CAO Mx2 Lonsdale Review

Overview

The CAO Mx2 Lonsdale is a quiet subversion of expectation—a cigar that leverages a relatively rare construction philosophy to deliver a focused, terroir-driven experience at a price point that feels almost defiant in its accessibility. Introduced around 2012–2013, the Mx2 line was built on a simple but audacious premise: use Mexican San Andrés leaf as both wrapper and binder, doubling down on the tobacco’s signature earth, cocoa, and subtle chili character. While many blends employ San Andrés as a decorative wrapper, CAO made it the structural and aromatic backbone, a choice that distinguishes the Mx2 from the crowded field of medium-full maduros. The Lonsdale format—6.5 inches long with a slender 44-ring gauge—is the ideal vessel for this concept. The narrower diameter concentrates the smoke, lowers combustion temperature, and forces the blend’s layered complexity to the fore without the dilution or heat that can plague larger ring gauges. Hand-rolled at General Cigar Company’s Honduran factory, the Mx2 Lonsdale represents a thoughtful intersection of craftsmanship and value, occupying a tier that premium smokers often overlook but should not dismiss. It is, in many respects, a cigar that rewards the attentive smoker with a coherent narrative from first light to final ash—a rare achievement at any price. The initial third announces itself with rich dark cocoa, dry earth, and a pronounced leather note, the San Andrés wrapper contributing a distinctive sweetness that is immediately recognizable to those familiar with Mexican leaf. Beneath that lies a subtle undercurrent of dried chili pepper and cedar—an introduction that is both inviting and quietly assertive. As the cigar progresses into the second third, the complexity deepens: espresso and dark chocolate emerge, joined by toasted nuts, while the chili note transforms into a gentle retrohale spice that builds in intensity without overwhelming the palate. The body climbs to a confident medium-full—a solid 4 out of 5—but the Lonsdale’s slim ring keeps the smoke cool and prevents any sense of aggression. The final third delivers an intensified earthiness and dark roast coffee, with a sustained cocoa-and-leather finish that lingers long after the draw. The ash, a dark grey, holds firm beyond an inch, and the draw offers just enough resistance to reward a measured pace. In the broader landscape of CAO’s portfolio, the Mx2 Lonsdale is an underappreciated gem—a cigar that eschews marketing gimmicks for genuine technical and sensory coherence. Aficionados who have written off CAO as a mass-market brand would do well to revisit this vitola, as it exemplifies how terroir, construction, and format can converge into something far greater than the sum of their parts. It is not a cigar for those seeking brute strength or novelty; rather, it is for the smoker who values focus, balance, and a clear sense of provenance.