CAO Criollo Brand Reviews | Famous Smoke Shop

"Finished well"

Was somewhat disappointed with the first half as it lacked any character. Just an average taste to start. The second half was better and fairly good. It could have been the combination with the bourbon I was drinking with the second half. Good consistent burn and draw. Not as full bodied as I'd prefer.

Eric E in Kentucky May 2, 2013

"Very nice Mild/Med smoke"

Pleasant smoking cigar. Good value for the price. Not my favorite from the CAO line, but i do keep a few in my humidor. Don't understandcomplaints on construction. I bought a box and none have cracked. Maybe a bit dry? I've found it best to keep them in the humidor for up to 2 weeks at proper humidity before enjoying.

Lawrence in Hanahan,SC June 7, 2012

"If you like Lot 23 you'll like these"

A bit beefier Lot 23 clone. I'm not thoroughly impressed. I wasn't with Lot 23 either. Its smooth and has some spots of spicy. But otherwise a poor tobacco flavor and a wavering spicy flavor. Tight draw(had to skewer it) and a crisp straight line after the first 1/3. Will not be buying again.

Ian in Columbus,OH May 20, 2012

"Great!"

Writing this after smoking only one. It's not a complex cigar, but it burns good and tastes good. What else could you want? I would definitely buy and smoke again. Unlike other smokers, CAO has never let me down.

WillyD in Spartanburg, SC April 2, 2012

"Great Cigar, bad wrappers"

Fell in love with this cigar from the CAO World Sampler (great value). This cigar is super smooth, excellent draw & burn, but, unlike the Criollo cigar from the World Sampler, when you buy a box, the wrapper is MUCH more lighter, extremely delicate & always cracks. If the wrapper was exactly like the sampler, I' d buy box after box of the Criollo...weird

kurt in nc February 19, 2012

"Excellent"

I couldn't agree more with the other reviews- an Excellent cigar! The construction was great and the flavor was there from the first draw to the last. A great mild to medium cigar. Well worth trying if you're debating it, you'll not be disappointed.

Jack in Ohio March 9, 2011

"The Search Is Over!"

If you are looking for the perfect, treat yourself cigar for that occasional fishing or hunting trip....this is it, you won't be disapointed! The only cigar in my humidor..

Shane in New England March 4, 2011

"Smooth, not too complex"

Received this CAO Criollo in a sample pack. Decided to smoke it late Sunday morning sitting in the screened lanai with the College Football Preview section and a robust blend of Columbian bean. Love the Criollo unique cap twist. The wrapper had texture and also was unique in it's color, the construction was firm. After snipping the cap, even before I lit it, I could tell the draw was going to be a little difficult. The draw remained on the difficult side until the final couple of inches, taking a bit of enjoyment from the experience. That was the only shortcoming. A pleasant creamy smoke, I would call it medium-full, with subtle flavors of nut and mild spiciness. I needed to re-light 3 times, however, another time I was able to put down the cigar in my ashtray for 3-4 minutes (for a coffee re-fill and the editorial section), and started puffing with no problem. I am ordering another sample pack and look forward to smoking this Criollo again, after this first smoke I would rate it in the mid-high 80's. CAO has another quality cigar here. CAO is a good brand, enjoyed all of the 5 or 6 different cigars I've had from CAO over the last few years. For a mild-medium but still flavorable smoke, try the CAO L'Anniversaire (sp?), I rate that at 88 or 89. The "country" cigars are ALL enjoyable.

Hogg in Longwood, FL August 10, 2010

"everyday favorite"

The C.A.O. Criollo is now my everyday go to cigar. Crisp tobacco flavor and a creamy mildly sweet spice that keeps me smacking my lips. This cigar never lets you down. Consistent from stick to stick.... a real winner. The Famous price is unbeatable so if you haven't tried them now is the time. Enjoy.

K. Vito B. in San Francisco April 26, 2010

"Really enjoyed this cigar!"

This cigar was an absolute winner! I enjoyed this cigar with a glass of Dona Antonia Reserva port after a T-Bone steak dinner. This Criollo was my first CAO cigar and it did not dissapoint. I cannot wait to sample the the other cigars in the CAO lineup. The Criollo is a very close cousin to some of the better Cubans that I have enjoyed (being Canadian I can do so regularly) and if you gave me my choice I would take the Criollo all week long and twice on Sunday:)

Eric in Ontario March 12, 2010

CAO Criollo Reviews

Showing 1 through 10 of 45 reviews