CAO Flathead
The CAO Flathead is a bold, box-pressed cigar inspired by classic hot rod and pin-up culture, celebrated for its robust flavor and unique flat-top construction. This award-winning blend features a dark, oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over a hearty Connecticut Habano binder and a powerful mix of Nicaraguan Ligero and Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero fillers. It’s crafted for aficionados who crave full-bodied intensity, balanced complexity, and a striking presentation.
- Medium-to-full-bodied profile with layers of dark chocolate, earth, black pepper, fruit, and subtle leather
- Signature Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper delivers sweetness and depth
- Connecticut Habano binder enhances complexity and spice
- Nicaraguan and Dominican Ligero fillers add power, structure, and persistent richness
- Box-pressed construction and a unique flat head for a distinct look and slow, cool burn
- Distinctive packaging with collectible, engine-inspired box lids
- Consistently top-rated, including a 95 rating from Cigar Aficionado
The Flathead line explores the heart of American nostalgia—deep, muscly flavors reminiscent of the open road. Upon lighting, you’ll encounter a dense wave of dark chocolate and earth, built up with assertive black pepper and underlying fruit sweetness. Hints of leather and molasses carry through the retrohale, while the firm, box-pressed shape ensures an effortless draw and luxurious smoke output. Each size in the series nods to engine components, such as the V450 Spark Plug, V554 Camshaft, V660 Carb, V770 Big Block, and V642 Piston—inviting you to find your perfect ride.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Country | Nicaragua |
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf |
| Binder | Connecticut Habano |
| Filler | Nicaraguan Ligero, Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero |
| Box Count | Typically 24 |
| Vitolas | V450 Spark Plug, V554 Camshaft, V660 Carb, V770 Big Block, V642 Piston |
Summary
- Box Count: Typically 24
- Region: Nicaragua
- Strength: Medium-Full
- Binder: Connecticut Habano
- Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
- Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero, Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about the CAO Flathead’s construction?
Its signature box-pressed format and flat-head shape create a dense, luxurious draw, while the packaging is inspired by classic car engines for a collectible presentation.
What is the dominant flavor profile?
Expect bold notes of dark chocolate, earth, black pepper, hints of leather, molasses, and fruit sweetness in a medium-to-full-bodied package.
Is this cigar suitable for beginners?
Its robust character and deep flavors appeal most to seasoned smokers, but it’s balanced enough for adventurous newcomers to enjoy.
What tobaccos are used in the blend?
Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Connecticut Habano binder, and a powerhouse combination of Nicaraguan Ligero and Dominican Piloto Cubano Ligero fillers.
What are the available sizes?
Each vitola is named for a car engine part—V450 Spark Plug, V554 Camshaft, V660 Carb, V770 Big Block, and V642 Piston—ranging in size for different experiences.
How is the construction and burn?
The Flathead is expertly rolled for a slow, even burn, an easy draw, and thick, aromatic smoke throughout the session.
Is the CAO Flathead highly rated?
Yes, it frequently scores among the top cigars, including a 95 rating from Cigar Aficionado and ongoing acclaim from critics and enthusiasts.
What’s the ideal occasion for enjoying a Flathead?
It’s perfect for post-dinner, celebrations, or whenever you want a bold smoke that channels the thrill of classic American muscle and craftsmanship.
















Eddy (verified owner) –
I recently bought 2 boxes for a friend and he kindly gave me one to try out. The flavours of this stick really surprised me. Very smooth, plenty of spice and a nice creamy note on the retrohale. Not to mention killer box and band design. Highly recommend to add to any home humidors.
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Justin White (verified owner) –
I find the flathead series to be a bit inconsistent. I’ve smoked multiple boxes of the spark plugs and those generally perform well, but the rest of the line seems to vary greatly. This one was unfortunately an underperformed. Terrible draw, terrible construction, and acrid ashy flavors. Of course that flavor profile is obviously not what the blender had in mind (at least I sure hope not), I’m sure it was due to the shoddy roll on this one. I have buddies who swear this is the best size in the line, and I’m sure I’ll smoke another someday, but for this particular specimen I’m going to have to say thumbs down.
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mitchdlot (verified owner) –
This cigar is a modern classic. I don’t typically gravitate towards large ring gauge cigars. The 660 just works out great for some reason. The flathead is a deservedly well reviewed cigar and has notes of earth, chocolate, espresso, pepper and some natural tobacco sweetness. Just a consistently great cigar.
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
Just Wow! I’ve smoked a lot of the flatheads. The 660 Carb probably being the most notable for the accolades that it received. I saw that they made a lonsdale version in the 642 so I had to try as that is my preferred vitola. I was more than impressed. The box press gave a perfect mouth feel. I got chocolate, coffee, cedar and a slight charred meat note at times. The cigar did smoke very well. Great draw and burn was tight. CAO has always produced solid sticks and good innovation with their stuff. Another great stick!
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