After reading a review of a CAO Italia Piazza in Cigar Afficionado, I picked one up to give it a try. Sadly, I was really let down by the stick. It looked beautiful, but the draw was poor and the taste described by CA were just not present. Not ready to give up on CAO (I always read so many good things about them), I picked up a Criollo conquistador. Right from the beginning, I should have picked up something different, because I typically favor maduro wrappers. The draw was again awkward, but the lack of taste was devastating. There were some slight hints of spice and leather, but the overall sensation was dull.
Enter the Cx2 Belicoso. I just could not resist giving them a third shot, especially after seeing this one. Great size, great shape, and the wrapper was like baker's chocolate. Initially, the draw was awkward (what is it with the CAOs, me, and bad draws!?!), but after about an inch down, the draw was dead on. The aroma was perfect (my wife commented on nice it smelled!), and taste was full and flavorful. I highly recommend this cigar for those that love dark wrappers and medium-full bodied smoke.
The best part of the experience for me was the realization of not judging an entire company based on one or two of its lines. I had an unenjoyable H. Uppman vintage cameroon that turned me off of that company, so perhaps I will head back to them and give them a second try.
Enter the Cx2 Belicoso. I just could not resist giving them a third shot, especially after seeing this one. Great size, great shape, and the wrapper was like baker's chocolate. Initially, the draw was awkward (what is it with the CAOs, me, and bad draws!?!), but after about an inch down, the draw was dead on. The aroma was perfect (my wife commented on nice it smelled!), and taste was full and flavorful. I highly recommend this cigar for those that love dark wrappers and medium-full bodied smoke.
The best part of the experience for me was the realization of not judging an entire company based on one or two of its lines. I had an unenjoyable H. Uppman vintage cameroon that turned me off of that company, so perhaps I will head back to them and give them a second try.
