Video review HERE.
(Description provided by General Cigar)
CAO is revving the engine on its best-selling franchise with the release of Flathead Speed Shop Habano, a new expression built for cigar lovers who appreciate a more refined ride while staying true to the bold attitude that defines Flathead. Shipping February 2nd, 2026, Speed Shop introduces a fresh take on performance within the Flathead world.
Born in the garage where craftsmanship meets character, Flathead Speed Shop Habano is crafted for those who want balance, control and a medium-bodied profile with purpose. An Ecuador Habano wrapper delivers a smooth yet complex character. Under the hood, a San Andrés binder adds subtle sweetness, while Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers fire up notes of white pepper, leather and earth, providing some of the power for which the Flathead line is known.
The line debuts in three sizes, including an all-new 6.5 x 54 frontmark, alongside the franchise’s most popular sizes. All cigars are handcrafted in Honduras and packed in red-and-white Speed Shop boxes inspired by vintage garage culture.
CAO Flathead Speed Shop Habano includes:
● V654 Crankshaft (6.5 x 54) REVIEWED TODAY
● V660 Carb (6 x 60)
● V770 Big Block (7 x 70)
“As the #1-selling brand in CAO, Flathead has earned its reputation through bold character and unmistakable style,” said Cory Beardsley, Brand Manager for CAO. “Speed Shop gives us a new lane to explore, a cigar with the same spirit but a different feel. It’s crafted for smokers who appreciate performance with purpose and a profile you can drive every day.”
CAO Flathead Speed Shop Habano comes in 24-count boxes at an SRP between $8.99 and $10.99 per cigar (depending on size).
The cigar is a medium brown and has a nice feel in the hand.
The test draw after cutting the cap was a little firm. I used the PerfecDraw Tool to open the draw a little. The initial flavors at light up were citrus, brown sugar, citrus peel, light nougat, and earthy black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2 to 8. Nice start.
At the first third (26 minutes) the notes were citrus/cedar, brown sugar, touch of citrus peel, a little nougat, decreased earthiness, and a light black coffee base. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish has hints of citrus with a little earthiness, light black coffee, and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is very surprising. I did not expect it to be this good based on previous reviews of the Flathead series. I rated the first third 95.
As I moved through the second third (1 hour 3 minutes) there was a decrease in the citrus notes but the brown sugar is holding in there. There is more citrus peel. The nougat note has greatly decreased. There is some earthiness and quite a bit of black coffee. The brown sugar is keeping the cigar interesting. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar lost a little but the brown sugar is saving it. I rated the second third 93.
The cigar lasted 1 hour 41 minutes. The citrus notes came back and there is a little cedar mixed in. There is quite a bit of brown sugar. There is some nougat, a little earthiness, and a nice amount of black coffee. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is citrus with a touch of earthiness and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar got back to very good. I rated the final third 95. Look for these. They have a very good price point too, at around $9 per cigar.
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