CAO Flathead V660 Robusto Review

Overview

The CAO Flathead V660 Robusto is a study in deliberate contradiction—a cigar that wears its hot-rod branding like a leather jacket but delivers a smoking experience that rewards patience and attention. Introduced in 2013 as part of CAO’s automotive-themed Flathead series, the V660 takes its name from a V6 engine displacement concept, a nod to the muscle-car culture that inspired the line. But beneath the chrome-and-flames band design lies a blend that is anything but gimmicky. Rolled at General Cigar’s facility in Danlí, Honduras, the V660 uses a Honduran Sun Grown wrapper in a Colorado shade—medium brown, lightly toothy, with a subtle satin sheen—over a Honduran binder and a long-filler core of Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos that have been aged a minimum of three years. The result is a medium-full cigar that, for its price point, offers a depth of character that often outpaces cigars costing twice as much.

From the first cold draw, the V660 signals its intentions: notes of toasted bread, mild white pepper, and a pleasant earthiness greet the smoker. Once lit, the first third settles into a creamy cedar foundation with hints of roasted almonds and a gentle spice on the retrohale. Leather emerges subtly, providing a balanced platform that feels more refined than the branding might suggest. The middle third is where the blend gains momentum, with espresso and dark chocolate notes layering over the persistent cedar and leather base. A mild sweetness—reminiscent of dried fruit or light caramel—adds complexity, while the retrohale spice intensifies without becoming aggressive. The final third deepens into bolder earth, strong espresso, and a pronounced peppery finish; the sweetness fades, giving way to a drier, more robust character with woody tannins. The cigar finishes warm but not harsh, with a lingering cocoa and black pepper aftertaste that invites reflection.

Construction is reliably consistent: the 60-ring gauge delivers an effortless, airy draw, and the burn line holds true with minimal touch-ups. The ash is firm and salt-and-pepper in color, holding an inch or more before dropping cleanly. This is a cigar that benefits from a relaxed environment and a full hour to enjoy—it is not a rushed smoke. The V660 occupies a curious space in the premium cigar world: it is an everyday-tier cigar that behaves like a weekend indulgence. Its automotive-themed packaging may initially strike the purist as overwrought, but dismiss that, and you have a well-executed Honduran puro-leaning blend that respects the smoker’s time and palate. The CAO Flathead V660 is one of the most underrated values in General Cigar’s portfolio, a reminder that complexity and consistency need not come with a prestige price tag.