Review: C.A.O. Brazilia Minis
Not to be confused with the Cariocas (which are about 4×40 – by my estimate – and come in tins of 5), the C.A.O. Brazilia Minis are cigarette-sized, come in packs of 20 and are, like the larger vitolas in the Brazilia line, a full-flavored treat. Unlike many cigarillos which don’t produce the rich taste many cigar smokers are after, the Brazilias pack a pretty big punch and are not overwhelmed by a strong drink – an aspect I find particularly appealing.
Wrapped in a toothy, thick, rosy wrapper resembling that of their larger cousins, these cigarillos are a bit rough in appearance but alluring nonetheless. The aroma of a freshly-opened pack is also wonderful: earthy and pungent tobacco. Upon lighting, the first few puffs smack of chocolate but never cloy: the sweeter notes are balanced by leather, earth and cedar. Through the heart of the 12-minute smoke, the taste is a hearty blend of these flavors with the occasional addition of a floral note or a whiff of dried fruit. As the cigarillo closes out, spicy cedar tends to dominate. Don’t smoke these too fast: the spice will overpower the nuances which linger all the way down to the nub.
Add to these flavors a white ash which is surprisingly solid and a “real cigar” aroma, and you’ve got a winner. I wish more cigarillos were as full-bodied as the Brazilia Minis, but whether or not other brands follow C.A.O.’s lead in the future, these small cigars will remain one of my reliable favorites. 5 / 5
[...] Nobel Petite Brasil The only problem with the C.A.O. Brazilia Minis, which I reviewed last summer, is that they are increasingly hard to find. My B&M no longer carries them and I [...]
Review: Nobel Petite Brasil « cigarillo said this on April 9, 2009 at 2:22 am |
These are my cigarillo of choice, there great quality and great flavor for such a small cigar, but you just cant beat the quantity and price!