What Cigars Does Tony Soprano Smoke?

“The Sopranos” is an American TV drama series whose storyline revolves around mobster Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) and his New Jersey based Italian-American criminal organization.  Throughout the series Tony Soprano tries to balance the requirements of dealing with a dysfunctional family with the responsibilities of running a dysfunctional mob.

The show first aired on HBO on January 10, 1999.  It proved to be so popular that it ran for 6 seasons, during which 86 episodes were produced.  The final episode was first shown on June 10, 2007.  Since then “The Sopranos” has been picked up by A&E for syndication in the US.  It has been broadcast internationally as well.

In addition to being called “the greatest television series of all time,” during its initial airing it was recognized as the most financially successful television series in the history of cable TV.  The industry acknowledged the quality of the show by showering it with 21 Emmys and 5 Golden Globe awards.

In the opening sequence, as well in many of the scenes, it was not unusual to see Tony smoking a cigar.  During the opening title sequence we see Tony Soprano holding a cigar while driving home.  He gets on the New Jersey Turnpike after exiting NYC from the Lincoln Tunnel.  We see numerous landmarks around Elizabeth and Newark, New Jersey.  At the end of the sequence Tony pulls into his driveway in the suburbs.

There’s been a lot of debate about what kind of cigars Tony Soprano smokes.  Although he was seen smoking at least one Macanudo throughout the years, and even though he gave Dr. Cusamoano a box of Cuban Montecristos, not for nuthin’ the cigar he smoked most often was a CAO Maduro L’Anniversaire Robusto.

This beautiful Nicaraguan maduro is at the pinnacle of CAO’s line of cigars.  It was developed to honor CAO’s anniversary.  In 1998 Cigar Aficionado’s Insider rated it the 8^th best cigar in the world.  The Robusto is 5” x 50.  The filler is made of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobacco.  Its binder is Ecuadorian.  The current list price for a box of 20 of these fine cigars is around $125.00.

Overall, the construction of this cigar is very good.  Although some CAO cigars have an overly tight draw, this particular cigar draws smoothly.  If you examine the wrapper it’s unlikely that you will find any blemishes or soft spots.

Before lighting, the cigar has an aroma reminiscent of vintage port, tobacco and fresh raisins.  It actually smells a lot like Red Man chewing tobacco.  Like Tony, you won’t be disappointed once you light it.  The beginning draw is really easy and the cigar burns straight.  In no time at all your taste buds will come alive as the thick sheets of smoke tantalize them with hints of black cherry, raisins and molasses

Once the first third of the cigar has burned the flavor begins to mellow as the taste of mocha coffee is added to the mix.  By the time you are down to the last third of the Robustu a bit of the initial sweetness has returned accompanied by a more intense mocha flavor.  From beginning to end, billowing clouds of smoke will drift into the sky.

Pretty much everything about the CAO Maduro L’Anniversaire Robusto is exceptional.  And the neat thing is that you won’t need any connections to the mob in order to enjoy one yourself.

Author Bio – Jason Daniels has been a cigar lover for more than a decade.  When he’s not smoking one of his favorite cigars you’ll often find him with an e cigarette dangling from his mouth and a shot of bourbon in his hand.