Cigar Asylum Cigar Forum - CAO La Traviata

Full bodied smoke (Habano)....well constructed cigar 5X50, first taste after lighting were spicy but over the top.....ash was light gray and held for about an inch before needing to be ashed.....med rolled and cool smoke.....aroma was pleasant and not over bearing.....pleasent to nub.....finished well and was consistent from start to finish
cigar gifted by Duque Cigars (Tom) to try before they hit the market

Press Release:

New CAO Cigar Harkens Back To Pre-Nationalization Havana

Nashville, July 29, 2009: CAO, one of the world’s foremost premium cigar manufacturers, announced today that it will debut its CAO La Traviata cigar brand at the IPCPR 77th Annual Convention and International Trade Show in New Orleans August 8-12.

The La Traviata brand began its life at the turn of the 20th Century in Cuba or, more precisely, in the Tabacalera Cubana, Agramonte no. 106, in Havana. Over 100 years later, CAO has resurrected the La Traviata name, abiding closely to its original Cuban roots in presentation and taste. CAO La Traviata is a full-bodied, full-flavored cigar that combines an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper with a Cameroon binder and incorporates two different ligero filler tobaccos from the Pueblo Nuevo farm in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. “The inspiration for La Traviata came from smoking numerous classic Cuban cigars,” said CAO President Tim Ozgener. “We wanted to create a cigar that appealed to sight, smell, and taste. The oily sheen of the Ecuadorian wrapper compels you to pick it up. The pre-light has a distinct pepper and leather nose. The flavor bombards the palate with intense, rich notes of cedar, anise, and leather, evolving along the way into a lush and creamy finish. We’ve also stayed true to the original La Traviata vista and artwork circa 1901-1904.”

Packaged in 24-count boxes, CAO La Traviata will be available in three shapes: Divino (5″ x 50), Radiante (6″ x 52), and Intrépido (7″ x 54), and will have a suggested retail price range of $4.95 to $5.75 per cigar.