Thursday night at The Oasis arrived with that familiar anticipation that comes with testing something new. Our regular crew had assembled in the comfort of my backyard sanctuary, each settling into their preferred spot with the practiced ease of men who've turned Thursday evenings into an art form. Tonight's guest of honor? The CAO Flathead ApeHanger – a cigar that promises to deliver the kind of bold experience that makes you forget about tomorrow's early meeting.
The ApeHanger sits in CAO's Flathead line like the rowdy cousin who shows up to family dinner on a motorcycle. While the rest of the Flathead family maintains a certain rebellious dignity, the ApeHanger cranks up the volume and dares you to keep up. It's the kind of stick that doesn't whisper sweet nothings – it grabs you by the collar and demands your full attention.
First Impressions: The Visual Symphony
Unwrapping the ApeHanger feels like opening a package from your favorite vintage motorcycle shop. The dark, oily wrapper gleams under The Oasis's amber lighting like polished leather on a classic Harley tank. This Ecuadorian Habano wrapper doesn't just catch the light – it captures it, holds it hostage, and reflects it back with an almost sinister gleam that hints at the power lurking beneath.
The construction speaks to craftsmanship that would make a Swiss watchmaker nod with approval. Every seam runs true as a railroad track, and the cap sits atop this beauty like a perfectly fitted helmet. The band wraps around the cigar with the confidence of someone who knows exactly what they're advertising – no false modesty here, just pure swagger in paper form.
At 6 inches by 60 ring gauge, the ApeHanger commands respect through sheer presence. It's not trying to be subtle or apologetic about its size. This is a cigar that takes up space and makes no excuses for it. The weight in your hand carries the satisfaction of holding something substantial, something that was built to last more than a quick coffee break.
The pre-light aroma rises from the foot like the scent of adventure itself – rich earth mixed with hints of cocoa and a whisper of spice that promises the kind of complexity that keeps you guessing. It's the olfactory equivalent of walking into a high-end leather goods store where everything costs more than your car payment but smells like heaven.
Construction: Built Like a Tank, Smokes Like a Dream
The cold draw reveals the first hint of what's to come. There's resistance here, but not the stubborn kind that makes you question your cutter. This is the controlled resistance of a cigar that knows its business – firm enough to let you know it's serious, but accommodating enough to promise a smooth journey ahead.
Running your fingers along the wrapper reveals a texture that's both smooth and slightly toothy, like running your hand over well-worn leather that's been cared for but not babied. The veins trace elegant patterns across the surface without creating any structural concerns. This isn't a cigar that's going to surprise you with unwelcome splits or unraveling adventures halfway through your smoke.
The construction reminds me of those old-school mechanics who built engines to last forever – every component serves a purpose, nothing is wasted, and the whole thing operates with the kind of precision that modern manufacturing often promises but rarely delivers. You can feel the tobacco's density through the wrapper, packed with the confidence of someone who knows exactly what they're doing.
The First Third: Opening Statements
The initial light brings forth flavors that announce themselves like a jazz quartet taking the stage. There's no tentative warm-up period here – the ApeHanger comes out swinging with bold, earthy notes that plant themselves firmly on your palate and refuse to be ignored. The draw opens up beautifully, delivering smoke with the consistency of a well-tuned engine at idle.
Cedar emerges as the primary voice in this early symphony, rich and warming like the scent of a freshly opened humidor. Behind it, leather notes provide a robust foundation that speaks to the cigar's Nicaraguan heritage. These aren't the harsh, green leather notes that sometimes plague younger cigars – this is the supple, broken-in leather of a favorite jacket that's been worn through countless adventures.
The retrohale in this first third delivers a gentle pepper that tickles rather than burns, like the kind of spice that makes you reach for another bite rather than a glass of water. It's sophisticated heat, controlled and purposeful, adding complexity without overwhelming the other flavors fighting for attention.
What impresses me most about this opening act is the balance. Many bold cigars start with a sledgehammer approach, beating your palate into submission before settling into something more nuanced. The ApeHanger shows restraint – it's confident enough in its strength to let the flavors develop naturally rather than forcing them through sheer power.
The ash builds steadily, holding on with the tenacity of someone who refuses to give up their spot in line. It's dense and light gray, creating an almost architectural structure that speaks to the quality of the tobacco and the skill of the roller. This isn't ash that's going to betray you at an awkward moment – it's the reliable kind that lets you focus on the flavors rather than worrying about your shirt.
The Second Third: Finding Its Rhythm
As we settle into the middle portion of this journey, the ApeHanger begins to reveal its true character. The flavors that dominated the first third don't disappear – they evolve, becoming more complex and layered like a good conversation that deepens as the evening progresses.
The cedar notes that led the charge begin to mellow, making room for darker, richer flavors to step forward. Coffee emerges, not the bright, acidic notes of your morning cup, but the deep, roasted character of beans that have been coaxed to perfection. It's the kind of coffee flavor that makes you understand why people become connoisseurs, rich and satisfying without any bitter edges.
Cocoa joins the party, adding a sweetness that balances the earthier elements beautifully. This isn't candy-sweet – it's the sophisticated sweetness of dark chocolate that's been aged to perfection. The combination creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and complex, familiar yet surprising.
The leather notes that provided the foundation in the first third begin to transform, becoming more supple and refined. They're joined by subtle hints of nuts – not the sharp brightness of fresh almonds, but the deeper, more complex flavors of roasted nuts that have been given time to develop their character.
The burn continues to impress, maintaining an even line that requires no correction. The ash holds strong, creating a perfect cone that speaks to the quality of the construction. The draw remains consistent, delivering smoke with the reliability of a favorite tool that never lets you down.
During this middle section, the ApeHanger demonstrates why it's earned its place in the Flathead lineup. It's not trying to be the loudest cigar in the room – it's content to be the most interesting. The flavors continue to build and interact, creating new combinations and subtleties that reward attention and contemplation.
The Final Third: The Grand Finale
The last third of the ApeHanger is where this cigar truly earns its keep. Rather than fading into polite whispers or cranking up the heat to uncomfortable levels, it maintains its composure while adding new dimensions to the experience.
The coffee notes that emerged in the second third deepen and intensify, becoming more concentrated and complex. They're joined by hints of dark fruit – not the bright, fresh fruit of summer, but the deeper, more mature flavors of fruit that's been aged and concentrated. Think of the difference between fresh grapes and a fine wine – both are delicious, but one has depth and complexity that comes only with time and patience.
The spice that provided gentle heat through the retrohale begins to build, adding warmth without crossing into harsh territory. It's the kind of spice that enhances rather than dominates, like the perfect amount of pepper on a well-prepared steak. The heat builds gradually, never shocking your palate but always keeping you engaged.
What impresses me most about this final act is how all the flavors continue to work together. Many cigars struggle in the final third, either becoming too hot, too bitter, or simply losing their character as the tobacco changes. The ApeHanger maintains its composure, delivering a finish that's both satisfying and memorable.
The construction remains solid right to the end, with no harsh edges or unwelcome surprises. The ash continues to hold well, requiring only occasional attention. The draw stays consistent, delivering smoke that's both flavorful and comfortable right down to the final puff.
Technical Performance: The Nuts and Bolts
From a technical standpoint, the CAO Flathead ApeHanger performs like a cigar that costs twice as much. The construction is virtually flawless – I experienced no burn issues, no tunneling, no structural problems that would interfere with the smoking experience. The ash held consistently throughout the smoke, creating that satisfying cone shape that indicates quality tobacco and skilled rolling.
The draw hit that sweet spot between too tight and too loose, delivering smoke with the consistency of a well-calibrated instrument. There's something deeply satisfying about a cigar that performs exactly as it should, allowing you to focus on the flavors rather than fighting with technical issues.
The burn rate was ideal for a leisurely evening smoke – not so fast that you feel rushed, not so slow that you're checking your watch. The ApeHanger smoked for approximately 90 minutes, which is perfect for a Thursday night gathering that's in no hurry to end.
Temperature management was excellent throughout the smoke. Even in the final third, the cigar never became harsh or hot, maintaining a comfortable smoking temperature that allowed the flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate.
Value Assessment: Bang for Your Buck
At its price point, the CAO Flathead ApeHanger delivers exceptional value. This isn't a budget cigar trying to punch above its weight – it's a premium offering that delivers on its promises without breaking the bank. The construction quality alone justifies the price, but when you factor in the complex flavor profile and excellent performance, it becomes clear that this is a cigar that offers serious bang for your buck.
Comparing it to other cigars in its price range, the ApeHanger stands out for its consistency and complexity. While there are certainly more expensive cigars that offer additional nuances and refinement, the ApeHanger delivers a smoking experience that would satisfy even the most discerning palate.
For someone building their humidor, the ApeHanger represents the kind of cigar that's worth keeping in regular rotation. It's special enough for occasions but accessible enough for regular enjoyment. That's a rare combination in today's market, where cigars tend to be either everyday smokes or special occasion splurges.
Pairing Suggestions: Perfect Companions
The ApeHanger's bold flavor profile makes it an excellent candidate for pairing with equally robust companions. A good aged bourbon brings out the leather and coffee notes beautifully, while the whiskey's sweetness complements the cigar's cocoa elements. Something like a Maker's Mark or Woodford Reserve would be ideal – whiskies with enough character to stand up to the cigar without competing for attention.
For those who prefer rum, a quality aged rum like Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva would provide an excellent counterpoint to the ApeHanger's earthier elements. The rum's sweetness and complexity would enhance the cigar's cocoa and coffee notes while adding its own tropical nuances to the mix.
Beer lovers should look for something with enough body and flavor to complement rather than clash with the cigar. A good porter or stout would work beautifully, with their roasted malt flavors echoing the coffee notes in the tobacco. Something like Founders Porter or Guinness would be excellent choices.
For non-alcoholic options, a quality espresso or dark roast coffee would enhance the cigar's coffee notes, while a good dark chocolate would complement the cocoa elements nicely. The key is choosing companions that enhance rather than compete with the cigar's natural flavors.
Comparisons: Where It Fits in the Landscape
The CAO Flathead ApeHanger occupies an interesting position in the current cigar market. It's bolder and more robust than many Connecticut-wrapped cigars, but not as intense as some of the stronger Nicaraguan offerings. It's the kind of cigar that bridges the gap between approachable and challenging, making it an excellent choice for both experienced smokers and those looking to step up their game.
Compared to other cigars in the CAO lineup, the ApeHanger is definitely on the fuller side of the spectrum. It's got more power and complexity than the basic CAO Gold, but it's not as intense as some of the limited edition offerings. It sits in that sweet spot where it's interesting enough to hold your attention but not so powerful that it becomes overwhelming.
In the broader market, the ApeHanger competes favorably with cigars like the Arturo Fuente Hemingway series or the Ashton VSG. It offers similar build quality and complexity at a competitive price point, making it an attractive option for smokers who want premium quality without the premium price tag.
The Verdict: A Worthy Addition
After spending a full evening with the CAO Flathead ApeHanger, I can confidently say it's earned its place in the humidor. This is a cigar that delivers on its promises – bold flavors, excellent construction, and a smoking experience that's both satisfying and memorable.
The ApeHanger doesn't try to be everything to everyone. It knows what it is – a full-bodied, complex cigar that's designed for smokers who appreciate quality and aren't afraid of a little intensity. It's the kind of cigar that makes you slow down and pay attention, rewarding careful consideration with layers of flavor and complexity.
For our Thursday night gathering at The Oasis, the ApeHanger proved to be an excellent choice. It sparked conversations, held everyone's attention, and provided the kind of shared experience that makes these weekly gatherings special. It's a cigar that brings people together, giving them something worth discussing and savoring.
The build quality is exceptional, the flavors are complex and well-balanced, and the performance is nearly flawless. At its price point, it offers excellent value for money, making it accessible to a wide range of smokers while still delivering the kind of quality that satisfies even the most discerning palate.
Final Thoughts: The Thursday Night Champion
As the evening wound down and the last of the ash fell from the ApeHanger, I found myself already planning when to smoke another. That's the mark of a truly successful cigar – when you're already thinking about the next one before you've finished the current one.
The CAO Flathead ApeHanger is the kind of cigar that makes Thursday nights at The Oasis special. It's substantial enough to anchor an evening's conversation, complex enough to keep things interesting, and reliable enough to trust with important occasions. It's a cigar that respects your time and rewards your attention.
For anyone looking to add a reliable, full-bodied cigar to their rotation, the ApeHanger deserves serious consideration. It's a cigar that delivers on its promises, performs consistently, and offers the kind of smoking experience that reminds you why you fell in love with cigars in the first place.
The ApeHanger isn't just a cigar – it's a statement of intent. It says you're serious about your tobacco, you appreciate quality construction, and you're not afraid of a little intensity. It's the kind of cigar that makes you sit a little straighter, pay a little more attention, and remember why Thursday nights at The Oasis are the highlight of the week.
In a market full of options, the CAO Flathead ApeHanger stands out as a cigar that knows what it wants to be and delivers on that promise with confidence and style. It's earned its place in the humidor, and more importantly, it's earned its place at The Oasis.
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