I've been raving about the C.A.O. Criollo line for some time now, and since I can't seem to shut my mouth about it, it was about time I wrote this review; The Criollo "Conquistador" is the flagship big-boy of the criollo line, it is also the only cigar of the Criollo's to boast a torpedo shape.

The Cnoquistador stands at a stout 6 1/8" by 52/64 ring gauge, the cigar is certainly no lightweight. Despite the added thinckness, the cigar manages to keep the clean but still flavorful feel of the Criollo line, one of the reasons for its inception -- maintain robust flavor, yet make it a very crisp and clean smoke. The cigar certainly achieves this, and for this reason is deserves its 4 stars..

The word "criollo" simpy means native seed. Just as this name would imply, the Criollo line started with a first generation '98 Cuban seed grown in rich Nicaraguan soil. The wrapper is silky and slightly oily, a gorgeous milk-chocolate hue and it burns like paper, highly reminiscent of the Cameroon wrapper, but with more of a Cuban-esque peppery bite. The cigar is NOT overly spicy, but instead has just enough zing -- C.A.O. focused on flavor and balance, so this is NOT a cigar to blow your head off, however it DOES have a substantially more powerful body than the Mancha or the diminutive Pampa, two other cigars in the Criollo line. (Please check out the Mancha review here: http://www.epinions.com/content_84283199108

Although the Mancha is my favorite smoke in this line (and well deservedly, since it is THE most balanced of all) the conquistador is easily my second choice, because it flexes its muscles but still stays even-tempered. The only complaint I have about the cigar is the over-delicate blend can get a little lost due to ring gauge -- 52 ring means an inherently bigger burn, thereby making it easier for flavors to get a bit muddled. Bear in mind, this is a minor complaint, and can be avoided by taking your time with this one and letting it burn as cool as possible, this way nuances and hints of flavor aren't squashed by other more dominant flavors.

Speaking of flavor, the Conquistador is nicely rounded and has just about something for everyone -- the palate begins on an earthy and nutty note and slowly works in hints of leather and spices - the cigar is NOT overly peppery, but still has that Cuban-style peppery undertone. The smoke is equally sweet as it is spicy in fact, and for this reason, certainly qualifies in the medium body category, BUT without sacrificing flavor. The finish is medium, perhaps even short and very very clean, the cigar ends with touches of cinnamon and a touch of peppermint, though some imply more peppermint than others- beware, these touches of flavor are the ones that can get drown out, so take it slow and allow the cigar to open itself up -- Once it does, you'll be impressed as I was.

Construction wise, the cigar is rolled very very well. The entire line is NOT box-pressed, something I quite like -- In my opinion box-pressing is a fad, sometimes it works, but in general, it has been very played-out by over-zealous manufacturers, I'm happy to see C.A.O. chose to leave these guys round! The conquistador is the only cigar in the line without a Cuban style pigtail, since it is a torpedo. The shape is excellent, very comfortable and the draw is fairly easy, a very relaxed smoke indeed. I enjoyed the Conquistador with both a V-cut and a straight cut, though I preferred the V, even with a lesser cut, the cigar drew just fine. At about 6.50 - 7.25 a piece, the cigar is priced very fairly, given the competition, but box-prices are even more of a bargain, and bring the cigar to just over 5 per stick - an excellent deal on such a well made and wonderfully flavored cigar! Since the Criollo is still fairly new, some areas may be light on them and it may still be a challenge to find - however in my area and those surroundnig (that begin the NY metro area and those surrounding) the supply of Criollos has become abundant and the entire line is winning over ALOT of hearts, once again proving the Cuba does NOT make the world's best cigars (this has been C.A.O.'s motto for quite some time).

Kudos to C.A.O. for making another winner, crisp and clean, yet packed with flavor and good balance, the Conquistador is proof of what a diverse and well-done line of cigars C.A.O. has produced (YET AGAIN). Highly recomended, as is the rest of the line, my best advice is to buy a few of each and decide which size is your favorite... Then BUY A BOX!



Recommended: Yes

Cigar Name: C.A.O. Criollo, Conquistador
Cigar Rating: Better than most
Price per cigar ($US): 5.60