CAO Reviews?

[Mpython24]

Anyone out there have an opinion on CAO cigars?

I searched on here and nothing came up...

[danreeve]

I've reviewed a few on my site. I really like some of them, and some are boring. But they have a great mild body cigar, and a great full body cigar IMO. A lot of brands don't have that.

[Kreth]

I like the Black, VR, and Brazilia. The rest, not so much, although I haven't tried Sopranos or La Traviata.
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[Razorhog]

I've had a few Brazilias, and really enjoyed them. In fact I've got a few monstrous brazilias in the humi now....

[Mpython24]

I have just smoked the Golds. What would you recommend be the next CAO to light up?

[pnoon]

Moving to Cigar Discussion since this is not a review.

[captain53]

The Brazilia is pretty good and can be picked up on CI Daily Specials or Cigar.com daily specials at real good prices, most of the others are OK. I am not at all fond of the LaTraviata at all, way over-hyped to me but many others really like them. I have a 5'r of Sapranos Aging but have not tried one. :2

[Kreth]

I have just smoked the Golds. What would you recommend be the next CAO to light up?
Did you like the Gold, or do you prefer something stronger?
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[Mpython24]

I did like the Gold. Burned nice and tasted good. I like things around that strength. I kinda want to branch out though and try somethin darker.

[KenyanSandBoa]

I like the Black, VR, and Brazilia. The rest, not so much, although I haven't tried Sopranos or La Traviata.
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I actually just picked up a few of these CAOs.

Have you tried the MX2s? I haven't tried that one yet, but I've read some mixed reviews.

[Darrell]

Yeah, they suck. :pu

[captain53]

I did like the Gold. Burned nice and tasted good. I like things around that strength. I kinda want to branch out though and try somethin darker.

May be a little strong but try the Brazilia. One thing about CAO is the Appearance, Construction and Burn is usually very good on all of them.

[Kreth]

I actually just picked up a few of these CAOs.

Have you tried the MX2s? I haven't tried that one yet, but I've read some mixed reviews.
Knew I was forgetting one. The MX2s are decent smokes.
I did like the Gold. Burned nice and tasted good. I like things around that strength. I kinda want to branch out though and try somethin darker.
I think all of the rest of CAOs offerings are stronger than the Gold. Maybe you could try the Black, VR, MX2, or America. The Brazilia, Italia, and LX2 might be a bit of a jump if you like the milder sticks.
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[Whee]

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6355
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12957
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=13219

[Mpython24]

sweet deal. i will have to give one of those a shot next time i am out and about.

[Starscream]

As mentioned before, the Brazilias are pretty good. Blacks are decent smokes too. The rest are pretty lackluster though.

[BigCat]

I like the brazilias quite a bit. I always keep a box handy and it is a go-to smoke whenever I want to go with something I know will be good, as opposed to trying something new. I also enjoy the sopranos line, but those can be hit and miss for me. The mx2 didn't really do it for me. I was gifted a couple lx2s that haven't met the flame yet, but will as soon as the weather breaks. I've heard good things about them. People seem to like the CAO maduro quite a bit, though I was underwhelmed with the one I smoked. I will say that the whole line has appeared to me to be well made cigars and worth smoking. I think I just talked myself into taking a brazilia to the bar with me this weekend just by thinking about them. :)

[jerseystepup]

I have a good deal on the mx2's in the WTS section :) good smoke!

[tobii3]

overall....

LX2, MX2, CX2, La Traviata, Brazilia, Criollo and America - All good in my book

Vision, Soprano - overpriced

Gold, Gold Maduro - good if you like the milder side

Italia - a step down from the Brazilia - solid Medium

Cameroon, Maduro and Extreme (L'anniversaire) - the original CAO old favorites

That's about as abbreviated as I can get!!!

:D

[GHC_Hambone]

I think the CAO Black and Criollo are two good cigars.

[G G]

Had the MX2 and Gold and Brazilia, I liked em pretty good.

[smokin5]

Only one I've had that has impressed me was the Italia.
The rest are 'meh'.
And yes, I've tried the Brazilia, MX2, LX2, Gold, Black & some others that escape me at the moment.

[icehog3]

I like the Brazilias if I am looking for something spicy.

I have had the CX2s, MX2s, Italias, Maduros, Sopranos, Criollos and didn't like any of them, even before I cut back on my NC smoking.

[maninblack]

I'm biased. I like every damn one of them but the Sopranos,Brazilia, MX2, CX2, and La Traviata are my faves.

[issues]

LX2, Brazilia, La Traviata, Gold Maduro, Criollo = Good in my book

Soprano = good but overpriced

America = OK

MX2 = Not very good IMO

That's all I've tried so far. :tu

[Mpython24]

seems like the Brazilia's are the ones that you guys like a lot. i will have to get one soon.

[KidRock]

CAO use to make great cigars. Since there 2nd buy out their cigars have NOT impressed me.

I still love the CAO Soprano even though they do not make it anymore. The LX2 is a great smoke.

Other than that they have gone down hill :2 ;s

[Bax]

Another CAO will never touch my lips again... but that's just me. :td

[sodomanaz]

overall....

LX2, MX2, CX2, La Traviata, Brazilia, Criollo and America - All good in my book

Vision, Soprano - overpriced

Gold, Gold Maduro - good if you like the milder side

Italia - a step down from the Brazilia - solid Medium

Cameroon, Maduro and Extreme (L'anniversaire) - the original CAO old favorites

That's about as abbreviated as I can get!!!

:D

:tpd: :D

Though despite the price, the Vision and Soprano are pretty damn good. CI has been dishing out deals on the Sopranos line since the latest buyout of both companies (CI&CAO).

If you can get a box of Visions near $120, that's pretty much what I think they're worth (the humidor was selling at $60 on ebay for a while, though be aware the hygrometer isn't accurate, I still say the box alone is worth $30+). They are great cigars once aged for a year.

[Mpython24]

has CAO always put out quality cigars?

[Kreth]

has CAO always put out quality cigars?
With the caveat that I've only been at this a little over a year, I think they're pretty decent. Excellent construction. Some of the flavors just don't suit my palate.
BTW, CI has a decent sampler with most of the regular production sticks. That's how I first tried them. IIRC, it was 4 each of the Black, VR, Brazilia, Italia, and Gold.
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[Volt]

Well starting with the standard adage: Like what you smoke and smoke what you like.... I wouldn't let a CAO pass my lips. I have smoked about 7 - 8 differnt ones and all were crap to me. On the other hand, many others like them. I'd say pick out a few and see what grabs you.


edit: I just noticed Bax's post.... Glad I'm not the only one :)


Anyone out there have an opinion on CAO cigars?

I searched on here and nothing came up...

[Ferrari5180]

I have only tried 3 blends from CAO, and I loved all of them. I tried the Italia Gondolas, Anniversary Cameroons and Brazilia Lambada's. I cannot recommend one over the other, as they are all different, but awesome. I am quite happy with CAO for the moment, despite hearing mixed comments. I would like to try the La Traviata, MX2 and LX2 in the near future.

[thebiglebowski]

early on, i would smoke some CAOs - golds, italias, brazilias. now, they just bore me. my opinion, they're better at marketing than they are at blending/creating cigars.

[Zanaspus]

early on, i would smoke some CAOs - golds, italias, brazilias. now, they just bore me. my opinion, they're better at marketing than they are at blending/creating cigars.

:tpd: They make nothing that makes me say, "I gotta have a box!"

[maninblack]

C'mon..no love for CAO's? J/K, like Volt said, Like what you smoke, smoke what you like.

[Aldebaran]

Brazilia and MX2 are some good cigars and I've heard some good things about the Traviata. I figure though some might let the band get in the way of their smoking experience.

[njstone]

CAO is a solid brand. It's worth a sample of each stick to see what you think. I love a lot of expensive stuff, but I still smoke a ton of CAO/Rocky Patel/Perdomo/etc.

I love:
Black
Brazilia
Gold (aged 2002)

I really like:
Soprano
Itaila robusto
MX2
LX2
Criollo (aged 2004)

I like:
Cameroon
Maduro
Gold (fresh)
America

I have NOT YET HAD the La Traviata or the Vision, which are two of their most highly-rated cigars. I'm particularly interested in trying the La Traviata, since the price point is so nice.

[South Shield]

Yeah, they suck. :pu

I'm starting to think you just don't like cigars :r

[macpappy]

overall....

LX2, MX2, CX2, La Traviata, Brazilia, Criollo and America - All good in my book

:D

:tpd::banger

[joeobx]

seems like the Brazilia's are the ones that you guys like a lot. i will have to get one soon.

One of my favorite's, also like the Criollo and Gold Mad. MX2's have been hit or miss for me .

[Smokin Gator]

I've never had one that made much of a positive impression, but none that totally sucked either.

[njstone]

MX2's have been hit or miss for me .

My first 3 were awfully plugged ... really bad. Then I started dry-boxing them for DAYS before smoking, and now they smoke great and are quite tasty!

[Jack Straw]

I smoke a few of them - Brazilia, Italia, LX2, Sopranos - in fact I just ordered some Sopranos today after reading the CI catalogue in the john and spotting the deal. Check the link below, pick the Sopranos Boss for your fiver and that's about the cheapest you'll find them anywhere, even CBid.

http://www.cigarsinternational.com/proddisp.asp?item=CS-PT3&stext=trio

[Hot Stuff x]

CAOs seem to like lower humidity, like 62% or so.

If you like milder cigars and can get these, the 65th Anniversary cigars are really good. Hard to find though, I don't think they make them anymore.

Also like the CAO Ltd. Black for a medium bodied cigar. Black VR is more robust so be aware of the difference.

[pennjones]

I just smoked a CAO criollo this morning becuase this thread had me thinking that I haven't smoked a CAO in a long time. It was enjoyable. Nothing special, but a good morning smoke with my coffee and pop-tart (yes I ate a pop tart).

[Spokane Rick]

I am a huge fan of both the Mx2 and the Brazilia. Both are great full flavored maduros, the Brazilia might be a bit creamier while the Mx2 has a nice spice as well as the creamy maduro flavor. Smoked a Brazilia the other day (along with a few brews) and had an extreme urge to start speaking Portuguese while running around in my back yard, stripping off my shirt while screaming "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL" I haven't tried to Sopranos yet (I'm too cheap) but I have heard great things.

The only CAO I have tried that I wouldn't buy again was the Gold. I didn't think it was bad, it just wasn't anything special, and there are many other Connecticuts out there that I like better.

[Mpython24]

So the darker the CAO you get seems to be the ones that you guys like.

coffee and a pop tart is always a good breakfast.

[Don Fernando]

Anyone out there have an opinion on CAO cigars?

I searched on here and nothing came up...

there are a few on my blog www.cigarguide.org

[KenyanSandBoa]

I was talking to a guy at a B&M I visited this weekend and he said he really likes the CAO La Traviata. I haven't tied one yet, but it looked pretty tasty.

[Kreth]

Remembered this thread and fired up an MX2 today. Nice, medium-bodied maddie with coffee and bittersweet chocolate flavors. A few wrapper splits that were probably due to the high humidity from melting snow. Great burn even with the splits.
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[nyisles]

I hate to pimp my site, but CAO has been a friend of my blog. I have reviewed most CAO cigars over there...

[fuente~fuente]

The Brazilia is the easy one... Seems like everyone & their mother likes that one, including myself. That is except for the people who hate CAO anyways.;)

I think they make a helluva Maduro, & that seems to be were they shine IMO.

The La Traviata is solid for the $$$. Sometimes they're on the snug side from what I've experienced though. But hey... For just over 5 bills I won't complain.:D

[Mpython24]

true that. it is nice gettin' a good smoke for a little over 5 bucks

[kazzaca]

Haven't smoked any myself but I've read MANY positive reviews of the Brasilia. I actually ordered a few last Friday and should get them in a day or so. I'll let you know what I think when I get around to smoking one.

[Mpython24]

Had a great smoke tonight. Outside of Starbucks with a CAO Gold. Couldn't ask for much better.

[smokehouse]

Had a CAO L'Anniversaire Cameroon Corona the other day and yesterday I had a CAO Brazilia Piranha. Both were great cigars.

[Chemyst]

I like the Brazilias and Sopranos, although I can't afford
Sopranos very often. Most of the rest are OK at best.
Usually one dimensional but serviceable. Haven't tried
a Vision yet.

ymmv

Chemyst :cool2:

[joeobx]

was just checking C Bid.....Criollos for about 60 a box....not a bad morning smoke.

[tomc3084]

I know CA rated the la traviata well, but i really dont put much stock into their ratings....what do you guys who have smoked it think of it?

[issues]

I know CA rated the la traviata well, but i really dont put much stock into their ratings....what do you guys who have smoked it think of it?

Excellent cigar for the price! :tu

One of the better CAOs IMO...

[fuente~fuente]

Excellent cigar for the price! :tu

One of the better CAOs IMO...

Couldn't agree more.:tu

[Jimbo14]

I love some of CAOs cigars.
Maduro - love
MX2 - love
Brazilia - pretty good but abit one dimensional

the MX2 dagger is one of my favorite cigars of all time. I just orders 10 tins of 5

[quantim0]

I find most to be boring and uninspiring. Their cameroon is decent and I have a Traviata to smoke at some point.

[KenyanSandBoa]

I smoked an Italia this weekend. I have to admit, I wasn't too impressed. It's not that I didn't like it, I just think I was disappointed at the progression from the first third to the final third. I found there was lingering, almost slightly sour taste at the end of the smoke. I didn't find the cigar too complex...pretty straight forward but it wasn't my favorite.

[Cyclone]

I smoked a Vision and a MX2 yesterday... Both were from the CAO Champions collection...

The Vision sucked and the MX2 was barely better.

Brazalias and the classic Maduros are my favourites

[Mpython24]

Glad to see that this post still gets some hits. I got a little CAO sampler for my birthday. Hoping that i will enjoy what i have. Definitely some mixed reviews about them.

[KenyanSandBoa]

Glad to see that this post still gets some hits. I got a little CAO sampler for my birthday. Hoping that i will enjoy what i have. Definitely some mixed reviews about them.

I remembered this thread because I was just a curious about CAOs as well. I still have an MX2 and a Brazilia to try, but I was recently told that the La Traviata was a good smoke...yet to try it though.

[Mpython24]

I remembered this thread because I was just a curious about CAOs as well. I still have an MX2 and a Brazilia to try, but I was recently told that the La Traviata was a good smoke...yet to try it though.

Good deal. I have yet to try the Mx2, but i do have a Lx2 and a Brazilia that i am looking forward to trying for sure.

[Mpython24]

had the chance to smoke a Brazilia last night. I felt like it was alright. Defiantly a solid smoke. Real smooth for sure which was nice. It was the 2nd of the cigars that i smoked last night so i couldn't get a true taste of it. The Trinidad covered it up a touch.

[captain53]

I know CA rated the la traviata well, but i really dont put much stock into their ratings....what do you guys who have smoked it think of it?

I tried some La Traviata's and not fond of them at any price. I used to like several CAO's but none of them do much for me anymore - not real good not real bad either. Brazilia is the best of them I think.

[bigpedunn]

just smoked the last one of my sopranos a gift from my wife so i cant complain but all in all a good smoke!!!!

[Mr B]

I still like the Black alot. You have to get the 50 Guage or larger though. For some reason the smaller RG's are tight and plugged.

I also lke the Brazilia in the Pirahna size. This little guy has the most flavor.

I liked the Soprano but way overpriced.

[wolfandwhisky]

I enjoyed the Mx2 and the La Traviata... I've got 5 Sopranos Boss and 12 Lx2 of various sizes sitting in my humi now

[whodeeni]

I hear that some of the CAO Esperante Line are to die for...
Haven't had them yet though!:r

[Emjaysmash]

I am not a CAO fan.

IMO:
Brazilia: okay
MX2 :sucked
Italia:eh
Traviata: good
CAO Black VR: eh

Basically the only CAO I will smoke is the Traviata. The only CAO i want to smoke is the Sopranos, but I wont spend the kind of money they want for it.

[whodeeni]

CI man... watch for their specials (i.e. Joes Jambalaya)

I am not a CAO fan.

IMO:
Brazilia: okay
MX2 :sucked
Italia:eh
Traviata: good
CAO Black VR: eh

Basically the only CAO I will smoke is the Traviata. The only CAO i want to smoke is the Sopranos, but I wont spend the kind of money they want for it.

[Ogre]

the only CAO I have tried is the Anaconda, I would rate it in my top 5. I am new so my list is not all that log, but I would like to have a box of these.

[kelmac07]

MX3 is one of the best sticks I have ever had!!!

[maninblack]

MX3 is one of the best sticks I have ever had!!!

:tu

[mad4maduro]

oh boy...CAO - I am a huge fan. In my personal experience, one of the most consistent brands out there. Brazilia remains my favorite line - I am partial to a spicy, peppery full bodied smoke that bites my lips before I even bring flame to foot. mmmmmmm...Brazilia Samba....Also, if I am in the mood for something more mellow, the Gold is very good (not especially multi-dimensional but yummy nonetheless) and the Criollo is buttery smooth and mild (love these). Back to the more bold - I enjoy the Sopranos line - the new LaTriviata is a good solid smoke that is not as spicy and bold as the Brazilia or Sopranos but sort of middle of the road in that regard - Another very good smoke......anyhow....bottom line - although some are a bit overpriced (imo) - CAO is one my favorite domestic smokes. Smoke on, my friend

[Mpython24]

Hey Guys. Does anyone know if the Lx2s tend to be a little dry or not? I have a couple that just feel really hard.

[Knip23]

CAO Italia is by far the best i think nice flavor all the way through very smooth. CAO Sapranos would never buy again was a waste of 13 bucks HORRIBLE

[macpappy]

Hey Guys. Does anyone know if the Lx2s tend to be a little dry or not? I have a couple that just feel really hard.

I've had about 10 or 12 LX2's. Haven't noticed the problem. I keep them stored at 65RH.

I still like the MX2s also.

Haven't tried some of the others because of the prices.

[Nurse_Maduro]

I like the L'Anniversaire Maduro, CX2 and MX2 quite a bit. The MX2's need time in the humi before you smoke 'em, though.

I have a bunch of the World Selection sticks I haven't smoked yet, along with a really cool (and rare) CAO Columbia Escaparate that a buddy of mine gifted me. This summer, I think I'm going to have a CAO week.

[Mpython24]

This summer, I think I'm going to have a CAO week.

That is a great idea! I had an Italia the other night, really enjoyed it. I think a CAO is defiantly in the works for tonight at some point. Gold Maduro or an Lx2...

[Nurse_Maduro]

That is a great idea! I had an Italia the other night, really enjoyed it. I think a CAO is defiantly in the works for tonight at some point. Gold Maduro or an Lx2...

Hmm...how about a CAO International week, with a different beer (or ale) paired with the same country's cigar?

I wish we lived closer; this has tremendous herf potential! :D

[Mpython24]

Hmm...how about a CAO International week, with a different beer (or ale) paired with the same country's cigar?

I wish we lived closer; this has tremendous herf potential! :D

now you got me thinking. That would be an epic week for me. I'll be in Pennsylvania during the summer months. :tu

[Nurse_Maduro]

PM me when you get close; maybe we can figure something out.

And to keep this on topic, the CAO L'Anniversaire Maduro I'm smoking right now is tasty, but it's dumping ash like crazy. I think it's a bit underhumidified, though.

[mad4maduro]

CAO Italia is by far the best i think nice flavor all the way through very smooth. CAO Sapranos would never buy again was a waste of 13 bucks HORRIBLE
Good call - I have had mostly great experiences w/ Sopranos myself BUT i would never spend 13 bucks on one. I am one of those smokers that have found PLENTY of great smokes for well under 13 bucks and will likely not be spending 13 bucks on a stick anytime in the near future given the tremendous quality available to me for less. I have smoked expensive cigars and have gifted them to others and will occasionally splurge i am sure...but not on a Soprano!

[Mpython24]

CAO Lx2 last night. Very very very good.

[cigarz]

If you like the Gold, I think you will like the CX2. Not that strong (I'm a mild-medium kinda' guy) and I like Cameroon.

My :2 anyway.

Mike