Introduction
The CAO brand has long stood as the vanguard of innovation in the world of cigars, fearlessly pushing the boundaries with each new release. Renowned for an impressive roster of 90+ rated blends, CAO has established a legacy of excellence that captivates even the most discerning aficionados. In the spirit of this relentless pursuit of perfection comes the CAO Pilon, a blend that not only pays homage to traditional cigar crafting techniques but also elevates them to new heights.
Reviving the age-old tradition of the circular pilon—a costly and rarely employed method of fermentation—CAO Pilon captures the essence of patience and expertise. The standard pilon, a stack of tobacco leaves banded and left to ferment, is transformed into a meticulous circular pattern under CAO’s watchful eye. This method encourages a slower, more uniform fermentation process, accentuating the tobacco’s natural flavors and imbuing the leaves with a character unattainable by any other means.
Dressed in an alluring Ecuador Habano wrapper and boasting a rich amalgamation of Nicaraguan binder and fillers, the CAO Pilon presents itself as a medium-bodied marvel. Its flavor profile is a symphony of spice, cedar, pepper, nuts, and cocoa—a rich and hearty blend that reinforces CAO’s esteemed lineage of tobacco excellence.
Bestowed with a 90-rating and lauded for its sweet, bready notes reminiscent of a graham cracker, alongside a bold, earthy core and a cedary finish, the CAO Pilon is more than a cigar—it’s a sensory journey. Its gleaming, oily wrapper is a testament to the quality of fermentation, promising an even burn and a consistent flavor experience.
Join us as we delve into the heart of CAO’s innovation, exploring the intricate flavors, aromas, and the exquisite craftsmanship of the CAO Pilon—a cigar that does more than just please the palate; it tells a story of passion and heritage with each draw.
Tasting Notes
1st 3rd (Initial Notes)
Lighting the CAO Pilon is akin to the first few steps into a seasoned humidor; the air is rich with promise. As the flame gently coaxes the cigar to life, the initial notes of cedar envelop the senses, mingled with a welcoming spice that tingles the tip of the tongue. Subtle yet pronounced, the taste of fresh, warm bread emerges, reminiscent of a graham cracker’s sweet and bready cinnamon, providing a comforting start to the smoke. The cigar starts as medium-bodied, but even in these early moments, there is an inkling of the depths it is set to explore.
2nd 3rd (Middle Notes)
The middle third of the CAO Pilon is where the narrative deepens, and the cigar begins to reveal its full story. The comforting spice and cedar evolve into a more complex profile, introducing a chorus of nutty notes that hum harmoniously in the background. Here, a gentle crescendo of pepper begins to weave through the experience, lending a zesty counterpoint to the established sweetness. This section is contemplative, the smoke thickening slightly, the flavors becoming more assertive, yet never overwhelming, as if each puff were a measured step deeper into CAO Pilon’s rich history.
3rd 3rd (Final Notes)
As the final third arrives, the CAO Pilon confidently strides into its full medium-bodied richness. The cocoa, which had been a whisper, now steps forward, bold and dark, yet still impeccably balanced by the enduring notes of cedar and the earthy undertones that have become more pronounced. The final notes carry a certain gravitas, a robust yet rounded finish that satisfies and resonates, leaving a lasting impression of a blend that’s both hearty and exquisitely crafted. The cigar concludes its performance not with a finale but with an elegant denouement, the smoke fading gently, inviting the smoker to reflect on a journey well traveled.
Aromas
The CAO Pilon is not just a treat for the palate but also a delight for the nose. Before the cigar is even lit, it greets the smoker with the warm, woody aroma of cedar, layered with a hint of spice that beckons further exploration. Upon lighting, the CAO Pilon’s true aromatic bouquet unfurls; a comforting wave of toasted bread and nuts fills the air, creating an inviting ambiance. As the smoke progresses, the subtle sweetness of cocoa and the rich earthiness become more prominent, weaving a tapestry of scents that is as welcoming as it is complex.
Origin
Every cigar has a tale, and the CAO Pilon’s begins in the fertile lands of Nicaragua—a country whose volcanic soil and ideal climate have nurtured some of the world’s most revered tobacco. The Nicaraguan origin of the CAO Pilon’s binder and filler leaves is a proud declaration of its heritage, a story of terroir that translates into a smoke rich with the nuances of its birthplace. This is a cigar that not only speaks of its lineage but sings of it, with each note a harmonious blend of nature’s finest offerings and the artistry of CAO’s blenders.
Filler, Binder, and Wrapper Notes
The construction of a cigar is a testament to its identity, and the CAO Pilon is no exception. The Nicaraguan filler, a blend of meticulously selected leaves, provides the robust foundation upon which the cigar’s complexity is built. The Nicaraguan binder complements the filler, adding structure and depth, securing the layers of flavor that unfurl with each draw. Enrobing this is the Ecuador Habano wrapper—gleaming with oil, a visual promise of the richness within. Together, these components form a cigar that is a seamless fusion of flavor and craftsmanship, a physical embodiment of the CAO Pilon’s spirit.
Construction and Burn
To appreciate a cigar like the CAO Pilon is to understand the craft behind it. From its impeccable roll to the way it sits confidently between the fingers, the construction is flawless. The burn, a crucial indicator of a well-made cigar, is even and consistent, a slow and measured release of the blend’s full potential. The ash, a silvery-gray testament to the cigar’s stability, holds firm, falling away only when prompted, a sign of the care taken in every step of the CAO Pilon’s creation.
Drink Pairing Recommendations
The art of pairing a cigar with the perfect beverage is about complementing and contrasting flavors to enhance the smoking experience. For the CAO Pilon, a glass of smooth bourbon or a rich, aged rum can elevate the cigar’s natural sweetness and spice. For a non-alcoholic pairing, a dark roast coffee with its robust flavors can stand alongside the cigar, each sip preparing the palate for the next puff.
Book Pairing Recommendations
A good book and a fine cigar are timeless companions. The CAO Pilon, with its layers of flavor and depth, pairs well with literature that is equally rich and complex. Consider Gabriel García Márquez’s “Love in the Time of Cholera,” a tale of passion that spans decades, or perhaps delve into the mystical world of Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s “The Shadow of the Wind,” a story that, like the CAO Pilon, wraps you in its intrigue and leaves you savoring each moment.
Overall
The CAO Pilon stands as a triumph of tradition and innovation, a medium-bodied cigar that delivers a smoking experience as memorable as it is enjoyable. From its historical fermentation method to the last draw of smoke, the cigar is a journey through flavor, craftsmanship, and the pure joy of smoking. It’s a testament to CAO’s legacy of pushing the envelope and a celebration of the cigar-making art. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or new to the craft, the CAO Pilon is a cigar that deserves a place in your humidor, ready to be enjoyed, savored, and remembered.
