Paulie’s Quick Ash Cigar Review: CAO FASA Sol
Mi FASA, Su FASA
There’s room for everyone when it comes to CAO’s lineup of FASA cigars. The FASA Sol (sun phase) is the second cigar released in the trilogy—after the CAO FASA Noche (night phase) and preceding the just-released FASA Sombra (shadow phase). Like its counterparts, this cigar uses a signature wrapper varietal over the same binder and filler components.
“The CAO FASA Sol promises a full-flavored smoking experience that’s enjoyable during the day and is geared towards a more experienced enthusiast.” Their words, not mine.
So, let’s put the FASA Sol through its paces and see what’s in store.
CAO FASA Sol Quick Ash Video Cigar Review
The Specs
Factory: STG Danli, Honduras
Size: 6” x 60 Gigante (Gordo)
Strength: Medium-Full
Wrapper: Honduran Olancho San Agustin
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Nicaraguan Jalapa, Condega, and Esteli, and Dominican Republic Piloto Cubano
Presentation: 20-count box
Behind the Blend
The CAO FASA Sol features a Honduran OSA wrapper combined with a Cameroon binder. Inside, you'll find a diverse blend of long-fillers sourced from three Nicaraguan growing regions—Jalapa, Condega, and Esteli—alongside Dominican Piloto Cubano tobacco.
OSA refers to tobacco grown in the San Agustin valley within the Olancho region of Honduras, an area so big it's actually larger than the entire country of El Salvador. Rick Rodriguez, CAO's former Master Blender, encountered this wrapper in 2008 and immediately recognized its potential: "After trying a few samples, we realized that we could use this wrapper to make a highly fragrant, powerful cigar". However, it took about two years before they were ready to start production with it. It being the excellent CAO OSA Sol.
Flash forward to present day and several well-known brands are using this wrapper, including Partagás and Plasencia. The OSA wrapper has gained popularity among cigar enthusiasts for its rich flavor profile that offers a perfect medium to medium-plus smoking experience, combining notes of cocoa, cedar, and spice with a smooth, creamy finish.
The Cheat Sheet
And now here’s where I break the CAO FASA Sol down into its key moments—the Highs, Lows, and Whoas.
- High: We all have our reasons for why we smoke cigars. For me, it’s all about flavor and experience, and that’s what stood out most with the FASA Sol. The big ring gauge allowed the blend to stretch its legs in the flavor department, while keeping the overall burning temp on the cooler side.
- Low: While big ring gauge cigars are known for smoking cool and having loads of flavor, they’re more difficult to make. And this leads me to the low point—the potential for construction issues. While not a widespread concern, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for burn issues like tunneling or canoeing.
- Whoa: While not outright surprising, I was caught off guard and overall impressed with the consistency and finish in the CAO FASA Sol. The main flavors were there for the duration, varying only in intensity and interplay with supporting notes, while the finish was clean and velvety.
FASA Sol Gigante lands as a medium to full-bodied smoke with an interplay of creamy textures and warm cinnamon spice. Before long, roasted nuts and earth enter the picture and enrich the flavor profile while cinnamon and light pepper remain ever present in the background.
Gigante’s generous proportions allow these flavors to evolve at their leisure while maintaining their distinctive character. Overall, CAO FASA Sol is a feat of blending prowess that showcases the Honduran OSA wrapper’s ability to harmonize with tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic and come together delivering a relaxing and satisfying smoke.
The Last Word
The CAO FASA Sol Gigante represents solid value in price and performance, offering an experience that requires no learning curve. What makes this premium stand out in the crowded sub-$10 per stick segment is its versatility - with enough substance to hold a cigar vet’s interest yet approachable enough for casual smokers.
Sol’s generous Gigante format provides ample smoking time (close to 90 minutes), making it equally suitable for yard work, golf, or a dedicated round of relaxation with a stiff bourbon or strong coffee. For smokers seeking reliable daily enjoyment without the ambitious premium pricing, the CAO FASA Sol earns a deserved place in the rotation.
Pro Tip: Take your time with this cigar - a slow, deliberate pacing brings out the subtle transitions that might be missed if rushed, particularly in the final third where the flavor profile reaches its peak.