AshMap
Overview
The CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill is a cigar that makes no apologies for its existence. It is a maximalist’s dream and a purist’s provocation, wrapped in a Connecticut Broadleaf maduro so dark and toothy it looks as though it were forged rather than grown. Released under the motorcycle-themed Flathead banner in 2017, the V680 designation borrows its nomenclature from engine displacement aesthetics—a fitting metaphor for a cigar that delivers torque in every puff. At 6 inches with an 80-ring gauge, this Churchill is a visual and tactile statement. It is not subtle. It is not for the faint of heart. And that is precisely the point. The oversized ring gauge, often dismissed as a gimmick, serves a functional purpose here: it yields an exceptionally cool, voluminous smoke that allows the blend’s complexity to unfold at a relaxed pace. The binder and filler—Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers, with an emphasis on aged tobaccos—provide a sturdy backbone for the wrapper’s bold personality. Hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, under the General Cigar umbrella, the V680 Steel Horse commands attention from the moment it is clipped. The first third opens with a commanding wave of black pepper, charred oak, and dark cocoa. The smoke is cool, almost creamy, despite the sheer volume of output. By the second third, the pepper recedes, making room for dark cherry, molasses, and roasted coffee, while earthy, loamy undertones and a faint anise note add depth. The final third returns to intensity—dark chocolate, charred cedar, and a peppery resurgence—with the broadleaf’s natural sweetness lingering through the finish. The draw is notably effortless, perhaps too open for traditionalists, producing massive clouds of smoke. The burn, given the cigar’s girth, can be uneven and may require occasional correction. Ash holds in roughly inch-long increments. But these are minor concessions in a smoking experience designed for slow, deliberate enjoyment. The V680 is not a cigar to be rushed; it demands a 90-minute commitment, a comfortable chair, and an open mind. It polarizes, yes. But for those who appreciate a full-flavored, dark-profile cigar that delivers both power and nuance, the CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill stands as a legitimate—and genuinely well-executed—statement piece in the premium cigar landscape.
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?
The CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill is for the experienced smoker who has graduated past mild and medium blends and craves a full-bodied, dark-profile experience. It is ideal for the ring-gauge maximalist—someone who enjoys a cool, voluminous smoke with an effortless draw and isn’t afraid of a cigar that commands a full 90 minutes of undivided attention. This is not a cigar for beginners; its strength and sheer physical presence can overwhelm a palate unaccustomed to Nicaraguan broadleaf intensity. Best reserved for a weekend afternoon or evening, it pairs naturally with a straight rye whiskey or high-proof bourbon. Smokers who value nuance over brute force may find the oversized format unwieldy, but for those seeking a bold, contemplative session with real tobacco complexity, the V680 delivers in spades.
Bottom Line
The CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill is a bold, uncompromising cigar that successfully marries an extreme ring gauge with genuine tobacco quality. It is not for everyone—and it doesn’t try to be. But for the experienced smoker seeking a full-bodied, cool-smoking powerhouse with layers of dark cocoa, espresso, and pepper, this is a statement smoke worth your time and attention.
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. The combination of a Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper and Nicaraguan-Honduran long-filler blend delivers a robust nicotine punch and bold flavor profile that is best suited for experienced smokers.
What does CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill taste like?
The flavor profile opens with bold dark cocoa, charred oak, and black pepper. The second third introduces dark cherry, molasses, roasted coffee, and anise. The final third intensifies with dark chocolate, charred cedar, and a return of pepper, with a creamy mouthfeel and lingering broadleaf sweetness.
How long does CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of approximately 90 minutes. The oversized 80-ring gauge and cool-burning characteristics make this a slow, unhurried session cigar that demands your full attention and a comfortable setting.
What is the best pairing for CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill?
Straight rye whiskey or high-proof Kentucky bourbon—such as Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Rittenhouse 100 rye—complement the dark cocoa and pepper backbone without competing. For wine, a fruit-forward Zinfandel or Petite Sirah from Lodi or Paso Robles mirrors the broadleaf’s sweetness. Non-alcoholic: cold brew coffee (dark roast Ethiopian or Sumatran) echoes the espresso and cocoa notes.
Is CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill good for beginners?
No. This is a full-strength, large-ring-gauge cigar that can overwhelm a novice palate. The 80-ring size and bold Nicaraguan-Honduran blend are better suited to experienced smokers who are accustomed to full-bodied profiles and larger vitolas.
Where can I buy CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill?
This cigar is available at premium cigar retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar shops. As a General Cigar product under the CAO brand, it is widely distributed in the United States and internationally through authorized dealers. Check cigar specialty websites or your local tobacconist.
What is the price of CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill?
The price typically ranges from $18 to $24 per cigar, depending on your location and retailer. This positions it in the premium tier of CAO’s lineup, reflecting the quality of the aged tobaccos and the large-format construction.
Is CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill worth aging?
While the tobaccos include aged Nicaraguan and Honduran leaves, CAO has not publicized an extended aging program for this blend. The cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase. Additional aging may mellow the pepper and integrate the flavors further, but given its already mature profile, it is not required.
What wrapper does CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill use?
It uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. The shade is maduro, oscuro-adjacent—a deep espresso brown, near-black with a matte, rustic texture and visible tooth. This wrapper is the primary source of the cigar’s sweetness and dark cocoa notes.
Where is CAO Flathead V680 Steel Horse Churchill made?
It is hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, at CAO’s production facilities under the General Cigar umbrella. The binder is Nicaraguan, and the filler is a blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers.