AshMap
Overview
The CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill is not a cigar that whispers. It arrives like a motorcycle engine turning over in a quiet garage — a deep, throaty rumble that promises noise before you've even struck a match. At 80 ring gauge, this is a cigar that demands you reckon with its physicality: the sheer girth of the vitola feels less like a smoke and more like a companion object, something to be held, turned, and studied. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper is nearly black, rough-hewn with tooth, and smells of dark earth and fermented tobacco before the flame ever touches it. This is the Flathead line's maximalist statement, a deliberate middle finger to the 50-ring purist, and yet — against all expectations — it earns its size through engineering rather than mere spectacle.
The cold draw is remarkably open, offering a rush of molasses-sweet tobacco and a faint, almost savory note of roasted nuts. Once lit, the first third hits like a downshift: dark cocoa powder, charred oak, and a black pepper that coats the back of the throat with authority. The smoke is voluminous and cool, a paradox given the heat-generating potential of such a wide foot. There's an espresso bitterness that lingers on the tongue, balanced by a subtle, almost floral sweetness from the Broadleaf — a reminder that this wrapper is not just dark, but complex. Leather and damp earth ground the profile, preventing the early flavors from floating off into generic richness. By the time the ash falls in a solid one-inch chunk, the cigar has established its vocabulary: bold, unapologetic, but with a surprising internal logic.
As the second third settles in, the pepper recedes like a tide pulling back, revealing what was underneath all along. Dark cherry emerges — not bright or jammy, but stewed and slightly tart — alongside a deep molasses sweetness that coats the palate. The roasted coffee note persists, now more like a French press left to steep too long, bitter and satisfying. Loamy, almost fungal earthiness integrates with dried fig and a whisper of anise that dances on the retrohale. This is where the V680 proves its depth: the massive ring gauge could easily turn muddled, but instead it allows each flavor to breathe, to expand across the palate in slow, deliberate waves. The strength remains firmly full, a steady hum rather than a spike, and the smoke continues to pour forth with an almost lazy abundance.
The final third is a return to form, but with wisdom earned. Dark chocolate returns, now more bitter than sweet, paired with charred cedar that evokes a campfire's last embers. The black pepper resurges, not as a shock but as a familiar hand on the shoulder. A creamy mouthfeel develops, unexpected and welcome, softening the edges of the intensity. The Broadleaf's sweetness lingers through the finish, a final note of brown sugar and cocoa that fades slowly, reluctantly. The burn, it must be said, requires attention — the sheer circumference makes even burning a challenge, and touch-ups are inevitable. But the ash holds with surprising integrity, and the draw remains effortless to the last inch. This is a 90-minute commitment that never feels like a chore, a cigar that asks for your full presence and rewards it with a narrative arc that is both muscular and refined.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers, aged tobaccos |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua |
| Vitola / Shape | Churchill |
| Size | 6 x 80 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos reported to include aged Nicaraguan and Honduran leaves; no formal extended aging program publicized |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with bold dark cocoa, charred oak, and a wave of black pepper that commands attention from the first draw. The enormous ring gauge delivers a cool, voluminous smoke with underlying notes of espresso and a subtle sweetness from the Broadleaf wrapper. Leather and earth ground the profile early.
Second Third
The pepper settles and complexity deepens — dark cherry and molasses emerge alongside a persistent roasted coffee note. Earthy, loamy undertones integrate with dried fruit and a hint of anise. The profile becomes more nuanced but never loses its full-bodied backbone.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with dark chocolate, charred cedar, and a return of bold pepper spice. A rich, creamy mouthfeel develops courtesy of the oversized gauge, and the sweetness of the Broadleaf maduro lingers through the finish. The retrohale delivers cocoa and black pepper in equal measure.
Construction, Burn & Draw
The 80 ring gauge draw is effortless — almost too open for purists — producing massive smoke output and a consistently cool smoke. Burn can be somewhat uneven given the sheer girth and requires occasional touches; ash holds moderately in one-inch increments.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Straight rye whiskey or a high-proof Kentucky bourbon — Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Rittenhouse 100 rye complement the dark cocoa and pepper backbone without competing
Wine
A big, fruit-forward Zinfandel or Petite Sirah from Lodi or Paso Robles — the jammy dark fruit mirrors the Broadleaf's sweetness
Non-Alcoholic
Cold brew coffee, preferably a dark roast Ethiopian or Sumatran concentrate, to echo the espresso and cocoa notes throughout the smoke
Who Should Smoke This?
Meet Daniel. He's been smoking for about eight years, long enough to have developed strong opinions — he once wrote a 2,000-word forum post defending the 60-ring gauge against 'gatekeepers' — but he's also humble enough to know he hasn't tried everything. It's a Saturday afternoon in late October, and he's just finished raking leaves. He pours himself a glass of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, lowers himself into a worn leather armchair on his back porch, and pulls out the V680 Steel Horse Churchill he's been saving for a week. He's in the mood for something that feels substantial, not just in size but in presence. He wants a cigar that will make him slow down, that will force him to put his phone away and just sit with the smoke. He already enjoys the dark, brooding profiles of Liga Privada No. 9 and Padrón 1964 Anniversary, but he's curious about what a Broadleaf wrapper can do at this extreme gauge. This cigar will give him that — a full-bodied, cool-smoking marathon that confirms his belief that bigger can be better when executed with intent, and it will leave him feeling like he's earned the nicotine buzz that follows.
Bottom Line
The V680 Steel Horse Churchill is a triumph of excess done right — a massive, full-bodied smoke that uses its girth for cool, layered complexity rather than mere novelty. It will not convert ring-gauge skeptics, but for those who embrace the format, this is a benchmark of what an 80-ring cigar can achieve.
Similar Cigars
Explore all CAO Flathead cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill a strong cigar?
Yes, it is rated Full (4/5) on the strength scale. Physically, this translates to a noticeable nicotine presence that builds steadily from the first third onward — expect a warm buzz by the midpoint and a satisfying, heady finish. It is not a beginner's strength level, and it's best smoked on a full stomach or after a meal to avoid lightheadedness.
What does CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill taste like?
The flavor progression moves from dark cocoa, charred oak, and black pepper in the first third, to dark cherry, molasses, roasted coffee, loamy earth, dried fig, and anise in the second third, and culminates with bitter dark chocolate, charred cedar, a return of pepper spice, and a creamy mouthfeel in the final third. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper contributes a subtle, lingering sweetness throughout.
How long does CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill take to smoke?
Given its Churchill vitola and massive 6 x 80 size, you should budget at least 90 minutes for a relaxed, unhurried smoke. With the open draw and cool burn, it can stretch closer to two hours if you're savoring it slowly. This is not a cigar for a quick break — it demands a dedicated session.
What is the best pairing for CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill?
A straight rye whiskey or high-proof Kentucky bourbon like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Rittenhouse 100 rye is ideal. The spicy, high-proof nature of these spirits cuts through the dark cocoa and pepper backbone without overwhelming the palate, while their inherent sweetness mirrors the Broadleaf wrapper's molasses notes. For a non-alcoholic option, a cold brew coffee made from a dark-roast Sumatran or Ethiopian bean echoes the espresso and cocoa flavors throughout the smoke.
Is CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill good for beginners?
No, this is not recommended for beginners. The Full (4/5) strength can be overwhelming for a new smoker, and the $18–$24 per cigar price point is a significant investment for a palate still developing. The 80-ring gauge also delivers a massive volume of smoke, which can be intense. Beginners should start with milder, smaller vitolas before attempting this one.
Where can I buy CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill?
This premium-tier cigar is typically available at well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists that carry General Cigar products, as well as major online cigar retailers like Cigar.com, Thompson Cigar, or Famous Smoke Shop. Due to its popularity within the Flathead line, it's often in stock, but availability can vary by season, so checking multiple authorized dealers is recommended.
What is the price of CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill?
The retail price ranges from $18 to $24 per single cigar, placing it in the premium tier. This price reflects the aged Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers, the Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, and the hand-rolled production in Estelí, Nicaragua. Buying boxes may reduce the per-stick cost slightly, but this remains a special-occasion investment for most smokers.
Is CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill worth aging?
While the tobaccos reportedly include aged Nicaraguan and Honduran leaves, CAO does not publicize a formal extended aging program for this blend. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper is already fermented and rich, so the cigar is designed to be smoked relatively fresh. However, given its full body and dense flavors, 6–12 months of rest in a humidor could help integrate the pepper and sweetness further. Beyond that, the flavors may begin to mellow and lose their intended punch, so we recommend smoking within a year or two of purchase.
What wrapper does CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill use?
It uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, which is a dark, nearly black leaf with a matte, rustic texture and visible tooth. This wrapper is known for its natural sweetness (often notes of molasses and dark fruit) and earthy, robust character, which is a key driver of the cigar's dark cocoa and charred oak profile. It is a premium wrapper often reserved for full-bodied blends.
Where is CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill made?
It is hand-rolled at CAO's production facilities in Estelí, Nicaragua, under the umbrella of General Cigar. Estelí is renowned as a premier cigar manufacturing region, and the facility's expertise is evident in the construction quality, particularly given the challenges of rolling an 80-ring gauge vitola with a consistent draw and burn.