I still remember the first time I pulled a cao 660 flathead out of its box, mostly because the shape is just so weirdly satisfying to hold. It's not your typical rounded cigar; it's this chunky, box-pressed beast that looks like it was machined in a garage rather than rolled in a factory. If you're into the whole Americana, classic car culture vibe, you already know that CAO hit the nail on the head with the branding here. But looks aside, does it actually deliver when you set fire to it?
After spending a good amount of time with this specific vitola—the "Carb," as it's officially called—I've realized it's one of those cigars that people either worship or find a bit intimidating. It's big, it's dark, and it doesn't apologize for taking up a solid two hours of your afternoon.
First Impressions and That Unique Shape
The first thing you'll notice about the cao 660 flathead is, obviously, the top. Most cigars have that rounded cap we're all used to, but this one is almost perfectly flat. It's a nod to the engine blocks of 1950s hot rods, which is a cool touch if you're a gearhead. The wrapper is a dark, oily Connecticut Broadleaf that feels slightly toothy under your fingers. It's got that rugged, rustic look that tells you right away this isn't going to be a mild, light-bodied smoke.
When you pick it up, the weight is the next thing that hits you. It's a 6 x 60 Gordo, so it's got some serious heft. The box-press is sharp, which actually makes it a lot more comfortable to hold in your mouth than a standard round 60-ring gauge. If it were round, it'd feel like you're trying to smoke a flashlight, but the squared edges give your jaw a bit of a break.
How to Cut This Thing
Honestly, cutting a cao 660 flathead can be a little tricky if you're used to just lopping off the end of a Parejo. Because the head is so flat, a standard guillotine cutter can sometimes struggle to get a clean grip without cracking the wrapper.
I've found that a large-gauge punch or a deep V-cut works best. If you go with a V-cut, it opens up a massive amount of surface area, which is great because this cigar produces a lot of smoke. If you use a straight cutter, just be careful to only take off the thinnest sliver possible. You want to preserve that flat shoulder so the construction stays intact while you're puffing away.
The Flavor Journey: First Third
Right after lighting up the cao 660 flathead, you get a massive blast of pepper and earth. It's a wake-up call, for sure. But once that initial "light-up spice" settles down—usually after about five or ten minutes—the real character of the Connecticut Broadleaf starts to shine.
There's this deep, dark chocolate sweetness that starts to creep in. It's not like milk chocolate; think more along the lines of 80% cocoa. It's rich, a little bitter in a good way, and very dense. You'll also pick up some notes of heavy cream and black coffee. The smoke texture is thick—I'm talking "you could almost chew it" thick.
Why the Draw Matters
The draw on these is usually spot on. Even though it's a tightly packed box-press, CAO seems to have the quality control down. I've rarely had one that felt plugged. In the first third, the draw provides just enough resistance to keep the cherry from getting too hot, which is crucial for a large ring gauge like this.
Moving Into the Second Third
As you get into the middle of the cao 660 flathead, the strength starts to ramp up. It moves from a solid medium-full to a definite full-bodied experience. This is where the Nicaraguan fillers really start to talk. The pepper returns, but it's more of a red pepper flake sensation on the back of the throat rather than a nasal sting.
The sweetness shifts a bit too. That dark chocolate starts to taste more like molasses or charred oak. If you're someone who likes a complex, evolving smoke, you'll enjoy how the flavors get "darker" as you go. It's a very masculine, "meaty" flavor profile. It reminds me of sitting around a campfire or being in an old-school woodshop.
Managing the Burn
One thing to watch out for is the burn line. Because it's a box-pressed 60-ring gauge, it can sometimes get a little wavy. It's not a dealbreaker, but you might need to touch it up with your torch once or twice to keep it even. It's just the nature of having that much leaf bunched together in a square shape.
The Final Stretch
By the time you hit the final third of the cao 660 flathead, you're probably feeling the nicotine. This isn't a cigar I'd recommend on an empty stomach. It's a "steak and bourbon" kind of smoke. The flavors culminate in a very intense mix of leather, espresso, and a lingering spice.
What's impressive is that even toward the nub, it doesn't get overly harsh. Sometimes these big Gordos can get "muddy" or bitter at the end because of the moisture buildup, but the Flathead stays remarkably clean. You can smoke this thing down until it's burning your fingertips if you've got the stamina for it.
What to Drink With It
Pairing a cao 660 flathead is half the fun. Because the flavors are so bold, you need something that can stand up to it. * Bourbon: A high-proof, caramel-forward bourbon is the classic choice. The sweetness of the corn balances out the earthy spice of the cigar perfectly. * Coffee: If you're smoking this in the morning (bold move, by the way), a strong black coffee or an espresso is the way to go. It highlights the cocoa notes in the wrapper. * Stout: A thick, oatmeal stout or a chocolate porter is a fantastic match. It almost turns the smoking experience into a dessert.
Is It Worth the Time?
Let's be real: the cao 660 flathead is a commitment. You're looking at 90 minutes to two hours of smoking time. It's not something you light up when you're in a rush or just taking the dog for a quick walk. It's a "sit on the porch and forget about your phone" type of cigar.
For the price point, it's hard to beat the value. You get a lot of tobacco and a very high-quality blend for what usually amounts to a mid-range price. It's won plenty of awards over the years, and honestly, it deserves them. It's consistent, flavorful, and has a personality that most cigars just can't match.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the cao 660 flathead is a staple for a reason. It's bold without being overwhelming, and it has a distinct look that makes it stand out in any humidor. If you're a fan of Maduro wrappers and you want something that feels substantial, you really can't go wrong here.
Just make sure you have a comfortable chair and a drink nearby. You're going to be there for a while, and honestly, that's exactly what makes this cigar so great. It forces you to slow down, appreciate the craft, and just enjoy the smoke. Whether you're a seasoned vet or someone looking to move into fuller-bodied sticks, this one belongs on your "must-try" list.