Review of CAO Zócalo Cigar

CAO Zócalo cigars became a full time line in March 2021. They were originally introduced as a limited edition blend in 2018, and were available in only one size. Now, three sizes are available, including a Robusto (5 x 52) priced at $7.99, which is the subject of this review. The cigars are made in Nicaragua with a Mexican San Andreas Morron wrapper, Cameroon binder, and a blend of Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. For more info, please check out the press release.

The sample CAO Zocalo Robusto began with a generous dose of pepper along with a modest amount sweetness. During the first few minutes, the sweet peppery flavor gradually declined but still remained very noticeable, as an earthy flavor began to emerge. The cigar started off and stayed in the medium-to-full bodied range for most of its duration. At about the 20-minute mark, notes of leather joined the mix, accompanying the earth and sweet peppery flavors which were just a bit tamer at this point. The flavors did not significantly change beyond this spot, but the cigar did become a bit stronger during the last 15 minutes of the smoking session.

The CAO Zocalo Robust was well made, having a good draw, mostly even burn, and it held a long ash. One relight was required at the 35-minute mark when the cigar went out, but no touch-ups were needed since puffing and rotating were enough to keep the burn line mostly even. It took me 50 minutes to smoke the cigar down to two inches remaining.

I enjoyed the CAO Zocalo Robusto just enough to rate it with a very good 4 points on a 5-point scale. I think that the Robusto vitola is a good size for this particular blend, as one of the larger sizes could be just too much (especially the Gigante 6 x 60). Although this was not an overly strong cigar, it was still potent enough to be satisfying without overdoing it. CAO Zocalo cigars should be enjoyed by more seasoned cigar smokers, as beginners should steer clear (at least for the time being).

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer.