While at first, the CAO Flathead may have seemed like a gimmick, nothing could have been further from the truth.  The Flathead was actually named to the Top 25 cigar of the year, earning the #3 spot.  This powerful and rich line of cigars takes their names from different car engines, making it a fitting choice for this week’s list.

The V554 Camshaft, my personal favorite, is crafted using a Broadleaf wrapper, Habano binder, and zesty Nicaraguan fillers.  This blend offers up intense notes of coffee, dark chocolate, leather, and just a touch of spice.

With this week’s race taking place at the legendary Daytona International Speedway, I thought it only fitting for me to include one of my favorite cigars that bears the same name. I’ve been smoking the Cain Daytona for years, and have told just about everyone I know, that this is one of the most underrated cigars on the market.

The filler tobaccos, grown in the nutrient-rich Jalapa Valley of Nicaragua, give this smoke a complex and flavorful center.  Its Habano wrapper adds in touches of wood, zest and even a touch of sweetness.  This cigar is a flavor changer and transitions between sweet to spicy to rich and creamy and then back again.

Camacho has always been known for pushing the limits in all aspects of its cigars.  From flavor to strength and even packaging, these guys are always going all out.  This is clearly evident in one of the brand’s more recent releases, the Camacho Powerband.  For engines, the power band is the speed at which the engine can operate at its most efficient.  For cigars, it is an all-out flavorful train.

The cigar is handcrafted with Nicaragua, Dominican and Honduran filler tobaccos, followed by a San Andres binder and zesty Habano wrapper.  Notes of oak, dark coffee and a touch of caramel offer up a complex and powerful smoking experience.