Flathead

Hot rods, pinup girls, and premium cigars... what's not to love?! This was the mindset behind CAO's Flathead cigar series, introduced in 2013. It seems cigar enthusiasts agreed, although it took some time to really take off, with Cigar Aficionado later declaring Flathead their No. 3 cigar for 2015.

Inspired by hot rods and pin-up girls, CAO Flathead is a box pressed collection that hits on all cylinders. Hand-shaped to deliver a striking flat top, the cigar features a brawny Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and a blend that’s heavy on Nicaraguan leaf. Its frontmarks are named for engine parts, but the tribute to muscle cars doesn’t end there. Flathead gives a nod to the muscle car engine, with a lid that’s easily removed and used as wall art. There’s also a collectible, pin-up girl flysheet that’s enclosed in the box.

—CAO