Cu-Avana Belicoso Review

[baglorious]

I smoked a Cu-Avana Belicoso last night. I picked up a 5 pack from cbid a while ago (6+ weeks) just because I was curious. I remember reading what I believe was a Cigars International listing about Cu-Avanas, which suggested that, for the money, they were a darn good mild cigar. So, as I occasionally like to fire up a mild cigar, I grabbed a 5 pack for $7, figuring that at least, they'd be another mild cigar in the humi I could share with folks who don't smoke cigars. Last night was the first one I smoked... and to be honest, I smoked it because I wasn't actually sure I wanted a cigar as I read a book on the porch, so I figured a cheap/mild one was a good way to go.

So, here's the scoop:

1. Construction was really pretty darn nice for a cheap cigar... actually pretty impressive. Nice, even wrapper, good shape, firm, and nice looking on the foot end. The figurado end of it cut very cleanly when I gave it the chop, without any filler falling out, or binder/wrapper fraying.

2. Pre-light draw was just fine... ALMOST felt a little loose (but there were no burn issues that would suggest it was).

3. The burn was great! Lit like a champ, burned cleanly and evenly all the way through! I was impressed with it... even burn with good amounts of smoke. (Obviously, some cigars are hit or miss... and you get good ones and bad ones, but this one was great.)

Now to the actual smoking part of the smoking experience:

This stick was THE MILDEST CIGAR I'VE EVER HAD. I'm one of those guys who can't/doesn't taste or articulate the "woodsy nutty leathery whatevery" flavors... so I won't pretend to do so. I will say that it didn't have a ton of flavor, but what slight flavor it did have was good. Plus (and more imporantly for those seeking mild cigars), it didn't have any BAD tastes or flavors that you sometimes get with cheaper sticks.

If mild is your thing, you should check these out. I gotta say, my opinions on this cigar vary... I'm not going to run out and buy a box, but it was an enjoyable cigar, and I'd definitely be happy to have another if/when I'm in the mood for very mild.

I don't honestly think most BOTL's would like these too much, and you should stick to your Padrons, Pepins, Fuentes, and what have you... unless you're occasionally in the mood for extremely mild. And at that point, if you already have a favorite mild cigar, you might like it better. The Cu-Avano belicoso isn't a complex or interesting smoke... mild is its thing, and mild is what it does best.

SO... while I don't really recommend them for the folks who are already into cigars (and like some flavor and strength), I think these are IDEAL for keeping a few on hand for sharing with people who don't smoke cigars, or who have had cigars before and who thought they were "harsh" but were willing to try again. And to just go ahead and be a sexist bastard, if you wanted to try to talk your lady friends into having a smoke, this would be one that might not be rejected as quickly as many others. Plus, it has a pretty label with a few light and shades of blue.


So, short, quick grades for the Cu-Avana Belicoso:

In the context of being a "cigar": C (Good construction, burn, draw, but not very interesting. Good price though!)

In the context of being a "mild cigar": A- (All the things above, plus, does MILD very well. Gets the 'minus' because other mild cigars have some better flavors while still mild.)

[LORD PUFFER]

Nice review. Don't like mild myself, but thanks for sticking your neck out for the newbs. Little RG for ya.

[guy g]

Rather than start a new thread , I'd like to ditto what was said here. Off the truck with overnite aging, this smoked very nice for a super mild. Wife liked the aroma and I tasted a slight hint of woodsy. ash held well.
Good gar for a guest who doesnt smoke much.

[BigFrankMD]

Sounds good, I have read a few good reviews on these smokes. I think once I get some cash back into the fund I might get a fiver of the conn and maduro.

Great review!

[rx2010]

I'll have to keep these in mind next time I want to buy something nice and mild (not black and mild)

[Bigd417]

Nice and accurate review. I enjoyed these when I first started smoking cigars and they were my early favorites. If your into Mac's and looking for a cheap alternative you could do worse.

[palm55]

Originally Posted by Bigd417

Nice and accurate review. I enjoyed these when I first started smoking cigars and they were my early favorites. If your into Mac's and looking for a cheap alternative you could do worse.

SPOT-ON!!! The Cu-Avano Maduro (I keep a few boxes of them aged) is what I call the "Poor Man's Macanudo." I've passed them out to friends new to cigars, and they're a hit! I also smoke a few here and there out in the yard or barn, when I don't have time to sit back and savor a heavier stick.

[krash]

I really like these. Have gotten some from Cbil and from samplers. It is a mild cigar, but very enjoyable. I would definitely buy a box of maduros for the price they're listed for.

[Marlboro Cigars]

Thanks for the very detailed review!!

[doubled]

I like to keep a few around as well for handing out to friends who aren't regular smokers. Great review!

[Bax]

Plus with these to pass around, it'll keep your friends out of your good stuff. Why waste a Cohiba on someone who'll dump it half way thru.

[agony]

I've been pleasantly surprised with their maduros. Pleasant smoke, no frills, a little flat and lacking any complexity but still enjoyable.

[omowasu]

Originally Posted by palm55

SPOT-ON!!! The Cu-Avano Maduro (I keep a few boxes of them aged) is what I call the "Poor Man's Macanudo." I've passed them out to friends new to cigars, and they're a hit! I also smoke a few here and there out in the yard or barn, when I don't have time to sit back and savor a heavier stick.

Ya know, I grabbed the last Cu-Avana out of my humidor for the commute home today. I have a little cold, so I didnt want something strong making me sneeze constantly. The Cu-Avana hit the mark perfectly. It was very mild but still flavorful. I would say they are nutty and toasty with a background of fresh (albeit weak) coffee. The flavor stays the same for the entire smoke, but does increase a bit in intensity around the 1/2 mark (from very mild to mild).

I actually like these better than any Macanudo (although its been a while since Ive had a Mac), and the price is right. Construction and burn were A+. Overall, a nice Quesada smoke!