CAO · Flathead
New WorldExperiencedCAO Flathead V554 Camshaft
CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft is a flat-topped 5.5 x 54 box press in dark Connecticut Broadleaf, full of chocolate, pepper and coffee over Nicaraguan ligero.
The short answer
The CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft is a richer, medium-to-full smoke — a Dominican Republic box-pressed robusto with a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. Expect dark chocolate, pepper, and coffee.
Flavor profile
Sweet · Spice · Roast · Earthy
The verdict
The CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft is a richer, medium-to-full smoke from CAO's Flathead line. It's a Dominican Republic (New World) box-pressed robusto wrapped in Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro at 5.5 in × 54.
On the palate, expect dark chocolate, pepper, and coffee, leaning sweet. Plan on roughly 65 minutes from light to nub.
It pairs naturally with black coffee and bourbon. If you're newer to cigars, work up to this one rather than starting here.
The Flathead line is CAO's love letter to American muscle cars, right down to the squared-off, flat-topped box press meant to evoke an engine block. The V554 Camshaft is the 5.5 x 54 in the range, wrapped in a gorgeous dark Connecticut Broadleaf with a Connecticut Habano binder and a core of Nicaraguan and Dominican ligero.
What it tastes like
This is a chocolatey, peppery smoke with a real backbone. You get dark cocoa and coffee up front, a generous helping of black pepper, and an earthy sweetness underneath. The heavy ligero filler gives it body and a satisfying density, and the flat cap is a fun, distinctive detail every time you light one.
It smokes medium to full, so it rewards a bit of experience — this isn't a starter cigar, but it's a great one to grow into. If you're sorting out where it sits on the power scale, the cigar strength guide helps, and the maduro vs Connecticut breakdown explains what that Broadleaf wrapper contributes.
The Flathead developed a loyal following thanks to its bold profile and unmistakable look. Log the Camshaft in the Casa DNC app to rate it, and if you want a bigger, mellower take on the blend, move up to the V660 Carb.
Curious how it stacks up? See Maduro vs Connecticut wrappers.
CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft — frequently asked
- Is the CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft a good cigar for beginners?
- Ease into it. The fuller body can be a lot for a first-timer, so it's better once you've built up a little tolerance.
- How strong is the CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft?
- The CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft is Medium-Full-bodied. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft taste like?
- Expect dark chocolate, pepper, and coffee, leaning sweet. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What pairs well with the CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft?
- It pairs well with black coffee and bourbon. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's medium-full body.
- How long does it take to smoke the CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft?
- Plan on about 65 minutes for the box-pressed robusto — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft head-to-head
See how CAO Flathead V554 Camshaft stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.