First off let me say hi to all the lowland gorillas. I have been a member of this website since I was introduced to the fine art of cigar smoking.
I have learned practically everything from this business thanks to everyone in this amazing and best cigar forum in the web.
This is my first review to post. I am a fan of CAO since I started 4 months ago, have tried about every different type out there.
Today after work decided to visit my cigar bar and I was told about the new CAO cigar that just came in: The sopranos.
I approached the humidor and was amazed by the design and beauty of the packaging quite impressive. Observed three different types, Boss, soldier and associate. Decided to buy the soldier. Prize was high for a CAO the stick costed 12.50. Decided to spend the money and check it out. Served myself a Starbucks espresso doppio macchiato and decided to light it up.
The band was as if designed by Armani never seen anything like it. I thought the MX2 was impressive...well surpassed. So anyhow I just wondered if it tasted as good as it looked and costs.
The construction was immaculate. Smell was spicy. After lighting it it yielded a spicy leathery/earth taste. Burning was dissapointingly uneven since start, had to even it by turning and lighting it with my torch. Same taste was present the first third. Second third was still leathery but with a touch of nuts. Became full bodied and a bit bitter but sweet at the same time. Uneven burning continued. Had to purge it and afterwards the last third it turned still quite bitter and hot. Decided to put it out with 2 inches remaining. Ash wasnt as I would have expected especially due to uneven burning.
Overall was a good smoke, dissapointed in price vs quality of cigar. Presentation of the cigar impressive; but of course the smoking should be the most important part. I would smoke another one maybe after some aging (i.e. probable cause of uneven burning). I think that at the end of the day for the price of a VSG caliber cigar would be better appreciated.
Still, as a CAO fan I will take a chance on the $15.50 dollar Boss and the 10.50 associate Sopranos some other time.
Anyhow, pleasure to post in this awesome forum! Hope this review helps someone looking into this cigar. Here is some more info from this cigar:
http://www.luxist.com/entry/1234000893053077