Arcana Archives - Developing Palates - Cigar, Beer and Spirit Reviews and Ratings

Personal Cigar Review: CAO Arcana Stokk

The CAO Arcana Stokk had an average flavor profile throughout although it had the unique components of the smoky oak and smoky meatiness. I've always been intrigued by this style of cigar, but it seems very hard to put it all together and have it deliver a full cigar that is enjoyable as it usually ends up as a profile that only excels in small doses and this cigar was no different. The combination just didn't lend itself to this size of cigar and it isn't something I'd see myself returning to.

Aaron Loomis, February 6, 2026

Team Cigar Review: CAO Arcana Thunder Smoke

The CAO Arcana Thunder Smoke was a fun cigar from beginning to end. The cigar did not show a lot of transitioning, but there were complex flavors throughout. The burn and draw could use some improvement, but I also believe dry boxing these cigars for a period before smoking will help dramatically. I am not sure how these will age, for some reason I have a feeling the youth is what makes this cigar fun, but who knows. Either way, really enjoyed the blend.

Seth Geise, January 3, 2025

Personal Cigar Review: CAO Arcana Firewalker

The CAO Arcana Firewalker was fairly mundane throughout. It was a basic flavor profile with not much transitioning and was just boring. The strength did build up as the cigar went along and finished at medium-full. I don't see myself coming back to this cigar.

Aaron Loomis, December 30, 2022

Team Cigar Review: CAO Arcana Mortal Coil Toro

The CAO Arcana Mortal Coil Toro was a mostly wood forward cigar that tried at times to evolve beyond that base flavor note, but ultimately couldn't succeed. There is nothing wrong with the cigar, it just doesn't offer a profile that engaged my interest or attention other than a short period in the first third.

John McTavish, June 30, 2021

Cigar News: CAO Arcana Mortal Coil Announced

CAO is launching a new series called “Arcana” which will highlight the secrets and traditions of old-world tobacco processing methods, passed down from generation to generation to bring out the best in native tobaccos from across the globe.

Aaron Loomis, February 9, 2021