Cigar Review – La Traviata Radiante

Cigar Review – CAO La Traviata Radiante

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican
Made In: Honduras
Size: Radiante – 6×52 Toro
Price: $5.50 per single

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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.”

Appearance & Construction: The CAO La Traviata is a nice smooth looking cigar. The wrapper is dark brown in color is very oily. There are quite a few minimal sized veins to it but in all, it looks good. The roll looks great the seam lines are evenly cut and the cigar looks constructed very well.

Smoking Characteristics: The La Traviata has a good draw with a little bit of resistance that produces a fair amount of smoke. The burn is a little uneven but nothing a touch up can’t handle. The ash is solid and compact and had no flaking going on.

Flavor: The CAO La Traviata starts out with a good amount of sweet earthy cedar, some rich espresso and a creamy nutty finish. The flavors are extremely rich and coat the inside of your mouth like a nice cup of esspresso. In the second third some slight pepper notes make an appearance but is balanced nicely with the rest of the cigar. As the cigar progresses into the final third the flavors are even more rich and meaty. The body of the La Traviata is full in some area’s and medium to full in others. The strength of the La Traviata is average.

Final Thoughts: Overall I think this is a good cigar bordering on great. The reason I say bordering on great is because of the price. At $5.50 for a toro sized cigar with this much flavor is remarkable. The flavors are very rich and pronounced on this cigar and it does not have a ton of spice which I like that about this cigar. The La Traviata is a definite winner and my book and I highly recommend this cigar.

Worth a Shot: Yes
Buy Again: Yes
Rating: Good to Great