CAO Italia has received a 92-rating, noting: "creamy… lush with fruity, ripe apple notes, molasses and brown sugar." CAO Italia is medium-full in body and flavor, making it a great cigar for intermediate and experienced smokers alike. Italia is full-flavored, with sweetness and a long, bold finish. Upon lighting, you'll encounter a distinctive blend of flavors, such as notes of wood, earth, and subtle sweetness often characterize the profile, with a hint of espresso-like richness. The Italian long-filler in this blend comes from seeds that were brought from Cuba over 50 years ago and have adapted well to the soil in the southern Benevento region of Italy. Taking what they found in Italy and combining it with a blend of Peruvian and Nicaraguan filler, an Honduran binder, along with a Honduran habano wrapper, CAO created the Italia, a cigar that has turned out to be one of the most successful cigars CAO has ever brought out. Their artisans work in Esteli, Nicaragua to handcraft each cigar to perfection. Premium blends and careful construction are what make each CAO cigar such a masterpiece. Due to its full-bodied strength I can't recommend this blend to new cigar smokers, but for those who love earthy, complex cigars, the CAO Ciao is a champ. A complex cigar like this combines beautifully with red wine and bourbon. Enjoy after a pasta dinner for a true Italian experience!