tartness coyly coming and going. It’s a nice, smooth finish.

Verdict:

Wow. Very rich flavors. Immensely enjoyed it. The nonstop flavors were a delight, as I normally don’t like hang time waiting for flavors to appear. The tobacco was rich, oily, creamy, and savory with very little spice. This stick had all the perks of a connecticut, and then some. This was not unlike the Gurkha Black Beauty, which is also a very flavorful and impressive aged connecticut. I can’t see this stick not being enjoyed by anyone, amateur or veteran. Awesome smoke and would definitely recommend.

Total Smoking Time: 50 minutes