Summary:

The flavor of this cigar is unique in my experience, and something that you are almost certain to either love or hate. There is an oaky quality that comes through the entire time, mellowing as you smoke the cigar. It most reminds me of smoking English pipe tobacco — both in the astringency and in the problems with keeping it lit — and seems to pair well with a good Scotch Whisky. The main flaw in the Italia Ciao appears to be very uneven construction. When it is good, it is quite good. However, when it is bad…

Background Information:

At 5 inches with a 56 ring guage, this is a very chubby Robusto. The Italia Ciao is a medium-to-full bodied cigar with a Cuban-seed Honduran Maduro wrapper and binder. The filler is a special Habano seed tobacco from Italy (hence the name), blended with Nicaraguan and Peruvian tobaccos. Manufactured by C.A.O. Fabrica de Tabacos in Honduras for C.A.O. International, Inc.

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Summary:

This is a very good mild to medium bodied cigar and is becoming one of my personal favorites. Creamy and smooth, it is never harsh. There is a rich nuttiness to this cigar, mingled with coffee, chocolate and woodsy tones and a spicy complexity throughout. A perfect smoke when you’re in the mood for something lighter that isn’t at all bland.

Background Information:

At 6 1/2 inches with a 52 ring guage, this is a fat Belicoso. It is a medium-bodied cigar with an African Cameroon wrapper and a Nicaraguan binder. The filler an exceptional blend of Nicaraguan, Honduran and Peruvian tobaccos. Manufactured by Fabrica de Tabacos La Flor de Copan at their factory in western Honduras for Altadis.

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From Toraño Cigars:

“Toraño Cigars enjoyed the spotlight at two prestigious events recently, enhancing their visibility and reputation on the international scene. The fourth-generation family-owned premium cigar producer is the only company to own factories in all three major cigar-producing countries: Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.

“The Toraño family took top honors at the 2005 annual “Cigar Awards” evening, sponsored by Europe’s most widely-read cigar publication, European Cigar Cult Journal. Coinciding with RTDA 2005, the awards presentation was held on August 7, at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. The Austrian publication’s Editor-in-Chief, Reinhold Widmeyer, presented the award for “Best Honduran Brand” to Vice President Charlie Toraño.

The award was based on results of extensive tasting by a panel of experts, and reflected the Toraño’s overall superiority as a Honduran cigar maker. It was determined largely on the quality and performance of the Toraño Exodus 1959 and Exodus 1959 Silver Edition, two cigars that have earned top ratings in other cigar publications. Vice President Charlie Toraño, in accepting the trophy, expressed “gratitude and pride at being chosen to represent Honduras and its great tradition of cigar making.”

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