Notes & évaluations
Note de la rédaction
Note des amateurs
Soyez le premier
Organoleptic profile
Strength
medium
Balance
very good
Draw
easy
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Dominant aromas
Tasting notes
The CAO Nicaragua Granada is a cigar measuring 152.4 mm in length and 19.8 mm in diameter, featuring a wrapper and binder from Honduras, while its filler comes from Nicaragua. Visually, this cigar presents a smooth and nuanced appearance, showcasing a beautiful maduro with a vibrant coffee brown hue. The craftsmanship is impeccable, ensuring a pleasant hand feel and notable visual comfort.
From the first contact, you will be captivated by the complex aroma that emanates from it, a blend of pre-light aromas evoking earth, coffee, and woody notes. Upon lighting, the initial puffs reveal a pleasant pepper kick, followed by a development of aromas of cedar with subtle hints of coffee and chocolate. The aromatic evolution at the beginning is rich and engaging, positioning this cigar as a serious contender in the market.
On the palate, the CAO Nicaragua Granada unfolds a range of flavors that assert themselves over the thirds. The first third is dominated by spicy and earthy notes, gradually transforming into slightly creamy flavors with a hint of nuts in the second third. The final third offers bolder tones, with accents of chocolate and a more pronounced earthy touch, demonstrating real complexity and an appreciable coherence.
The finish is characterized by a sensation of cream and spices, leaving a medium finish of flavors on the palate. This cigar presents a balance between strength and sweetness, providing a memorable and unique smoking experience.
For a tasting moment, the CAO Nicaragua Granada is best enjoyed at dusk, accompanied by a rich coffee to enhance its espresso and chocolate aromas. It is a perfect time for relaxation and reflection, where each puff becomes an aromatic delight.
Community impressions
Cigar enthusiasts highlight the exceptional value of this cigar. With complex pre-light aromas of earth, coffee, and spices, the CAO Nicaragua Granada captivates with its balance and consistency. Its beautiful construction ensures a smooth and enjoyable smoking experience, making it ideal for moments of sharing or contemplative solitude.
How to taste: CAO Nicaragua Granada
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1.The Visual Examination
The CAO Nicaragua Granada features a medium brown to earthy wrapper, evoking a beautiful richness. Its construction is very fine, showcasing quality craftsmanship. Its Robusto Gordo vitola, measuring 152.4 mm in length with a ring gauge of 50, allows for a pleasant grip.
This first step is crucial for understanding the aesthetics and quality of the cigar's construction — a well-made wrapper and an appropriate format promote a harmonious tasting experience.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, gently inhaling the aromas of the CAO Nicaragua Granada reveals notes of earthy thumb and coffee, accompanied by woody and chocolate nuances. This olfactory phase offers a first glimpse of the flavors to come.
Pre-light aromas allow for anticipation of the flavors that will develop during the burn — this helps prepare the palate and appreciate the complexity of flavors as the tasting progresses.
3.The Cut
A standard straight cut is made just below the cap, ensuring a clean opening. This allows for free access to the filler while preserving the integrity of the wrapper.
A careful cut is essential to ensure an easy draw, which is fundamental for an even burn and a pleasant smoking experience.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw of the CAO Nicaragua Granada is easy, indicating good airflow through the cigar. This foreshadows a smoking experience without constraints, allowing for smooth air circulation.
This essential step helps detect any potential manufacturing defects — an easy draw signals a pleasant and uninterrupted tasting experience.
5.Lighting
During lighting, the foot of the cigar should be evenly toasted to avoid uneven combustion. Pay particular attention to ensure a uniform ember.
Proper lighting is crucial for a successful smoking experience — it prevents canoeing issues and ensures optimal development of aromas from the start.
6.First Third
In the first third, the CAO Nicaragua Granada reveals a medium strength with dominant aromas of earthy thumb, coffee, and chocolate. The smoke volume is also medium, offering a nice mouthfeel.
This is a pivotal moment where the initial flavors lay the foundation for the experience — smoking slowly allows for full enjoyment of this aromatic introduction.
7.Second Third
As we progress into the second third, secondary aromas such as spices, nuts, and leather emerge, bringing a beautiful complexity. The balance is very good, allowing the flavors to harmonize.
This phase reveals the depth of the blend — understanding the evolution of the aromas helps appreciate the mastery behind the creation of this cigar.
8.The Finish
The ash color is gray, and the finish is characterized by a creamy sensation with a slight spicy persistence. The finish is medium, leaving a subtle echo of the flavors.
Observing the ash retention and appreciating the finish allows for an evaluation of the quality of the tobaccos used — a good finish often signifies complexity and superior craftsmanship.