Cu-Avana Intenso

[Bruzee]

Cu-Avana Intenso Robusto

I bought a box of these from C.I. the night before SCHIP was to take effect, without even trying one. I took a chance that this would be a good, but cheap smoke. They have sat in my Vinotemp since they arrived, 65%/70*f.

It is a very attractive cigar, from overall look right down to the black and gold band. The Intenso has a dark Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper with an oily sheen to it. The wrapper appears flawless, and appears very well constructed. Here are the specs on this stick:

Origin: Nicaragua (Made by Nestor Placencia)
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Filler: Nicaragua/Panama Ligero
Size: Robusto 5”X50
Price: ~$3.00 @ $59.95/Box of 20
Smoking time: ~80 minutes

I clipped the cap with my Palio and found the pre-light draw was a little loose for my taste, but just fine nonetheless. I toasted the foot with my Ronson Jet Light, and had no issues at all. I am welcomed by a lot of flavor and lots of smoke. A very full, spice beginning, mellows a bit after a couple minutes.

After I lit ‘er up, the loose draw I noted before seemed to tighten just enough. The draw now was perfect, and I didn’t expect that. I noted some earth type flavors, still dense and very much full bodied. Call me crazy, but I tasted some coffee & coco type undertones. The first third was slow burning and very satisfying. To this point I’m thinking to myself that I really like this stick. But, I wait to make a final determination, as there is still a lot of smoking to do.

The second third was much of the same, as this was turning out to be a very consistent stick. After the initial blast after lighting, the Intenso settled into its rhythm. The ash hung on for half of the cigar before falling off. I’m not passing judgment just yet, as I still have the back third to evaluate.

The last third intensified just a bit, but stay very consistent at the same time. (I hope that makes sense.) The burn is razor sharp, needing very little assistance. It is still putting out plenty of smoke, and tastes great to the nub. I really don’t have anything negative to say about it. It is a very attractive cigar, well constructed, and very tasty. I haven’t found any down side at this point.

Even though I have an entire box of these, and I wanted them to be great, I would have absolutely no problem bashing them if need be. I could easily write off another not-so-popular cigar and never look back if my opinion called for it. But I’ve got to tell you, I think this one is a winner. I’m not going to declare it champion until I’ve smoked several more, but I am hopeful. I highly recommend that anyone that enjoys a full bodied dark Nicaraguan give this a try. For about $3 a stick, how could you go wrong? Sorry I got so winded during this review. I hope you enjoyed it, and I added some pics to help the story along. Thanks for reading!

[G G]

I kinda was curious about these. Thanks for the great review, i'll have t get me some.

[Rockestone]

Very nice review! I'm definitely going to try this one.

[Bruzee]

Originally Posted by ggainey

I kinda was curious about these. Thanks for the great review, i'll have t get me some.

Originally Posted by tuxpuff

Great review and pics! I'll have to check these out...thanks!

Originally Posted by Rockestone

Very nice review! I'm definitely going to try this one.

Send me your addy!

[MajorCaptSilly]

I'm glad you posted this. I've been eyeing them myself!

MCS

[Starscream]

Originally Posted by MajorCaptSilly

I'm glad you posted this. I've been eyeing them myself!

MCS

[tuxpuff]

Great review and pics! I'll have to check these out...thanks!

[Homebrewer]

Great review. Thanks.

Thanks for the review and pictures. I will have to try this stick.

[skullnrose]

Great review. Thanks !

[groogs]

Nice review.

Thanks for the review!!

I'll have to give 'em a try!!

[Smoke Naked]

Great review and pics, cigar.com had them as a dailydeal not too long ago, so they should come back around again hopefully

[Starscream]

I just won a fiver of these off of Cbid. Hope they live up to your review.

[kelmac07]

Thanks for the review. I was gifted one of these a few weeks back and look forward to torching it.

[kaisersozei]

I think the Cu-Avana line is one of those overlooked brands. I've enjoyed both the Cu-Avana maduro (more complex than I anticipated,) and the Conny (very tasty.) Can't beat them for the price! Haven't tried the Intenso yet, but will sample some after reading your review. Thanks, Dustin, nice job!

[dannysguitar]

I have a buddy that really likes these. Next time I see them for cheap I'm gonna give them a try. Also there's a cigar called the ORTSAC that has a foot band and looks similar. I had one on the golf course a while back and I really liked it. The price point is pretty close to the Intenso.

[OHRD]

Great post! I am a HUGE fan of the Maduro and Natural, mostly because of the extreme consistency and excellent value. The Intenso is on my list but I haven't tried it yet. For anyone that hasn't given Cu Avana a try you should, in my opinion it is one of the best values out there!

[Kreth]

I snagged a 5er of these from cbid, letting them rest a bit before I smoke one. I had read that the maduro and connie were very bland, but I may try some after a few of the comments in this thread.
Posted via Mobile Device

[OHRD]

Originally Posted by Kreth

I snagged a 5er of these from cbid, letting them rest a bit before I smoke one. I had read that the maduro and connie were very bland, but I may try some after a few of the comments in this thread.
Posted via Mobile Device

The Maduro and Connie are fairly bland and EXTREMELY mild, but they are very consistent, smooth, fairly creamy, and a no-bother smoke. Don't expect normal maduro, full-on sweetness but for the price point I still think it's worth it. I've been waiting to see a sampler w/ all three instead of buying just Intenso but I haven't seen one yet.