re: Cigar Smokers of the OT

the guy asks about a good mild to medium stick and he suggests a full body, overpriced yard gar. yes, people like different things, but that doesn't make them good. The Italia is widely considered a poor stick, with subpar tobacco, poor construction, and uneven burn. Even at it's highest rating, it rarely breaks the mid 80s which is pretty bad, all things considered.

Feel free to read dealer reviews and get less than an honest opinion, or read real reviews from guys in the industry. General ruined the CAO label, much like I suspect Swisher will ruin my favorite label, the Liga/Unico series. Knowing cigars doesn't make you a douche. Leaving gaudy, real/faux cuban, etc bands on your sticks and waving them in everyone's face makes you a douche.

Want to try a few cheap cigars that will blow your doors off?

Curivari
Southern Draw
low end Olivas
Nat Sherman 1830 Rothschilds
Antilles

Any one of these bury the Italia. Like I said before, the Basin was a very good, VERY GOOD stick, but it's impossible to find, and the only thing CAO has produced worth a shite in a very long time.

The Italia is the Natty light of cigars. There are some very good recommendations in this thread, but that ain't one of them.