C.A.O. La Traviata radiante

[Don Fernando]

I never liked any C.A.O. cigar until I smoked my first C.A.O. La Traviata. That was a Divino (http://www.sigarenliefhebber.nl/donblog.php?misc=search&subaction=showfull&id=1271344920&archive=&cnshow=news&ucat=1&start_from=&) and I liked it a lot. A friend gave me this cellophane wrapped Radiante, 6 inch long with a ring of 52. The cigar has a filler from Nicaraguan and Dominican filler, a Cameroon binder with an Ecuadorian habano wrapper.

http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af186/cigarguide/reviews/caolatraviataradiante1.jpg

The Ecuadorian habano wrapper has a leathery look and is dark, shiny and oily with a few veins. The band is simple yet tasteful. The construction feels good. The cigar has a strong barnyard smell. The predraw is good and I taste a spicy and full raisin flavor.

http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af186/cigarguide/reviews/caolatraviataradiante2.jpg

I get a strong coffee flavor, mild spicy and peppery. The coffee slowly changes into wood with a little bit of chocolate. After an inch the wood is dominant with a herbal spice and the chocolate disappeared. Halfway the structure of the flavors is mild creamy and the chocolate returns, the wood and herbs are still there.

http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af186/cigarguide/reviews/caolatraviataradiante3.jpg

After two thirds I still taste the wood and herbs, but now with a sweetness and some pepper on the back of my throat. The wood slowly fades away, just like the sweetness. All I taste are herbs, spicy but not peppery anymore.

http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af186/cigarguide/reviews/caolatraviataradiante4.jpg

This cigar lasted me for a long time, an hour and fifty minutes. I got a lot of medium thick smoke. The draw and the burn are good. The light colored ash is firm. The cigar is full flavored and medium to full bodied.

http://i1006.photobucket.com/albums/af186/cigarguide/reviews/caolatraviataradiante5.jpg

Would I buy this cigar again? Without a doubt

Appearance: 8 / 10
Construction: 8 / 10
Draw: 8 / 10
Burn: 7 / 10
Smoke & ash: 7 / 10
Aroma first part: 8 / 10
Aroma second part: 8 / 10
Aroma third part: 7 / 10

[Ogre]

I agree brother, it is a great smoke.

[Montano]

I enjoy these as well :tu

[tenbaseg]

This was the first CAO that I didn't pitch. I just picked up a maduro to try. Hopefully that will impress as well.

[bishjd123]

I liked the original; the maduro not so much.

[area51]

Loving the La Traviata right now.

[kelmac07]

I liked the original; the maduro not so much.

:tpd: X2

Great review Ferdie!!

[boom]

I love these..... Can;t wait to try the maduro... Great Review!!!

[Don Fernando]

I liked the maduro too

[Nathan King]

I must be a slow smoker, the Divino lasted two hours for me. I think your tasting notes are spot on.

[docdoty]

I love this stick thanks for the review.

[Don Fernando]

I must be a slow smoker, the Divino lasted two hours for me. I think your tasting notes are spot on.

one hour and fifty minutes is only ten minutes shorter than two hours. Not that much of a difference.

[Skywalker]

Sweet review!!!

Agreed! These are a good smoke!

I didn't not like the maduro, not sure if I liked it more that the orginal.

[dwoodward]

Have not had one of these yet.

Ferdie, what do you think of the Brazilia and the Italia?

[Ferrari5180]

Thank you for the review Ferdie. Personally, I like almost everything that CAO rolls. I have had the pleasure of smoking the Brazilia, Italia, L'Anniversaire Cameroon, MX2 and Traviata and have liked them all. However, my two favorites have to be the La Traviata and the L'Anniversaire Cameroon.

[lyle23]

i am yet to try this as i have just recently heard about this stick. after this review i will try this without a doubt. great review. i have to agree with ferrari, i have enjoyed everything i have had from CAO. with my favorites being the LX2 and the MX2. again great review!

[Bill86]

Glad you finally found a CAO you liked, I've yet to be impressed by them. We'll see though, that one looks very different then their usual offerings.

Oh yeah and great review as always Ferdie :tu

[Don Fernando]

Have not had one of these yet.

Ferdie, what do you think of the Brazilia and the Italia?Yuck

[MedicCook]

Thanks for the review Ferdie. These are excellent cigars and I love the economy price on them.

[warren G.]

Great review, I'm actually going light one up tomorrow.

[DonAustin]

Good Review, and I agree brother. The La Traviata is one of my favorite middle of the day cigars right now. Like you I never cared much for CAO cigars either until smoking the La Traviata