Uploaded October 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this video, Reinhard reviews the CAO Session! Watch to learn all about its tasting notes and value for money with our detailed review.
Check out the CAO Session & Read The Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/cigars/cao-session
Learn about the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula:
bespokeunit.com/cigars/formula
Video Summary:
00:00 Introduction
The review will be taken according to the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula, a quantifiable review matrix that you can use at home.
00:19 Cigar Overview
The Session is a homage to Rick Rodriguez's blending process where he would invite friends to smoke cigars in his garage. He would call these meet-ups "Sessions". Manufactured at General Cigar Dominicana in Santiago De Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. Most of CAO's cigars are now made in Nicaragua so this was a true return to his roots. Each vitola feature a Connecticut broadleaf Maduro wrapper, and Dominican Vega Especial binder, and a filler of Dominican Piloto Cubano and Nicaraguan Estelí.
02:37 Look & Feel & Prelight
The maduro wrapper is toothy and coarse yet refined with a character full of sheen with tiny veins. It has a firm roll without any bumps or bruises. There is just a hint of resistance when pinched. Its aromas delivered wet wood and leather. The cold draw is firm and offers a wide array of aromas such as black banana, olibanum, and manure.
03:44 Tasting Notes
The first third opens with sweet raisins sprinkled over whole-grain bread with mint chocolate chip. Its mellow, rich, and creamy with hints of roasted hazelnuts and candied orange peel.
A rice nuance appears in the second third accompanied by chocolate malt sweetness and counterbalanced by pink peppercorn.
The final third reveals stewed plums and overripe banana as experienced in the cold draw. Orange peel, balsam wood, and cedar are also present for the coffee malt spicy finish.
A well-balanced and complex smoke with a mellow creamy mouthfeel. It has a developed life-cycle and lingering finish.
05:48 Burn
The overall burn was generally even, resulting in a strong backbone and pristine ash. However, those smoked did require occasional touch-ups. The draw was firm but reveals a superbly cold smoke.
6:11 Pairings
Dark roasted espresso would be ideal. Plum juice could underline and support the luscious fruity sweetness. Otherwise, a Grand Marnier or a bitter orange liqueur would be excellent.
Consider also a chocolate stout or porter beer. German Riesling would reflect the cigar's minerality. Alternatively, mint chocolate chip ice cream or an After Eight would combine well with the cigar's first third. Bitter chocolate wrap marzipan, beef jerky, or a burnt marshmallow would also make for a delightful snack combination.
07:23 Overall Experience
The CAO Session has a wonderfully convivial social element and an intriguing story. A great occasional cigar to enjoy with friends or alone, it's a regular production for just $9, which presents great value for money.
Already tried the CAO Session cigar or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
CONNECT:
Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter
In this video, Reinhard reviews the CAO Session! Watch to learn all about its tasting notes and value for money with our detailed review.
Check out the CAO Session & Read The Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/cigars/cao-session
Learn about the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula:
bespokeunit.com/cigars/formula
Video Summary:
00:00 Introduction
The review will be taken according to the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula, a quantifiable review matrix that you can use at home.
00:19 Cigar Overview
The Session is a homage to Rick Rodriguez's blending process where he would invite friends to smoke cigars in his garage. He would call these meet-ups "Sessions". Manufactured at General Cigar Dominicana in Santiago De Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. Most of CAO's cigars are now made in Nicaragua so this was a true return to his roots. Each vitola feature a Connecticut broadleaf Maduro wrapper, and Dominican Vega Especial binder, and a filler of Dominican Piloto Cubano and Nicaraguan Estelí.
02:37 Look & Feel & Prelight
The maduro wrapper is toothy and coarse yet refined with a character full of sheen with tiny veins. It has a firm roll without any bumps or bruises. There is just a hint of resistance when pinched. Its aromas delivered wet wood and leather. The cold draw is firm and offers a wide array of aromas such as black banana, olibanum, and manure.
03:44 Tasting Notes
The first third opens with sweet raisins sprinkled over whole-grain bread with mint chocolate chip. Its mellow, rich, and creamy with hints of roasted hazelnuts and candied orange peel.
A rice nuance appears in the second third accompanied by chocolate malt sweetness and counterbalanced by pink peppercorn.
The final third reveals stewed plums and overripe banana as experienced in the cold draw. Orange peel, balsam wood, and cedar are also present for the coffee malt spicy finish.
A well-balanced and complex smoke with a mellow creamy mouthfeel. It has a developed life-cycle and lingering finish.
05:48 Burn
The overall burn was generally even, resulting in a strong backbone and pristine ash. However, those smoked did require occasional touch-ups. The draw was firm but reveals a superbly cold smoke.
6:11 Pairings
Dark roasted espresso would be ideal. Plum juice could underline and support the luscious fruity sweetness. Otherwise, a Grand Marnier or a bitter orange liqueur would be excellent.
Consider also a chocolate stout or porter beer. German Riesling would reflect the cigar's minerality. Alternatively, mint chocolate chip ice cream or an After Eight would combine well with the cigar's first third. Bitter chocolate wrap marzipan, beef jerky, or a burnt marshmallow would also make for a delightful snack combination.
07:23 Overall Experience
The CAO Session has a wonderfully convivial social element and an intriguing story. A great occasional cigar to enjoy with friends or alone, it's a regular production for just $9, which presents great value for money.
Already tried the CAO Session cigar or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
CONNECT:
Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter
