CAO Italia Review

[KLMCCOY]

I received this with a sampler back in February. I put off sacrificing it until I new I could take my time really enjoying it. I'm not sure what the name was maybe a Piazza. Pre-light draw was very sweet and earthy. It started with lots of smooth, creamy smoke. A previous thread I read about Italias mentioned a taste of mushrooms. No mushrooms for me. It was really consistently sweet and earthy to the finish, with a slight cedar finish. Perfect burn with no correction needed. Total burn time just over 2 hours. One thing I noticed was how dry the wrapper appeared with no oily sheen that I thought was typical for Habano. I purchased a robusto from my local B&M that showed lots of oils in the wrapper. I would rate it a 8/10 compared to the limited variety that I have tried. I would be thrilled to have an equally great smoke next time I try one.

[illinoishoosier]

These are my go to smokes. Have only had one out of dozens that i had to toss for burn issues. To me, they are very good, consistent smokes. The Piazza is my choice.

Great review!

[KLMCCOY]

Burn issues? Too hot? Uneven burn?

[illinoishoosier]

Uneven. I would say I have smoked a couple of boxes worth of the piazza size and have had just one with an uneven, hard to manage burn. Tossed it and lit another that burned fantastic.

It was just that one odd f'd up stick.

[elderboy02]

I had a Positiano size tonight. I couldn't stand it. It had a weird taste to it. Oh well, everyone is different.

[Starchild]

Thanks for the review. You kind of motivated me to smoke the one that's been lurking in my humi for a couple months. I love the Brazillia, so I thought I's give this a try. I'm on the first third and I have to say that I'm not impressed. I'm on my first third, but so far it's pretty bland and one dimensional. Nice even burn and good construction, but not my cup of tea.

[elderboy02]

I like the Brazilia's much much better.

[orca99usa]

It had a weird taste to it

That was my assessment, too. I didn't care for the Italia much.

I like the Brazilia's much much better

I'm not a big CAO fan, but I do keep one or two of these around.

[gtsetgo]

I am smoking one right now and it is a good smoke. burn is really uneven on this one and i have had to touch it up twice so far. and still i have a spiral going on where it is burning at an angle. the difference is almost a half inch right now.

[Jazzmunkee]

I agree with the others- had a strange taste. Can't remember exactly what though. I'm a CAO fan (Sopranos, Brazilia) but this one didn't do it for me.

[BlackIrish]

Smoked some Positanos, which I liked -- earthy sweetness is right on. I agree, though, that the Brazilias are better.

[JohnnieSRT-4]

I have a couple of these relaxing in the desktop. They have a strong amonia smell to them. Once they rest for a few more months I will give them a try. I really can't wait they look delicious.