CAO Flathead V660 Engine Gordo Review

Overview

The CAO Flathead V660 Engine Gordo is a study in honest muscle. It doesn't arrive with the pretension of a limited-edition maduro or the aggressive swagger of a high-octane Nicaraguan puro. Instead, it sits on the table like a well-worn leather tool belt—utilitarian, confident, and built for a specific job: delivering a long, satisfying session without demanding your undivided reverence. This is the cigar equivalent of a classic small-block V8: not the most powerful engine on the lot, but one that punches with a smooth, predictable torque curve that makes every drive—or smoke—feel effortless. In a market flooded with 6x60s that smoke hot or taste hollow, the V660 Engine distinguishes itself through a deliberate Honduran-forward character that prioritizes a creamy, layered profile over brute-force strength.

From the first cold draw, the narrative is set. The wide bore offers a whisper of cedar shavings and toasted almond, a dry cocoa dusting that hints at the sweetness to come. Once lit, the generous 60-ring gauge immediately pays dividends, producing a thick, creamy smoke that coats the palate with roasted coffee and a soft, supple leather. There's a grounding earthiness here, not muddy or harsh, but the kind of damp soil scent you catch after a rain in a pine forest. The retrohale introduces a gentle white pepper tingle—a polite announcement of the blend's medium-full intentions, not a declaration of war. This first act is about establishing comfort; it's the cigar settling into its rhythm, promising a long, steady journey.

As the ash column grows, the blend shifts into a richer, more indulgent second act. The initial coffee note deepens into a dark, bittersweet chocolate, while the cedar matures into seasoned oak. The real star here is a pronounced caramel sweetness that emerges, weaving through the smoke like a golden thread. It’s not cloying; it’s the natural, toasted sugar note you get from a well-executed Maillard reaction. The creamy texture remains the backbone, carrying roasted nuts and a light molasses undertow that adds depth without weight. The white pepper on the retrohale mellows into a warm, integrated spice, a background hum rather than a lead instrument. This is the heart of the cigar, a plateau of balanced flavor that feels both substantial and refined.

The final third is where the V660 Engine reveals its true girth. The strength ticks up noticeably, transitioning from a comfortable medium to a firm medium-full. The flavor profile darkens and tightens: espresso and charred wood take the lead, backed by a persistent leather note that has aged from supple to sturdy. The caramel sweetness fades gracefully, replaced by a dark pepper finish that lingers on the tongue. The earthiness returns, but it's drier now, more like cocoa powder than damp soil. The nub remains remarkably cool and firm, a testament to the gordo format's inherent burn efficiency. It doesn't end with a whimper or a harsh bite; it concludes with a satisfying, grounded resolve, leaving you with the clean, lingering memory of a well-tuned machine that did its job perfectly.