CAO Flathead V660 Big Block Review

Overview

The CAO Flathead V660 Big Block is a cigar that wears its inspiration on its sleeve—and its vitola name on its band. Launched in 2013 as part of CAO’s Flathead series, a line conceived as a love letter to American hot-rod V8 engine culture, the V660 Big Block takes its nomenclature directly from engine displacement: a 6-inch length paired with a 60-ring gauge. It is the flagship gordo of the series, and its presence is as unapologetic as a roaring muscle car. Yet what elevates this cigar beyond its marketing gimmick is the blending acumen of Rick Rodriguez, who has crafted a smoke that delivers a genuine sense of Honduran terroir with architectural precision. The V660 is rolled at STG’s Honduran facility, a round (not box-pressed) gordo that commands attention from the moment it leaves the humidor. Its wrapper is a Honduran Corojo in the Colorado shade—a medium-dark, reddish-brown leaf, slightly toothy with a subtle natural sheen. Underneath lies a Nicaraguan binder and a tri-national filler of Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan long-fillers, pre-aged before rolling. The result is a medium-full cigar that opens with toasted almonds, dry cocoa powder, and the unmistakable earthiness of Honduran tobacco. A cedar spine and mild black pepper on the retrohale provide structure without aggression, while the generous 60-ring draw produces dense, creamy smoke. The second third evolves into caramel sweetness and roasted coffee, with the pepper receding into a background warmth. Leather and a hay-like herbal quality add complexity, and the strength builds steadily toward the medium-full mark. The final third becomes richer and bolder—dark chocolate, espresso, and a woody dryness dominate, capped by a spicy, peppery finish that lingers on the palate and retrohale. Construction is reliable, though the large ring gauge can occasionally demand a touch-up on the burn line; ash holds firm in inch-plus columns. Priced between $12 and $16, the V660 Big Block occupies a premium tier but delivers a flavor profile and complexity that punch above that cost. It is not a cigar for minimalists—the 60-ring is the only real point of contention, and purists may object on principle. Yet the blend handles the format with more grace than most gordos, and for those who appreciate bold, earth-driven blends with Honduran backbone, the V660 Big Block offers consistent, satisfying depth. It is, in the best sense, a cigar that knows exactly what it is: a big, bold, well-constructed smoke that respects its heritage and delivers on its promise.