Brand Heritage
CAO is a globally recognized cigar brand with deep roots in innovation and bold blending, now operating under the General Cigar Company umbrella. Known for pushing creative boundaries — both in tobacco selection and in thematic marketing — CAO has built a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciate cigars with personality and genuine craftsmanship. The Flathead Speed Shop series is a prime example of that ethos, drawing inspiration from American hot rod culture while delivering serious smoking experiences built for the discerning palate.
Blend & Construction
The CAO Flathead Speed Shop Habano 770 Big Block is a Nicaraguan-made, box-pressed Gordo measuring 7 inches with a 70 ring gauge — a true big-smoking vitola built for the long haul. The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Habano leaf, chosen for its natural oils, slight tooth, and ability to contribute both complexity and sweetness to the smoke. It is bound by a Mexican San Andrés binder, a dark and earthy leaf well known for adding depth and body, while the filler blend draws on tobaccos from both the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua to round out the profile with balance and strength. The box-pressed format is both aesthetically distinctive and functional, promoting an even burn across this wide-gauge cigar.
Flavor Profile
In keeping with the Flathead Speed Shop line's profile, the Habano 770 Big Block presents as a medium-to-full-bodied smoke with a rich, layered character. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper contributes notes of cedar, natural sweetness, and a hint of spice on the retrohale, while the San Andrés binder lends a dark, earthy backbone with subtle chocolate and leather undertones. The Nicaraguan filler adds pepper and depth that tends to mellow as the cigar progresses, allowing the creamier, more complex Dominican notes to emerge in the second and third thirds. Smoke production from the 70-ring gauge is generous, and the draw — aided by the box-press format — is typically open and satisfying throughout the 90-minute-plus experience.
Recommended Pairings
Alcoholic: A wheated Kentucky bourbon such as Maker's Mark 46 complements the cigar's natural sweetness and cedar notes while holding its own against the earthy spice of the San Andrés binder.
Non-Alcoholic: A double shot of dark roast espresso mirrors the chocolate and leather undertones in the blend and provides a pleasing bitterness that balances the wrapper's natural sweetness.
Best Enjoyed
The CAO Flathead Speed Shop Habano 770 Big Block is best reserved for experienced to intermediate smokers who appreciate a full-sized, slow-burning cigar with genuine complexity. Given its 7 x 70 dimensions, expect a smoke time of approximately 90 minutes to two hours, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed weekend afternoon, an evening on the patio, or any occasion where time and attention can truly be given to the experience. This is not a rush smoke — it rewards patience and makes an excellent centerpiece for a leisurely gathering among fellow enthusiasts.
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