- click on photographs -
Let’s call this – a blast from the past. La Traviata came and went, and now sits under a ‘different’ banner. Nevertheless, it is one of those cigars that many folks will continue to go back to in order to appreciate its flavor, construction, and last but definitely not least, the price ! La Traviata created a lot of buzz on Twitter / cigar blogs at the end of 2009 because of its success and lack of inclusion in Cigar Aficionado’s 2009 ratings. I have smoked: Divino (5″x50), Radiante (6″x52), Favorito (5.5″x52) and my favorite – Animado (5 5/8″x46).
This close to full-body brand began its journey over 100 years ago in the Tabacalera Cubana, Agramonte no. 106, in Havana. CAO has resurrected the La Traviata name, abiding closely to its original Cuban roots in presentation and taste. From flavor perspective, personally, I was able to extract the following: spice at the very beginning, roasted nuts, wood, leather. All of that and more for about ~$5.50! See what else my colleagues have said: acigarsmoker, casas fumanfo, nice tight ash, stogie guys, stogie review, toasted foot – clearly, they all enjoyed it. With CAO’s fold into General Cigar Co, those who continue to enjoy La Traviata should proactively look around and stock up on few natural & maduro boxes. I would be very interested to learn about General’s strategic decisions in reference to La Traviata. Perhaps we will get to hear from the current face of the CAO company on Twitter.
From photographer’s perspective, another great ‘model.’ Beautiful and shiny wrapper with minimal flaws. Although ash itself was very flaky and dark, the burn on the cigar was razor sharp. Band looks very elegant and a pleasure to photograph.
Specs:
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Cameroon
Filler: Dominican Republic / Nicaragua
Length: 5 5/8″
Ring: 46
Construction > Great
Burn > Great (flaky / dark ash)
Enjoy > Yes
Recommend > Absolutely !
Buy > Box worthy
#1 by Dalamscius on March 1, 2011 - 9:02 am
Awesome shots Jay! The fading “pillars” effects is pretty neat. Keep up the good work!
#2 by admin on March 1, 2011 - 10:33 am
Thanks, Daniel !
Trying different things to keep it ‘fresh.’
#3 by orousso on March 1, 2011 - 9:39 am
Very nice pictures! I like the light and the wrappers came out very good. Thanks for your comment on the FOH forum by the way. Working on my depth of field!
#4 by admin on March 1, 2011 - 10:32 am
Thanks, man !
Much appreciated. I try to photograph indoor to control the light and outdoor to take advantage of the natural light. Different finish. Keep up the good work as well !
#5 by BlackBeard on March 1, 2011 - 2:34 pm
Nice pics Jay! I have the same Palio cutter! ha!
#6 by admin on March 1, 2011 - 8:58 pm
Thanks, Anthony ! So far Palio has been a go-to cutter.
#7 by Jan on March 1, 2011 - 8:18 pm
Excellent photos!!
#8 by admin on March 1, 2011 - 8:58 pm
Thanks, Jan. Much appreciated.
#9 by Jeffrey Senske on March 5, 2011 - 12:16 am
CAO is a go-to brand for me, Jay. Love the Criollo. How does this one compare flavor-wise? Any recommendations for something with similar characteristics? Need to experiment with some more CAO for sure.
#10 by Jeffrey Senske on March 5, 2011 - 12:19 am
Oh and of course pics are beautiful!