CAO Flathead V660 Big Block Review

Overview

The CAO Flathead V660 Big Block is a cigar that wears its inspiration on its sleeve—or, more accurately, on its band. Born from the high-octane world of hot rod culture, this 6 x 60 Gordo is a deliberate, unapologetic tribute to American muscle and mechanical grit. Launched in 2013 as part of the broader Flathead line, the V660 designation is the brand's internal code for this specific vitola, and it immediately signals intent: this is a big, bold smoke built for those who appreciate torque over finesse. The cigar is hand-rolled at STG's facility in Danlí, Honduras, a factory known for producing consistent, high-volume blends that don't sacrifice craftsmanship for scale. From a design standpoint, the Flathead eschews the box-pressed silhouette that many maduro aficionados expect, opting instead for a classic round format that allows the 60-ring gauge to breathe and burn evenly. The visual identity is anchored by the wrapper—an American Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro that ranges from dark espresso to near-black, with a slight tooth and a muted oily sheen that suggests depth before the first puff is ever taken. This is not a cigar that tries to be subtle or elegant; it is raw, direct, and built for utility, much like the flathead V8 engines that inspired its name. Yet, within that blue-collar framework lies a surprisingly refined blend of Nicaraguan binder and a filler composed of Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers, all of which have been aged prior to rolling. The result is a full-bodied powerhouse that delivers a coherent flavor arc from first light to final ash. The opening third hits hard with rich dark chocolate and roasted espresso, underpinned by a pronounced earthiness that the broadleaf maduro drives straight through the palate. A counterbalance of dark molasses and dried fig sweetness keeps the robust profile from becoming monolithic, while the pepper note remains restrained—a bass note rather than a lead instrument. As the cigar transitions into the second third, the flavors shift from confectionary sweetness toward leather, toasted cedar, and dark cherry, with a creamy texture that the 60-ring gauge amplifies beautifully. A roasted walnut note emerges, adding complexity to the earthy, leathery backbone. By the final third, the V660 tightens its focus into a concentrated expression of dark roast coffee, charred oak, and bittersweet chocolate, with a lingering pepper spice on the retrohale that signals a strong finish. The sweetness recedes but never fully disappears, leaving a long, complex conclusion. Construction is reliably solid for a factory-produced cigar of this ring gauge—the draw is slightly open to ideal, producing massive, dense smoke clouds, and while the burn line may wander on occasion, it self-corrects without fuss. The ash holds in firm, pale-grey columns well past an inch. This is a cigar that demands a 90- to 100-minute commitment, and it rewards those who give it the time and attention it requires. Among CAO's offerings, the V660 Big Block stands as a clear, honest statement to the blue-collar aficionado market—a working man's full-bodied powerhouse that delivers genuine quality at an accessible price point. It will never win over purists who dismiss 60-ring vitolas as novelties, but for those willing to look past the ring gauge, it offers a surprisingly well-integrated blend that punches well above its price tier. In a market increasingly divided between ultra-premium luxury smokes and budget filler, the V660 occupies a rare and valuable middle ground: it is everyday-affordable in price, but its flavor, construction, and narrative ambition belong in a far more premium conversation.