Huge disappointment so far

[iride-cl]

I was surprised to hear folks who felt so strongly negative about the Soprano Edition. It is my absolulte favorite non-cuban, full body cigar. I've smoked the Soldier and several of the Associates and loved them. No problems with burn or draw. My close second favorite is the Brazilia. Found it interesting that both have a Brazilian wrapper, perhaps that my attraction. Also really like the the America. Have smoked the the MX2, not as impressed but o.k.

I personally don't like the Italia at all. Construction, look etc. great, just didn't like the flavor. Same with the Criollo. Very nice looking stick that I didn't care for.

Only CAO product I've tried and had a problem with is the MX2 Dagger in the tin. Bought a tin and had a miserable draw on every one of them.

[sboyajian]

I would try another before writing them off.. I have an associate, although I have not smoked it yet.

At this point I have plowed through a box of Mx2 Belicoso's, a couple 5 packs of Criollo's and about 3/4 of a box of Brazilia Box Pressed..

I had one burn issue on the box press, but I think this was due to a bad light.. it evened out toward the middle.

I had a bad draw on a Mx2 Gordo once, but the beli's never seemed to give me a problem.. CAO has been one of the most consistent brands I have had.

[Rusty Shackleford]

Originally Posted by iride

I was surprised to hear folks who felt so strongly negative about the Soprano Edition. It is my absolulte favorite non-cuban, full body cigar. I've smoked the Soldier and several of the Associates and loved them. No problems with burn or draw. My close second favorite is the Brazilia. Found it interesting that both have a Brazilian wrapper, perhaps that my attraction. Also really like the the America. Have smoked the the MX2, not as impressed but o.k.

I personally don't like the Italia at all. Construction, look etc. great, just didn't like the flavor. Same with the Criollo. Very nice looking stick that I didn't care for.

Only CAO product I've tried and had a problem with is the MX2 Dagger in the tin. Bought a tin and had a miserable draw on every one of them.

Yea man same here, I had one so far and I loved it.

[DBCcigar]

It's a good cigar, but overpriced in my opinion....

[slimm-cl]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot

Go buy a padron 26, opus x, any cigar...They all have stems, thats is not what makes the cigar draw tight or loose. I can't tell you how many tree trunks that I have pulled from a padron 26, they do not affect the cigar, its how loose or tight the tobacco is rolled.

The only leaf that is de-stemmed is the wrapper.

Right on time Bigfoot...I was just going to chime in. I have had the sampler and enjoyed every one of them. It had to slip through, trust me CAO will take care of you!

[iride-cl]

I have to agree with DBC...I absolutely love the Soprano and it is my hands down favorite CAO, but I more often smoke the Brazilia because of the price. I understand licensing issues make the cost for CAO to produce increase and won't stop buying a couple sticks at a time but, boxes will have to be saved for.

[havanitascigars-cl]

CAO puts out a very good product. My faves are the Brazilia, the America and the LX2. Try one of those. The Sopranos did not excite me. It was a good cigar, but I prefer the other three much more. Especially the LX2. If you can find one, then definately pick a couple up. CAOs quality is normally top-notch. Your draw issue may be your humidor is too moist. When you pull the other Soprano out, let it sit for about 30 minutes on the counter before you smoke it.

[Cigary]

The last CAO I had I didn't like it and every time I read about somebody having an issue with their cigar I just always reflect on my last one. When I read about the Soprano I get that old same feeling,,,I'd hate to spend that kind of coin on a cigar that didn't bring some type of pleasure back to me. Maybe some day I'll get a CAO in a bomb and will give it another try but out of all of the bombs I have ever gotten I never had a CAO in it,,what does that tell me?

[sboyajian]

Originally Posted by Cigary

The last CAO I had I didn't like it and every time I read about somebody having an issue with their cigar I just always reflect on my last one. When I read about the Soprano I get that old same feeling,,,I'd hate to spend that kind of coin on a cigar that didn't bring some type of pleasure back to me. Maybe some day I'll get a CAO in a bomb and will give it another try but out of all of the bombs I have ever gotten I never had a CAO in it,,what does that tell me?

That people enjoyed it to much to get rid of it?

[buttah]

I'll admit it. I'm a bit of a CAO whore. I love almost all their products but the Sopranos isn't worth the money IMHO. Its a good cigar but a MX-2 is better and cheaper.

I've had dealing with the CAO rep locally and have seen the customer service Bigfoot here has displayed and they've earned my respect. I told the local rep that I didn't care for the Brazilia, no problem just that I didn't care for it, he gave me a different vitola to try.
Even the General cigar rep hooked me up when a cigar he recommended unraveled on me, not their fault I cut off a little too much. I told the guy not to worry about it I put a little pectin on her and she was fine but he insisted.
A little customer service goes a long way.