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CAO Italia Ciao Cigar Review
Written by Bobby Rica, Wednesday, 26, November 2008
- Brand: CAO Italia
- Shape: Robusto
- Wrapper: Honduras
- Ring: 50
- Filler: Nicaraguan/Italian/Peru
- Size: 5
- Binder: Honduras
Review
Like all CAO cigars, Italia’s are made in Honduras, from Honduran wrapper and binders. It's the filler that's unusual here and gives the line its name: Habano seed, but grown in Benevento, southern Italy, exclusively for CAO (or so they say). This is blended with tobacco from Nicaragua and Peru to make the filler.
Now whether this really makes a difference or is all hype, I don't know. But I have found the various CAO Italias to have a distinctive, full-bodied flavor that's made the line a staple in my humidor. It's a cliché, but the Italia really is the cigar I can't refuse.
Comments
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Rommel Santamaria
30 Nov 2008
10:01 (EST)If you’re in the mood for something spicy and exotic, then this is the one to try. Quite a strong one, mind you—there’s nothing subtle or mild about it. But that’s where the story ends. The construction, burn, and draw weren’t anything spectacular, or even notable. It’s all about flavor with this cigar, I guess.
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Herbert Barnes
30 Nov 2008
06:07 (EST)Strong and quite spicy cigar, not for the faint of heart or empty of stomach. Full-bodied, vigorous, intense (supply Monica Bellucci analogy here). Starts out harsh, even a bit bitter, but mellows out nicely. Quite a handful -- uneven burn, a strong lingering aftertaste -- but so good I don’t care. Ciao, baby!
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Harry McKinley
28 Nov 2008
10:04 (EST)There were no problems with regard to the construction of the Ciao and the first half boasted unique blend of vanilla and spice for that smooth overall flavor. However, the draw got considerably tight after a couple of inches smoking the stick, making the smoke harder to light. Exerting effort in huffing and puffing the smoke greatly affected the taste for the worst, turning in an unpleasant smoke in the second half. Although the Ciao is not as bad as it seems, it does need a little bit loosening up.
