Cigar Review: CAO Flathead V770 Big Block

CAO Flathead V770 Big Block Cigar Review

Cigar Review By Jamie Stevens

• Strength: ●●●●○ Medium-Full
• Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
• Origin: Nicaragua
• Binder: Connecticut Habano
• Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
• Size: 7 x 70
• Shape: Gordo
• Jamie's Cigar Rating: 88
  

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The CAO Flathead V770 is the kind of cigar that makes you feel like you should be wearing a leather jacket while leaning against a classic muscle car—even if you’re actually sitting on your back porch in gym gear with sore legs from walking so much. Which, coincidentally, is exactly where I found myself after a trip to the Arnold Classic in Columbus.

The Arnold Classic Inspiration

Now, if you’ve ever been to the Arnold Classic, you know it’s basically a weekend-long reminder that you should probably do more than three sets of curls and call it a workout. Everywhere you look, there are human beings built like refrigerators—walking around casually carrying gallon water jugs and eating chicken and rice like it’s a competitive sport. After a few hours of that, you leave feeling inspired… and slightly inadequate.

Which is exactly why I lit up the CAO Flathead V770 later that evening. After all, if I can’t look like a bodybuilder, I can at least smoke a cigar that sounds like a muscle car engine.

Dimensions and Build: The 70-Ring Gauge "Big Block"

The V770 is a big cigar, clocking in at a beefy 7" x 70. Yes, seventy ring gauge. Enter jokes now. This thing has more girth than the biceps I saw curling dumbbells the size of small refrigerators at the expo. The cigar features a dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over a Connecticut Habano binder with Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. The cap is pressed flat—like an old-school engine piston—which is where the whole “Flathead” theme comes from.

Pre-Light Impressions and Aroma

Right off the bat, the pre-light aroma hits you with cocoa, earth, and a little sweetness. The cold draw had notes of chocolate and coffee, which felt appropriate because, after walking around the Arnold Expo all day, I needed caffeine and motivation… and possibly a forklift to move my legs. Thank goodness I got about a million free energy drinks.

First Third: Bold Flavor and Massive Smoke Output

The first third of my smoke delivers both bold and smooth flavors. There’s rich coffee and light pepper notes that wake up your palate. The smoke output is absolutely ridiculous—thick, creamy clouds that would make a fog machine jealous.

Second Third: Finding the Groove

About halfway through, the cigar really settles into a groove. The chocolate notes deepen and mix with hints of nuts and more coffee. It’s medium-to-full-bodied but balanced, which is surprising for a cigar of this size.

Construction and Burn Performance

The burn on a 70-ring cigar can sometimes be a little unpredictable, but the V770 holds its own. The draw is easy and the ash stacks nicely, which is good because this cigar lasts a while. A LONG while. Smoking it is basically a commitment at this point. By the time I finished it, I had enough time to reflect on my fitness goals, take a long walk, and reconsider my life choices after watching many different women in small sparkly bikinis.

The Final Third: A Strong Finish

The final third gets richer with deeper dark chocolate notes, plus a little extra spice that sneaks in at the end. It never becomes harsh, though, which is impressive for a cigar this large.

Final Thoughts: The V8 of Cigars

Overall, the CAO Flathead V770 is big, bold, and ridiculously satisfying. It’s the cigar equivalent of a classic V8 engine—loud, powerful, and unapologetically overbuilt. And honestly, after a weekend surrounded by professional bodybuilders, it felt nice to sit down with something else that was also extremely oversized.

About the cigar review writer Jamie Stevens

Jamie Stevens is a cigar enthusiast who has contributed both as an influencer and reviewer for close to ten years. She lives in historic York, Pennsylvania, where she works for her local government as a leader involved with the coalition on homelessness. When not working, she enjoys outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, etc.) and spending time with her family. She appreciates all kinds of cigars, from mild-bodied all the way to stronger, full-bodied cigars. She enjoys both the higher-end sticks and the ones on the more affordable side. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook as Cigareyes717, where she has over 19,000 followers!

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