AshMap
Overview
The CAO Flathead V624 Carb is General Cigar's most confident statement in the under-$15 full-bodied category—a machine-bunched, hand-finished gordo that refuses to apologize for its ambitions. Launched as part of the Flathead series in 2013, the line drew its creative DNA from American hot rod culture, with each vitola designation referencing V8 engine displacement. The V624, at 6 by 60 ring gauge, represents the architectural apex of the collection: a substantial, demanding format that could easily devolve into one-dimensional bluster in lesser hands. Instead, master blender Rick Rodriguez engineered a Nicaraguan and Honduran long-filler composition that balances power with surprising nuance—delivering espresso and roasted nuts where you'd expect mere smoke and fury.
From the first draw, the V624 Carb announces itself with toasted cedar, dry cocoa, and dusty leather, establishing medium-full strength that builds methodically rather than arriving like a sledgehammer. The second third pivots gracefully into richer territory, where walnut, cashew, and volcanic earthiness emerge alongside deepening leather and deliberate black pepper on the retrohale. By the final third, the cigar has earned its full strength rating, finishing with dark chocolate, charred oak, and lingering spice—a long, complex denouement that never tips into harshness or one-note fatigue. The Nicaraguan Sun Grown wrapper, Colorado in shade, sports the toothy texture and natural sheen expected of quality leaf, while construction remains reliably solid throughout.
What distinguishes the V624 Carb in a crowded market is its refusal to sacrifice character for accessibility. At $10–$14 per stick, it occupies a rarefied space: complex enough to reward patient analysis, robust enough to satisfy full-bodied aficionados, and priced honestly enough that neither your wallet nor your expectations take a beating. This is an everyday cigar only in the sense that it's affordable; nothing about its profile or presence is pedestrian. The 90-minute to two-hour commitment demands respect—a relaxed weekend afternoon, a quiet evening, a chair. The CAO Flathead V624 Carb is the thinking person's affordable powerhouse.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Sun Grown — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers, aged tobaccos blended by Rick Rodriguez |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua (General Cigar's NACSA factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Gordo |
| Size | 6 x 60 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos are aged prior to blending; no extended post-rolling aging noted beyond standard factory rest |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with a pronounced blast of toasted cedar, dry cocoa, and a dusty leather note that sets the foundation quickly. There's a grassy, almost hay-like sweetness in the retrohale that gives early complexity. Strength builds from the first draw, signaling this is not a casual smoke.
Second Third
The profile transitions into richer territory — espresso, roasted nuts (particularly walnut and cashew), and a mild earthiness reminiscent of nicaraguan volcanic soil. Black pepper emerges on the retrohale with conviction, while the leather deepens and becomes more buttery in character.
Final Third
The final third intensifies without tipping into harshness — dark chocolate, charred oak, and a lingering spice note dominate. The finish is long, slightly sweet with a dry cocoa and leather aftertaste. Strength peaks here; novice smokers should pace accordingly.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is generally reliable given General Cigar's factory standards — the draw on the 60-ring gauge is open and effortless, occasionally on the loose side. Burn line holds reasonably well though the large format can require a touch-up at the midpoint; ash is firm and salt-and-pepper in color, holding an inch or more.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
American bourbon with high rye content — Bulleit Bourbon or Four Roses Single Barrel complement the spice and oak notes beautifully; aged rum (Zacapa 23) also works exceptionally well
Wine
A bold Zinfandel or Petite Sirah from Lodi, California — the jammy dark fruit and pepper character mirrors the cigar's second-third profile
Non-Alcoholic
Cold brew coffee — double concentrate, unsweetened — amplifies the chocolate and roasted nut notes without competing with the pepper on the retrohale
Who Should Smoke This?
The CAO Flathead V624 Carb is engineered for aficionados with established palates who want complexity and strength without prestige-tier pricing. Experienced smokers seeking a dependable full-bodied everyday cigar will find it indispensable; the 60-ring gauge and robust blend reward serious smoking, not casual consumption. This is not an entry-level cigar—novice smokers should pace carefully given the medium-full strength profile and two-hour time commitment. Weekend warriors, porch aficionados, and anyone comfortable with bold Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos will recognize the value immediately. Best suited for solitary smoking in a relaxed setting where you can give it genuine attention.
Bottom Line
The CAO Flathead V624 Carb punches decisively above its price point, delivering the complexity and strength that full-bodied aficionados demand without the pretension or cost of prestige lines. It's the rare everyday cigar that never feels like a compromise. Highly recommended for anyone seeking bold character and honest value.
Similar Cigars
Explore all CAO Flathead cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CAO Flathead V624 Carb a strong cigar?
Yes. The V624 Carb carries a medium-full strength (4/5) that builds steadily from the first third and peaks in the final third. It's not a beginner's smoke and demands a measured pace.
What does the CAO Flathead V624 Carb taste like?
The profile opens with toasted cedar, dry cocoa, and dusty leather. The second third develops espresso, roasted nuts (walnut, cashew), and black pepper, while the final third finishes with dark chocolate, charred oak, and lingering spice. There's consistent complexity throughout—not a one-note experience.
How long does the CAO Flathead V624 Carb take to smoke?
Expect 90 minutes to two hours given the 6 by 60 gordo format. This is not a quick smoke; it demands a relaxed setting and genuine attention.
What is the best pairing for the CAO Flathead V624 Carb?
American bourbon with high rye content (Bulleit, Four Roses Single Barrel) or aged rum (Zacapa 23) complement the spice and oak beautifully. For wine, a bold Zinfandel or Petite Sirah mirrors the second-third profile. Cold brew coffee amplifies chocolate and roasted notes without competing with the pepper.
Is the CAO Flathead V624 Carb good for beginners?
No. The medium-full strength and two-hour commitment make it unsuitable for novice smokers. Experienced aficionados with established full-bodied preferences should approach it instead.
Where can I buy the CAO Flathead V624 Carb?
The CAO Flathead V624 Carb is distributed through General Cigar's authorized retailers, including online merchants and brick-and-mortar shops that stock premium cigars. Availability varies by region.
What is the price of the CAO Flathead V624 Carb?
The V624 Carb retails for $10–$14 per cigar, positioning it firmly in the accessible everyday category while maintaining surprising complexity for the price.
Is the CAO Flathead V624 Carb worth aging?
The tobaccos are aged prior to blending, and no extended post-rolling aging beyond standard factory rest is noted. The cigar is engineered for immediate enjoyment; extended aging is not a primary consideration.
What wrapper does the CAO Flathead V624 Carb use?
A Nicaraguan Sun Grown wrapper in Colorado shade—a medium-dark reddish-brown leaf with natural sheen and toothy texture that delivers visual character and structural integrity.
Where is the CAO Flathead V624 Carb made?
The V624 Carb is manufactured at General Cigar's NACSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. The blend features Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers crafted by master blender Rick Rodriguez, with a Nicaraguan binder completing the composition.