erichsk

Actually only one, the Italia, is new. The other, the Criollo, has been around
for a while but it took me a while to attack the complicated packaging.

CAO's are one of the brands that I have trouble keeping straight. The other is
Torano. With each of these, unless I write down the specifics of a cigar that
I try and like, it seems like I can't find it again. (and whether I keep the
description on a slip of paper or just keep the band, I lose it). In the case
of Torano I have fnally figured out that I like the Exodus with the silver
band.

I tried a 4x40 criollo and enoyed it a lot. I would describe it as tangy and
medium/full bodied. I am always looking for a 20 minute smoke that has some
oomph and this might fit the bill. After the first I bought a box at Holts
last week and have had 2 from that box Was there buying my 4 power rangers and
found they had the criollos on sale for $20 off per box. The 2 I have had are
a bit tighter then the first but I think they just need to equalize for a
couple of weeks. If they do even out they will be a mainstay of my rotation.
Regardless I will try the other sizes since the small ring cigars sometimes are
tighter then larger widths.

I was in a local shop today which had gotten in the Italias. Tried what I'll
call a fat robusto (mid 50's ring). Dark but not called a maduro on the
packaging. Had a very nice oily looking wrapper. It had a nice flakey grey
ash which I tend to associate with fuller bodied cigars and that is what this
is. Not heavy like a Brazilia but medium to medium full in strength. The
flavor was slightly spicy which, to my taste, was nicely balanced with the
strength. The burn was very even on this cigar (think a read of someone that
experienced the opposite). Had this in the car with window open which is not
the best way to form a final opinion. It was good enough to say that I will
buy several more in all available sizes and try in different environments.
Eric

hoyod

Nice review, Eric.
I haven't tried the Criollo yet, not sure why, but I had my first Italia a
few days ago, same size. I will not be trying another unless I'm given one.
I usually like CAO's but this one was completely flat to me, tasted like
air. The burn was O.K., plenty of smoke, no taste. Well, there was a little
flavor but it was so muted as to be almost non-existent.
I'm no big fan of large RG's. I have come to feel the more complex and tasty
cigars I've smoked have almost all been 48 or less(with a few exceptions).
Maybe it's just me......

chris

that

not

will

james

Thanks for the review, Eric. In my limited experience with CAO, they
make a pretty good cigar.

-James

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