How are these and can you tell me some comparable smokes? I'm wanting to trade with a guy here at work and these are his favorites. hoping to diversify his interests, but since these are full flavored I don't want to dissapoint, how would a black pearl stand up?

I can only speak about construction, burn, and draw. I will never claim to taste all the mystery flavors (chocolate, saw dust, etc) that some people claim to taste in a cigar.

Based on those 3 qualities, I would say that a Brazilia and Black Pearl are equal in quality. I would also add Bucanero Classic, Oliva Maduro, and Torano Signature to that list.

That's a good swop.

The CAO braz fish are my fav's along with griffin fuente short corona both great gars.

no lie... i'd do up that trade in a heartbeat just to get a chance to HAVE a brazilia! *salivate* go for it. and if you don't like 'em afterwards, email me, and we can work up a trade for something else. 🙂

Torano Signature use the same wrapper as the CAO Brazilia's, and they are both yummy!!

Keep in mind also that Toraño actually MAKES the Brazilias for CAO.

Any other thoughts on the matter?

Among my favorites are the CAO Brazilas! They are "As Good as It Gets"!

Charlie

I concur with Charlie 🙂

I've never had a bad one!!

In fact, they have ALL been GREAT.

Torano makes all the best CAOs, and I think the prices on Toranos own branded products are much more reasonable. For just $2/stick more than a Brasilia, you can have a Tribute. I personally like the 1959 Exodus Gold. Very tastey with that Habano 2000 wrapper! All this for about half the cost of Sambas! (but the Sambas ARE damn good!)

Although I Know Torano and CAO are made by the same folks, to my taste the Brazilias are just more complex, stronger and age better than the comparable Toranos (probably the Exodus 59 Gold). The wrapper an binder on these are unique and well blended for thos who like a full flavor cigar. And I've had some Gols aging for 16 months or so now and they are just becoming fantastic. My Torano Exodus is just not imporoving with age as well.

By the way, I really like the Toranos, but over time the Brazilias are better.

I love 'em. The Amazon is just too big but the Samba is a great cigar.

What can I say....there is a reason why my handle is "smellyfortay".

There was an auction this evening for Braz. Ipanema(20), and I nabbed them out from under a herfing buddy's feet...4 minutes before the auction ended. I felt like a real jerk, but the price was too good to pass up. Kaz, if you see this....some will be sent when i get em'. A guilty concience can be a wonderful thing.

The Brazilia is one of the only cigars that every size has a little different experience. All Great. Competes with Padroon 2000-4000 maduro, but takes a close second in my book, for under 5 dollar smokes. JMO though.

Sorry Kaz:)

Dave

lol nothin' about you stinks, smelly! 😛 🙂

My thoughts are totally the same as my buddy Smelly..

Samba is my fav, Gols are great and I love the little Pirhanas.

The Brazilias age wonderfully as well

I have been in deep cover (missed the last herf) and off the boards so I just read this and am LMAO! It was a great price, Smelly and just think, I had it at $3 less! The sick part is, the guy that bought the other box at the same price as you is a buddy of mine too! LOL!

My favorite is the Ipanemas followed by the Samba, but all sizes are good and just a little different. Also love the Black Pearls with all that ligero leaf. I think you have an excellent trade going.

puskarich - Torano Sig? I would think more like the 1959 Exodus Gold JMHO

I would have to agree with (Rich). Torano Sig...dark, chocolatey wrapper. Very comparable, more expensive but not necessarily better. Diamond Crown Maximus.

Clive, I see the 1959's as a darker-looking natural wrapper.....but jam-packed with flavor. IMO, the Exodus Gold is full-flavored. Makes the taste-buds dance.

Kazama and I are full agreeance that the Ipanema takes the cake. I LOVE the Samba, but.... Awwww hell, I love em' all. The band, construction, feel, light, burn, taste, and finishing relaxation after toasting a Braz. makes these as "worth the money" as even Padron.

Disclaimer: All this hoo-hah is my codpickin opinion.

Dave