AshMap
Overview
The CAO Mx2 Gran Toro occupies a curious position in the contemporary cigar landscape—a capable, well-constructed smoke that has quietly earned respect among discerning aficionados without ever commanding the brand recognition of CAO's more celebrated releases. Hand-rolled at CAO's Honduran factory in Danlí, the Gran Toro channels the brand's dual heritage of Mexican and Honduran tobacco influence through a thoughtfully layered blend anchored by a medium-dark Honduran Corojo wrapper that delivers both visual appeal and genuine character. The 6 x 60 format is no casual choice; it demands time, attention, and an appreciation for the unhurried pace that separates a cigar session from a quick smoke break.
What distinguishes the CAO Mx2 Gran Toro is its narrative arc of flavor. The opening presents a welcoming tableau of toasted cedar, earthy leather, and spice punctuated by hints of dried fruit sweetness—accessible enough for experienced smokers seeking complexity but not so demanding as to alienate those stepping into medium-full territory. The middle third is where the blend truly reveals its engineering: cocoa and roasted coffee emerge in concert with the persistent cedar foundation, while the Nicaraguan binder contributes a subtle pepper spine that never overwhelms. Creaminess blooms across the mid-palate, tempering the spice and creating a genuinely balanced smoking experience. The final third intensifies deliberately, drawing dark espresso and toasted nuts into the fold as leather notes deepen into something richer and more assertive, with pepper spice reemerging on the finish—a structural choice that rewards attention.
The construction itself reflects CAO's Honduran production credentials. The 60 ring gauge delivers a generous, open draw that remains cool throughout the smoke's 75 to 90-minute arc, while the burn line stays admirably even beneath a firm, light gray ash. This is not a cigar that will demand constant attention to your lighter or frustrate you with construction issues. At $10–$14 per stick, the CAO Mx2 Gran Toro represents legitimate value—a quietly capable introduction to Honduran Corojo character for the smoker who wants genuine complexity without the collector's premium or the retail opacity that surrounds boutique releases. It may never achieve cult status, but that restraint is precisely what makes it worth seeking.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Honduran Corojo — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Honduran and Nicaraguan long-fillers, blended for medium-full body |
| Country of Origin | Danlí, Honduras |
| Vitola / Shape | Gran Toro |
| Size | 6 x 60 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $10–$14 per cigar |
| Tier | Everyday |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged prior to rolling; no extended post-production aging documented |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The first third opens with notes of toasted cedar, earthy leather, and a distinct spice from the Corojo wrapper. A mild sweetness reminiscent of dried fruit or raisin lingers on the retrohale. The draw at this stage tends to be open and generous given the 60 ring gauge.
Second Third
Complexity builds as cocoa and roasted coffee notes emerge alongside the persistent cedar and leather foundation. The Nicaraguan binder contributes a subtle pepper backbone without overwhelming the overall balance. Creaminess develops mid-palate, smoothing out the spice.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with dark espresso, toasted nuts, and a return of the leather notes now deepened into something more robust and slightly sweet. The pepper spice reemerges on the finish. The smoke remains cool due to the large ring gauge, finishing strong but not harsh.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is reliable given CAO's Honduran production standards; the wide 60 ring gauge delivers a generous draw with minimal resistance. The burn line tends to stay even with a firm, light gray ash that holds one to one and a half inches before dropping.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Honduran rum such as Zacapa 23 or a Kentucky straight bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 — both complement the cedar and cocoa notes without overwhelming them
Wine
A medium-bodied Tempranillo such as Rioja Reserva or a Malbec from Mendoza — the fruit-forward profiles echo the dried fruit sweetness in the blend
Non-Alcoholic
A double espresso or a dark-roast cold brew with minimal sweetener to reinforce the cocoa and roasted coffee notes in the second third
Who Should Smoke This?
The CAO Mx2 Gran Toro is ideal for experienced intermediate to advanced smokers who have developed a taste for medium-full body and appreciate Honduran tobacco character without wanting to commit to premium pricing. This is a cigar for unhurried afternoon or evening sessions—the 75 to 90-minute smoke demands a minimum 90-minute window free of interruption. It works beautifully as an introduction to Corojo wrapper complexity for those ready to graduate from lighter profiles. The generous 60 ring gauge ensures a cool, manageable smoke even at medium-full strength. Best suited for the aficionado seeking daily-rotation quality with genuine complexity, or anyone exploring Honduran tobacco without the boutique markup.
Bottom Line
The CAO Mx2 Gran Toro is a straightforward achievement: a well-made, genuinely complex cigar that delivers substantial flavor progression across three well-defined acts without pretension or excess. At its price point, it punches above its category and deserves a place in any serious smoker's rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all CAO Mx2 cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CAO Mx2 Gran Toro a strong cigar?
Yes—it carries a medium-full strength profile (4/5), making it suitable for experienced smokers comfortable with robust tobacco. The Honduran and Nicaraguan long-filler blend combined with the Corojo wrapper generates genuine intensity, particularly in the final third, though creaminess in the middle third prevents it from becoming one-dimensional or harsh.
What does the CAO Mx2 Gran Toro taste like?
The first third opens with toasted cedar, earthy leather, and spice with notes of dried fruit sweetness. The second third adds cocoa and roasted coffee while creaminess develops, smoothing the pepper backbone. The final third intensifies with dark espresso, toasted nuts, and deepened leather, finishing with reemergent pepper spice. The overall profile is complex and well-structured.
How long does the CAO Mx2 Gran Toro take to smoke?
Plan for 75 to 90 minutes. The 6 x 60 format is substantial and should not be rushed. This is a cigar for relaxed, unhurried sessions rather than quick smoke breaks.
What is the best pairing for the CAO Mx2 Gran Toro?
Aged Honduran rum such as Zacapa 23 or Kentucky straight bourbon like Maker's Mark 46 complement the cedar and cocoa notes beautifully. For wine, a medium-bodied Tempranillo (Rioja Reserva) or Malbec (Mendoza) echoes the dried fruit sweetness. A double espresso or dark-roast cold brew reinforces the cocoa and coffee notes in the second third.
Is the CAO Mx2 Gran Toro good for beginners?
Not ideally. At medium-full strength with complex flavor progression, it is better suited for intermediate to advanced smokers who have developed a taste for Honduran tobacco and robust profiles. Beginners should consider lighter CAO releases first.
Where can I buy the CAO Mx2 Gran Toro?
The CAO Mx2 line is available through established cigar retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar. Availability varies by region; we recommend checking with authorized CAO dealers for current stock and pricing.
What is the price of the CAO Mx2 Gran Toro?
The CAO Mx2 Gran Toro retails for $10–$14 per cigar, positioning it in the everyday/value category—excellent value for the quality and complexity delivered.
Is the CAO Mx2 Gran Toro worth aging?
No extended post-production aging is documented for this line. The tobaccos are aged prior to rolling, and the cigar is ready to smoke upon purchase. Additional aging is not necessary and has no documented benefit.
What wrapper does the CAO Mx2 Gran Toro use?
A Honduran Corojo wrapper in Colorado shade—a medium-dark reddish-brown with slight natural sheen and minimal veining. This wrapper contributes the spice, cedar, and leather foundation that defines the cigar's character.
Where is the CAO Mx2 Gran Toro made?
The CAO Mx2 Gran Toro is hand-rolled at CAO's factory in Danlí, Honduras. It is part of the Mx2 line, which debuted in the mid-2000s and emphasizes dual Mexican and Honduran tobacco influences.