CAO · MX2
New WorldExperiencedCAO MX2 Robusto
CAO MX2 Robusto doubles up dark tobacco — Connecticut Broadleaf over a Brazilian maduro binder — for a 5 x 52 full of chocolate, espresso and leather.
The short answer
The CAO MX2 Robusto is a richer, medium-to-full smoke — a Nicaragua robusto with a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper. Expect dark chocolate, espresso, and leather.
Flavor profile
Sweet · Roast · Earthy · Spice
The verdict
The CAO MX2 Robusto is a richer, medium-to-full smoke from CAO's MX2 line. It's a Nicaragua (New World) robusto wrapped in Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro at 5 in × 52.
On the palate, expect dark chocolate, espresso, and leather, leaning sweet. Plan on roughly 60 minutes from light to nub.
It pairs naturally with espresso and aged rum. If you're newer to cigars, work up to this one rather than starting here.
The MX2 is CAO's "double maduro" — the name refers to using two dark, fermented leaves: a charcoal-black Connecticut Broadleaf on the outside and a full-flavored Brazilian Maduro as the binder right underneath. The Robusto, at 5 x 52, is the most popular size and a perfect introduction to the blend.
What it tastes like
This is dark-and-rich done right. A velvety wave of dark chocolate and espresso leads, then it settles into leather and earthy complexity, finishing with peppery warmth and a lingering sweetness. The four-country filler — Nicaragua, Honduras, Peru and the Dominican Republic — gives it real depth without tipping into harshness.
It lands at medium to medium-full, so it's got presence but stays manageable for most regular smokers. If you love the dense, cocoa-forward maduro experience, the MX2 delivers it at a friendly price. Worth reading the maduro vs Connecticut comparison to see why doubling up on dark leaf changes the flavor so much, and the cigar strength guide if you're gauging the power.
The MX2 has long been one of the best value maduros on the shelf. Log it and rate it in the Casa DNC app, and if you want to keep climbing in the line, try the larger Toro next.
Curious how it stacks up? See Maduro vs Connecticut wrappers.
CAO MX2 Robusto — frequently asked
- Is the CAO MX2 Robusto 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 MX2 Robusto?
- The CAO MX2 Robusto 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 MX2 Robusto taste like?
- Expect dark chocolate, espresso, and leather, leaning sweet. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What pairs well with the CAO MX2 Robusto?
- It pairs well with espresso and aged rum. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's medium-full body.
- How long does it take to smoke the CAO MX2 Robusto?
- Plan on about 60 minutes for the robusto — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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CAO MX2 Robusto head-to-head
See how CAO MX2 Robusto stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.