Brand Heritage
CAO is a globally recognized cigar brand with roots stretching back to 1968, originally founded in Nashville, Tennessee. Over the decades, CAO has built a strong reputation for creative blending, distinctive branding, and producing consistently well-crafted cigars that appeal to a broad range of enthusiasts. Now part of the General Cigar portfolio, CAO continues to push boundaries with bold, thematic lines that combine premium tobaccos with memorable identities — the Flathead Speed Shop series being a prime example of that adventurous spirit.
Blend & Construction
The CAO Flathead Speed Shop Habano 654 Crankshaft is a Nicaraguan puro-influenced blend dressed in an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, with a Mexican San Andrés binder and a filler combination of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos. The 654 designation points to its vitola: a box-pressed Toro measuring 6.5 inches with a 54 ring gauge. The Crankshaft name fits neatly into the line's automotive-themed identity. The box-pressed format is a hallmark of the Flathead Speed Shop line, offering a satisfying draw and even burn while also lending the cigar a premium, handcrafted aesthetic. The use of San Andrés as a binder is a notable choice, known for contributing richness and subtle sweetness to a blend.
Flavor Profile
In keeping with the Flathead Speed Shop line's profile, the Habano 654 Crankshaft delivers a medium to full-bodied smoking experience with a complexity that rewards patient smokers. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper contributes notes of cedar, natural tobacco sweetness, and a touch of spice on the retrohale. The San Andrés binder adds an underlying earthiness and creaminess that rounds out the midpalate. As the cigar progresses through its generous 6.5-inch length, smokers can expect the blend to evolve — typically transitioning from a slightly spicier opening third into a more balanced, cocoa-forward and leathery character in the final third. The smoke is full and satisfying, with a long, lingering finish.
Recommended Pairings
Alcoholic Pairing: A wheated bourbon such as Maker's Mark or Larceny — the soft vanilla and caramel sweetness of a wheated bourbon complements the natural sweetness of the Habano wrapper without overwhelming the cigar's spice.
Non-Alcoholic Pairing: A dark roast cold brew coffee — its bold, low-acid profile echoes the earthy and chocolate notes that develop through the second and third thirds of this cigar.
Best Enjoyed
The CAO Flathead Speed Shop Habano 654 Crankshaft is best suited for intermediate to experienced cigar smokers who appreciate a fuller-bodied smoke with layered complexity. Given its 6.5-inch length and 54 ring gauge, plan for approximately 90 minutes of smoke time. It is an ideal evening cigar — best enjoyed in a relaxed setting after a meal, whether on a back patio, in a lounge, or at a leisurely weekend gathering. This is not a quick smoke, making it a rewarding choice for those who want to slow down and savor a well-constructed, flavorful cigar from start to finish.
English