Cain Daytona

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Double Toro
Size : 6 x 60
Wrapper : Nicaraguan Habano
Filler : Nicaraguan Jalapa Valley Ligero
Binder : Nicaraguan
Hand-Made
Price : $5-6
More info about purchasing Cain Daytona cigars...

Cain. The brainchild of Oliva and Studio Tobac. The same geniuses that decided to take a premium hand rolled perfecto, cut it in half, and call it a Nub. All while continuing to charge the same full cigar price. I find myself asking, “what in the world are they trying to accomplish here?” I mean, what if Johnny Walker and Jack Daniels decided to merge and try and create some type of hybrid? One of two things is possible here; sheer greatness, or supreme failure. So, let’s dive right into this.

Cain Daytona is actually a very attractive, moderately priced cigar. I typically find myself pondering over this cigar at my local tobacconist’s shop, trying to decide if it can really be all that good for a modest (and almost downright cheap) price of under 6 dollars. With its Rocky Patel Edge rip-off band at the foot, I couldn’t help but be skeptical. Finally, I said “screw it”.

As I pulled the Daytona out of its cellophane and placed it in my humidor, I noticed how few prominent veins there were. I found this to be quite shocking for a smoke in this price range. The wrapper is ever so slightly oily, and bears a slight tint of an orange hue. Later I found that the tint was simply an optical illusion brought on by the orange band. The bouquet radiating from this cigar was actually quite strong, so I decided to let it calm down in the humidor for a couple days. After about 5 days, it calmed down enough to strike my fancy. Once I cut the cap, I took a pre-lit draw and was surprised at how mellow and almondy it was. My first thought, was that this cigar wouldn’t live up to its medium to full-bodied hype. The Cain Daytona proved me wrong.

A strike of the match ignited what I would consider a conundrum of flavors. I wasn’t yet sure if this was a good or bad thing. I will say this. It sat me down, and shut me up. Immediately, it was spicy to the tune of a Cajun seasoned roasted corn husk that you would get at the fair. As crazy as that sounds, I loved it. Strangely enough, the nuttiness was still there. This time, however, more in the realm of pecan. The presence of these flavors remained through the entire first third of the smoke. Unfortunately, the first third burned faster than a dime sack at a frat party. The ash was loose, and crumbled easily.

Although the first third burned quickly, the second and third burned slightly slower and developed into an even more complex smoke. I mean, what the heck is going on here? I had to keep reminding myself that this was a cheap cigar. The smoke maintained some of its spicy characteristics and meandered into a slight maltiness. I even noticed slight hints of citrus during the last few puffs. Needless to say, I smoked this cigar until my fingertips felt like they wanted to melt. I simply couldn’t get enough, so I popped the nub in my mouth an chewed on it until it was a soggy mess.

In conclusion, the Cain Daytona is a wolf in sheep's clothing. It starts strong and complex and finishes strong and complex. I wouldn’t say it’s consistent in flavor, but it’s certainly consistent in body and complexity. The only disappointment that I experienced was that it smoked entirely too fast. Finally, there is a moderately priced smoke that can deliver what even the most seasoned aficionados deem acceptable. However, this is certainly not a smoke for beginners.

Rating: 8/10