CAO Flathead V680 Sparkplug Review

Overview

The CAO Flathead V680 Sparkplug is a middle finger wrapped in a leaf. It is a cigar that dares you to look away, a 6 x 80 torpedo that sits in the hand like a polished length of drainpipe, yet it smokes with a surprising, almost contradictory finesse. In an era where ring gauges became a dick-measuring contest for the sake of a marketing gimmick, Rick Rodriguez used the sheer mass of this vitola as a canvas for a slow-burning, deeply layered Honduran expression. This is not a novelty smoke; it is a statement piece that demands a two-hour sit-down and a willingness to let the heat build. The Sparkplug is the loudest, most unapologetic member of the Flathead family, a line that has always leaned into the greaser aesthetic, but it is the blend that does the talking once the ash is tapped.

From the pre-light, the sheer density of the cold draw is a promise. The box press compresses the massive bunch into a shape that fits the mouth with an almost architectural precision, offering a breath of cedar and sweet hay, with a faint, fruity whisper that suggests something darker is lurking. The first third ignites with a sharp, aggressive blast of white pepper that stings the retrohale, immediately establishing a bold, full-bodied profile. Beneath that initial assault, a foundation of earthy leather and dark, roasted nuts emerges, grounding the pepper in a savory, umami-rich base. As the burn line settles, a subtle, sticky sweetness—reminiscent of molasses—begins to coat the finish, a counterpoint that hints at the complexity to come. The sheer volume of smoke is staggering, but the flavor remains focused, not muddled.

By the second third, the pepper has receded from a shout to a firm, integrated hum. The core shifts into a rich, dark espresso and cocoa nib territory, layered over an aged cedar that has lost its sharpness and gained a polished, almost antique character. The leather becomes more refined, turning creamy and supple on the palate, a textural shift that is surprising given the cigar's girth. It is here that the Honduran Corojo's signature funkiness begins to assert itself—a light, almost barnyard-like earthiness that mingles with a dark cherry sweetness, creating a profile that is both rustic and elegant. This is the heart of the cigar, where the blend's complexity is fully realized, and the massive ring gauge finally makes sense: it allows these flavors to develop slowly, without overheating, creating a long, languid evolution.

The final third is a descent into a darker, more powerful place. The body thickens considerably, and the strength climbs from full to extra-full, demanding attention. Bold roasted coffee and dark chocolate dominate, while a charred oak note adds a smoky, almost barbecue-like depth. The pepper returns on the finish, now a long, peppery-cocoa tingle that lingers for minutes after the final draw. The creaminess from the second third is gone, replaced by a dense, chewy texture that coats the entire mouth. This is a punishing final act if rushed, but if sipped slowly, it rewards with a profound, bittersweet conclusion that leaves no doubt about the cigar's intentions. The Sparkplug is not a cigar for the faint of heart; it is a full-throttle, high-octane experience that lives up to its hot-rod namesake.