6.2CigarScoreCigarScore6.2
Mixed
1 critic · limited confidence
CAO Cigars Surplus Shade
Ranked in our Best Cheap Cigars Under $5 GuideA smooth, approachable value offering crafted at the CAO Fabrica in Estelí, Nicaragua, CAO Surplus Shade delivers premium long-filler flavor on a daily budget. Enclosed in a golden Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper over proprietary Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, it offers an easygoing mild-to-medium profile tasting of silky cream, cedar, almond, hay, and light pepper.
Best Price
at Gotham Cigars
Price Range
$1.64–$2.76
across 10 sites · 3 sizes
Shop Spread
$0.56
25% below priciest · 6.00″×50
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30 of 36
Gotham Cigars
Code: RCK9VNGIn Stock
$40.99 for 25$52.25
CAO Surplus Shade Robusto
Toro · 6.00″ × 50 · Ecuadorian Connecticut
Code RCK9VNG copies when you click
Buy at Gotham CigarsCigars.com
In Stock
$43.99 for 25$56.50
Surplus by CAO Shade Robusto
Robusto · 5.00″ × 50 · Ecuadorian Connecticut
Gotham Cigars
Code: RCK9VNGIn Stock
$44.99 for 25$57.25
CAO Surplus Shade Toro
Toro · 6.00″ × 50 · Ecuadorian Connecticut
Code RCK9VNG copies when you click
Buy at Gotham CigarsMike's Cigars
In Stock
$46.95 for 25
Surplus by CAO Shade Robusto
Robusto · 5.00″ × 50 · Ecuadorian Connecticut
5(1)Cigars.com
In Stock
$47.99 for 25$62.00
Surplus by CAO Shade Toro
Toro · 6.00″ × 50 · Ecuadorian Connecticut
Famous Smoke
In Stock
$48.99 for 25$62.25
CAO Surplus Shade Robusto
Robusto · 5.00″ × 50 · Ecuadorian Connecticut
4(6)Prices and availability sourced daily from retailer catalogs. We do not sell cigars. Methodology · Affiliate Disclosure
The Ticker
Price history
The Critics
Editorial reviews
1 review · top score 52
CAO Surplus Shade Robusto
Developing Palates · Oct 9, 2026 · August 2025
Overall, the CAO Surplus Shade Robusto had a solid start with some enjoyable sweetness, creaminess and a touch of chocolate that provided the most interesting part of the smoking experience. Unfortunately, the profile became progressively simpler as the review continued, eventually settling into a largely wood-driven experience without much additional development. For a budget cigar, this offering punches well outside of its price class.
Robusto · 5.00″ × 50 · Undisclosed
Read full review on Developing PalatesBrand Lineup
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