CAO’s new Arcana Series was introduced earlier this year with its first release, the Mortal Coil. The limited-edition focuses on Andullo tobacco, which is used in the blend. The tobacco is wrapped into palm tree leaves that are tightly rolled around it and bound with rope.
The cigars are manufactured at the STG Esteli factory in Nicaragua, and production is limited to 5,000 20-ct boxes.
The wrapper is of a dark brown Maduro color, which, while the veins are not very pronounced, it has a decent amount of tooth and oil. Construction is uniform.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 50 x 155 mm (6.125″)
- Wrapper: US Connecticut Broadleaf
- Binder: US Connecticut Shade
- Filler: Dom. Rep., Honduras, Nicaragua
- Price: $11 | € –
CAO Arcana Mortal Coil: the cold draw reveals aromas of cocoa, spices, and earth. Once lit, the cigar starts off with notes of cocoa and earth. There is also an evident sweetness present.
Further into the first third, herbal aromas have joined the cocoa and earth notes. There is also a light black pepper note present in the background. The sweetness is still very evident. Strength is medium (3/5).
In the second third, the mix of herbs, cocoa, and earth is the primary flavor. The black pepper has picked up in intensity, but only slightly. The sweetness is still present, but a light, bitter aroma starts to come through in the background. Strength remains unchanged.
The last third sees a walnut note joining the previous flavors of cocoa and earth. While there is still some sweetness lingering around, the smoke becomes increasingly dryer. Strength increases slightly (3.5/5).
Overall, the CAO Arcana Mortal Coil starts out promising, but halfway through, the cigar is all over the place. While the flavors are quite enjoyable, the dry and bitter components make for an unbalanced second half.