Are CAOs usually stiffer?

Urzu7
Urzu7 Posts: 5 ✭
in Cigar 101

I have tried a few CAOs recently, particularly the CAO Zocalo (from the shop) and the CAO Nicaragua (my cousin doesn't have a humidor and kept it in the sampler box). Both of them were very stiff and did not taste very good, just very ashy and bitter. I suspect this is because I did not have them in the humidor prior to smoking, however even the CAOs in proper humidity at the shop seem firmer and stiffer than other brands like Factory Smokes or Monte Cristo, Oliva, etc. Is this normal?

I have a CAO Consigliere in the humidor and I will probably give it a few weeks to see if it softens up noticeably.

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Answers

  • Rdp77
    Rdp77 Posts: 8,777 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Some cigars feel “stiff” because of the amount of filler tobacco in them. Some feel that way due to the lack of humidity. My guess is that they seem bitter and over ashy it’s due to lack of humidity. On the other hand, too much moisture will can make them feel spongy and lack flavor. That’s one of the wonderful things about Boveda. It’s a two way system. It can add moisture when needed but will also draw out excess moisture. From my experience, shops can be a toss up as to how they treat their cigars so you always take a chance until you learn their practices. Whenever you buy cigars, give them some time in a humidor with boveda. People have their own preferences as to which rh to use. Anything from 62-69 is good, you just have to figure out what works best for you. Once they’ve been in there awhile and had time to acclimate you’ll get the best expression of that particular cigar and then you can determine if it’s one you’ll want to smoke again or not.

    If it don’t bother me, it don’t bother me. Just leave me alone.

  • Urzu7
    Urzu7 Posts: 5 ✭
    edited August 1

    The last few I've tried from this particular store all seemed to be drier (their humidor is massive however they only have two floor humidifiers as far as I can see). Regardless my experiences so far have just been due to a lack of knowledge so I don't mean any disrespect. All of the cigars I have bought from my vape store were kept in a tiny walk-in humidor and they were all very good.

    I guess the point is like you said, they should stay in the humidor for a while after buying. Thank you for your response!

  • ShawnOL
    ShawnOL Posts: 15,818 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Try rubbing them a little....

    Trapped in the People's Communist Republic of Massachusetts.

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