AshMap
Overview
In the pantheon of CAO’s geographic-themed blends, the Mx2 Toro stands as a singular achievement — one that elevates a simple construction premise into a masterclass in varietal expression. Most cigars employ a single San Andrés wrapper, allowing the Mexican leaf to deliver its signature earthy-sweet-chocolate character as a top note. But CAO, in a move that could easily have been dismissed as a marketing gimmick, doubled the bet: both the wrapper and binder are Mexican San Andrés. The result is not merely a deeper flavor, but a resonance — a harmonic amplification of the leaf’s best qualities that ordinary single-application blends simply cannot reach. Rolled at General Cigar’s STG La Romana factory in the Dominican Republic, the Mx2 Toro is a 6 x 50 parejo whose dark, Colorado Maduro wrapper is almost black under the light, its oily sheen interrupted by a fine, toothy texture that promises — and delivers — complexity. The cigar is a study in balance. From the first light, a wave of dark cocoa powder and espresso roast commands attention, underpinned by an earthy, almost mushroom-like depth that is the signature of well-aged San Andrés. The sweetness arrives on the retrohale as a gentle cedar, integrated rather than cloying. As the burn progresses into the second third, the profile deepens: leather, dark dried fruit (raisin and dried plum), and a soft spice that coats the palate without aggression. The earth shifts toward dark soil and moss, while toasted almond provides a nutty counterpoint. By the final third, the strength — a confident medium-full — ticks upward, but the San Andrés wrapper retains its composure, delivering bittersweet dark chocolate, more pronounced pepper, and a long, molasses finish that lingers for minutes after the nub. The construction is reliably solid: a slightly firm draw that produces dense, voluminous smoke, and a burn line so even it could serve as a reference for aspiring torcedores. The ash is firm and silvery-white, holding for an inch and a half to two inches before releasing cleanly. At a price point of $10 to $14 per cigar, the Mx2 Toro occupies that sweet spot where everyday affordability meets premium experience. It is one of the most underrated Mexican San Andrés showcases in the mass-market premium segment — a cigar that rewards the smoker who takes it seriously, yet never demands pretension.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Mexican San Andrés Maduro — Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Mexican San Andrés |
| Filler | Nicaraguan and Honduran long-fillers, providing body and complexity |
| Country of Origin | General Cigar's STG La Romana factory, Dominican Republic |
| Vitola / Shape | Toro |
| Size | 6 x 50 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; no extended post-production aging protocol publicly disclosed |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The light-up delivers an immediate wave of dark cocoa powder and espresso roast, underpinned by a distinctly earthy, almost mushroom-like depth. Mexican San Andrés asserts itself early with characteristic sweet cedar and a mild natural sweetness on the retrohale.
Second Third
Complexity builds with leather, dark dried fruit — think raisins and dried plum — and a gentle spice that coats the palate without aggression. The earthy undertones deepen toward dark soil and moss while the sweetness from the wrapper integrates beautifully with a hint of toasted almond.
Final Third
The finish intensifies with more pronounced pepper on the retrohale, bittersweet dark chocolate, and a long, satisfying molasses finish. The strength ticks upward but never becomes harsh; the San Andrés leaves maintain their characteristic composure to the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliably solid — the draw is slightly firm but well within ideal parameters, producing dense, voluminous smoke. The burn line is even with a firm, silvery-white ash that holds 1.5 to 2 inches before releasing cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Dark rum — particularly Nicaraguan Flor de Caña 18-year or Ron Zacapa 23 — mirrors the molasses and dried fruit sweetness of the San Andrés wrapper; aged bourbon with high corn sweetness (e.g., Maker's Mark 46) also excels
Wine
A ripe, fruit-forward Zinfandel from Lodi or a Primitivo di Manduria — both echo the dried fruit and spice complexity without overwhelming the cigar's own sweetness
Non-Alcoholic
A full-bodied cold brew coffee with a touch of dark chocolate syrup; the bitterness aligns precisely with the cocoa and espresso profile of the Mx2
Who Should Smoke This?
The Mx2 Toro is for the aficionado who values depth over bombast — a smoker with at least a season or two of experience who has grown past one-dimensional maduros and craves a layered, earth-forward profile. It suits the relaxed evening session, whether post-dinner on a weeknight (60 to 75 minutes of contemplative pace) or as the centerpiece of a weekend unwind. The medium-full strength is approachable for an intermediate smoker, but the complexity rewards the seasoned palate. If you admire Mexican San Andrés but find it sometimes one-note, this is the blend that proves the leaf can sing in duet with itself.
Bottom Line
The CAO Mx2 Toro is a sleeper hit — a maduro that doubles down on San Andrés leaf and wins big. At its price, it competes well above its tier, offering a richness and composure typically reserved for boutique sticks. Smokers who have overlooked CAO’s mainstream reputation are missing one of the most satisfying everyday premiums on the market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAO Mx2 Toro a strong cigar?
It is rated medium-full (4/5 on strength). It builds gradually — never harsh — but the final third carries a confident nicotine presence that seasoned smokers will appreciate.
What does CAO Mx2 Toro taste like?
The flavor profile is dominated by dark cocoa powder, espresso roast, earthy mushroom-like depth, sweet cedar, leather, dried fruit (raisin and plum), toasted almond, and a long bittersweet chocolate finish with molasses sweetness.
How long does CAO Mx2 Toro take to smoke?
Expect a 60- to 75-minute smoke at a relaxed pace. The draw is slightly firm, encouraging a measured cadence that allows the flavor layers to unfurl.
What is the best pairing for CAO Mx2 Toro?
Aged dark rum like Nicaraguan Flor de Caña 18-year or Ron Zacapa 23 mirrors the molasses and dried fruit notes. A high-corn bourbon (e.g., Maker's Mark 46) also excels. For wine, a ripe Zinfandel or Primitivo di Manduria complements the spice and dried fruit.
Is CAO Mx2 Toro good for beginners?
We recommend at least some prior cigar experience due to the medium-full strength and the bold earthiness of the San Andrés leaf. A beginner could enjoy it slowly with a sweet pairing, but the profile rewards a more seasoned palate.
Where can I buy CAO Mx2 Toro?
The Mx2 Toro is widely available at major online retailers (e.g., Thompson Cigar, Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop) and many brick-and-mortar tobacconists that carry the CAO brand.
What is the price of CAO Mx2 Toro?
The typical retail price ranges from $10 to $14 per cigar, depending on retailer and any ongoing promotions. It is positioned as an everyday premium.
Is CAO Mx2 Toro worth aging?
The tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, and no extended post-production aging protocol is publicly disclosed. While the blend’s earthy and sweet notes may soften slightly over a year or two, the cigar is designed to be enjoyed upon purchase.
What wrapper does CAO Mx2 Toro use?
It uses a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper — specifically a Colorado Maduro shade, deep dark brown to nearly black, with a rich oily sheen and slight tooth. The binder is also Mexican San Andrés, doubling the varietal’s influence.
Where is CAO Mx2 Toro made?
It is hand-rolled at General Cigar's STG La Romana factory in the Dominican Republic.