AshMap
Overview
The CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo is a brick through a stained-glass window — a deliberate, heavy-handed statement that the blue-collar aesthetic can house a white-tablecloth blend. From the first cold draw, there's a defiance in the box-press: the sharp corners dig into the fingers, promising structure before the flame even kisses the foot. The pre-light offers a whiff of sweet barnyard and dark cocoa powder, a hint that this isn't a one-note powerhouse but a layered composition waiting to unfold. The initial light is a punch of toasted cedar and raw, unsweetened cocoa, grounded by a wet-clay earthiness that feels like the smell of a garden after a storm. White pepper snaps on the retrohale — sharp, present, but not aggressive — while a thread of caramel sweetness tries to civilize the proceedings, a gesture that feels almost apologetic for the brute force of the opening salvo.
By the second third, the V624 reveals its true architecture. The leather arrives not as a soft glove but as a well-worn work jacket, stiff and seasoned. Espresso bean takes the lead, pushing the cocoa into a darker, more bitter territory that borders on 90% dark chocolate. The Honduran wrapper begins to sing here, contributing a hickory-like woodiness that interplays with the Nicaraguan filler's inherent spice — a duet that feels less like a collaboration and more like a friendly argument over who gets the last word. A creamy texture develops mid-palate, softening the edges of the pepper and providing a counterpoint to the growing intensity. This is the heart of the cigar, where the blend's complexity is no longer a promise but a lived reality.
The final third is a descent into a controlled burn. The caramel sweetness that opened the smoke has been consumed, leaving behind a dry, satisfying earthiness that coats the palate. Dark roast coffee and charred oak dominate, with the pepper returning for a sustained, peppery finish that lingers long after the smoke is exhaled. The strength and body peak here, but the blend never loses its composure — it's a full-throttle push that remains disciplined, never harsh, never bitter. The ash holds firm, a testament to the construction, and the burn line remains razor-sharp throughout. This is a cigar that knows exactly what it is: a working man's premium, unapologetic in its intensity, yet refined enough to reward the patient smoker who lets it tell its story.
What makes the V624 distinctive is not just its flavor profile, but its refusal to be pigeonholed. The hot-rod branding — the V8 engine displacement code, the flathead design — is a lure for the curious, but the blend is the hook that keeps the serious smoker coming back. It's a cigar that doesn't need to shout about its pedigree; it lets the smoke do the talking. In a market saturated with overpriced, under-delivering 'prestige' sticks, the Flathead V624 is a reminder that complexity and value are not mutually exclusive. It's a cigar for the smoker who appreciates the nuance of a well-aged tobacco but doesn't need a velvet rope to enjoy it.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Honduran Habano — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Dominican long-fillers, aged |
| Country of Origin | Honduras |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6 x 24/64 (6 x 60 ring equivalent in flathead designation) |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $11–$15 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos undergo a proprietary aging process as part of CAO's blending program; specific duration not publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening delivers a robust blast of toasted cedar, raw cocoa, and a distinctive earthiness reminiscent of wet clay after rain. Pepper — primarily white — presents immediately on the retrohale and lingers without dominating. A subtle caramel sweetness threads underneath, balancing the more aggressive notes.
Second Third
Complexity ramps up considerably here as leather and espresso bean take center stage, with the cocoa transitioning into a darker, more bitter dark chocolate character. The Honduran wrapper contributes a woody, almost hickory-like note that plays well against the Nicaraguan filler's natural spice. Creaminess begins to develop mid-palate.
Final Third
The final third pushes into fuller territory — dark roast coffee, charred oak, and a sustained peppery finish define the home stretch. The sweetness from the first third has largely burned off, replaced by a satisfying, dry earthiness. Strength and body are at their peak here but remain controlled and never harsh.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction on the Flathead series is generally reliable — the box-press lends itself to an even, slow burn with good ash integrity holding an inch or more. Draw is typically on the open-to-ideal side, producing generous smoke volume that suits the bold flavor profile.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Bourbon with high rye content — Bulleit Bourbon or Four Roses Single Barrel — whose caramel and spice notes mirror the cigar's own profile; alternatively a aged Nicaraguan rum like Flor de Caña 18 Year
Wine
A bold Zinfandel from Lodi or a Malbec from Mendoza — fruit-forward, tannic wines that can hold their own against the cigar's medium-full body and earthiness
Non-Alcoholic
A double shot ristretto or a cold brew concentrate — the concentrated bitterness and roast character directly amplify the espresso and dark chocolate notes in the cigar's second third
Who Should Smoke This?
This is for the seasoned smoker who has a humidor full of Padróns and Fuentes but secretly misses the unpretentious thrill of a cigar that doesn't care about its own reputation. Picture a man in his late 40s, a contractor or a graphic designer, who just finished a long week of deadlines and is now sitting on his back porch as the sun dips below the fence line. He's poured himself a glass of Four Roses Single Barrel, neat, and he wants a smoke that will match the deliberate pace of his evening — not a quick hit, but a 90-minute conversation with himself. He's smoked enough to know the difference between a gimmick and a genuine blend, and he's tired of paying $25 for a name. This cigar will give him the bold, earthy complexity he craves, a smoke that demands his attention but doesn't require his reverence. It's for the moment when he wants to feel the weight of the day lift off his shoulders, one slow, deliberate puff at a time.
Bottom Line
The CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo is a masterclass in value-driven complexity, proving that a blue-collar badge can house a white-tablecloth blend. It's a bold, unapologetic smoke that rewards patience with a rich, layered journey from sweet cedar to charred oak. For the smoker who values substance over status, this is a non-negotiable addition to the rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all CAO Flathead cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo a strong cigar?
Yes, it's rated Medium-Full (4/5) on the strength scale. Physically, you'll feel a satisfying nicotine presence that builds gradually, peaking in the final third. It's not a nicotine bomb, but it's substantial enough to be felt in the back of the throat and a slight warmth in the chest, making it unsuitable for a light morning smoke but perfect for an evening session.
What does CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo taste like?
The flavor progression is distinct: the first third opens with toasted cedar, raw cocoa, and a wet-clay earthiness, with white pepper on the retrohale. The second third shifts to leather, espresso bean, and a darker, bitter dark chocolate, with a hickory-like woodiness from the wrapper. The final third delivers dark roast coffee, charred oak, and a sustained peppery finish, with the initial caramel sweetness completely burned off.
How long does CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo take to smoke?
Given its Torpedo vitola and the 6 x 24/64 (6 x 60 ring equivalent) size, you should budget for a 60 to 90-minute smoke. The box-press construction promotes an even, slow burn, so you won't be racing against a canoeing burn line. This is a cigar that rewards a deliberate pace, not a rushed break.
What is the best pairing for CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo?
A high-rye bourbon like Bulleit or Four Roses Single Barrel is the ideal match. The caramel and spice notes in the bourbon directly mirror the cigar's own profile, creating a harmonious feedback loop. The rye's peppery kick amplifies the cigar's white pepper, while the bourbon's sweetness complements the caramel undertones in the first third, creating a richer, more integrated experience.
Is CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo good for beginners?
Honestly, no. With a Medium-Full strength rating and a price point of $11–$15, this is not a beginner's cigar. The nicotine strength can be overwhelming for a novice palate, and the bold, earthy flavors may mask the more subtle notes a beginner is still learning to identify. A beginner would be better served starting with a milder, more affordable Connecticut-shade wrapper to build their palate before tackling this powerhouse.
Where can I buy CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo?
This is a premium-tier cigar, so you'll find it at well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists and reputable online retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, or Atlantic Cigar. Given its popularity, it's rarely a limited release, but availability can vary by region, so checking with a local shop or a major online vendor is your best bet.
What is the price of CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo?
The CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo typically retails for between $11 and $15 per cigar. This price point places it firmly in the premium tier, but it's a value proposition when you consider the complexity and construction quality it delivers compared to other cigars in that range.
Is CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo worth aging?
Yes, but with a caveat. The tobaccos have already undergone a proprietary aging process, so the blend is well-integrated from the start. However, the Honduran Habano wrapper has the structure to benefit from additional rest. Aging it for 1-2 years in a humidor will likely mellow the sharpest pepper notes and allow the caramel sweetness to re-emerge, creating a more rounded profile. Beyond that, you risk losing the vibrant edge that makes it distinctive.
What wrapper does CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo use?
It uses a Honduran Habano wrapper in a Colorado shade. This wrapper is the primary source of the cigar's woody, hickory-like notes and contributes a subtle toothiness to the texture. It's a medium-dark brown leaf with a dry-to-lightly-oily finish, and it's responsible for the cigar's bold, earthy character that anchors the entire blend.
Where is CAO Flathead V624 Torpedo made?
It's hand-rolled in Honduras. The production is part of CAO's Flathead series, which was introduced in 2013. The box-pressed construction is standard across the line, and the V624 Torpedo is one of the larger formats in the series, designed to showcase the blend's full depth and complexity.