The Ozgener family has been producing CAO cigars since the 1980s. The company name comes from the initials of CAO cigars founder Cano A. Ozgener. The Ozenger’s originally produced pipes in Nashville, TN, but found their destiny in cigars before long.
CAO cigars grew out of that Nashville operation into what it is today. In 2007 CAO cigars was bought by Scandinavian Tobacco Group who subsequently merged its premium tobacco division, of which the CAO brand was part, with General Cigar in 2010. However, the family spirit of the CAO cigars brand endures.
The CAO cigars brand has over twenty cigars which are acclaimed by aficionados around the globe. A relative newcomer to the cigar world, CAO is able to produce some of the most highly rated cigars out there without being overly expensive.
One of the foundation cigars produced by CAO cigars was the CAO Gold. A milder cigar, the CAO Gold offers a cigar that is light but has a full flavor. For a stronger version of this classic there is the CAO Gold Maduro or the CAO Gold Vintage.
Of more recent acclaim is the La Traviata line. The original La Traviata is made with a Nicaraguan and Dominican blend. La Traviata is Italian for “the women who goes astray.” La Traviata draws its inspiration from classic Cuban cigars and is as full flavored as any of the old standards. Cigar Aficionado ranked the CAO La Traviata Divino #15 among its Top 25 Cigars in 2010.
Madagascan beans blended with Cuban seed tobacco. CAO Golden Honey features Floridian orange blossom honey that gives the cigar a sweet citrus flavor. CAO Cherry Bomb features cherry and black currant extracts giving it a great flavor and a sweet scent. CAO Caramelo Joe combines frothed milk and caramel to give it the flavor of your favorite macchiato. CAO Earth Nectar features the flavors of almonds, cocoa, honey, raisins and Chianti for a mild earthy flavor. CAO Eileen’s Dream combines Irish cream and white chocolate truffles for a smooth creamy flavor. Moontrance features vanilla, Georgia peaches, and white honey for a truly fascinating taste.
CAO has recently launched a new brand called OSA Sol. A blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran filler, Connecticut Broadleaf binder and Olancho San Augustin Sungrown wrapper OSA Sol is acclaimed for its balance of strength and flavor. At the suggested retail price of around $6 the OSA Sol is a great bargain.
CAO cigars are generally affordable. For example the suggested retail on the La Traviata Divino is $4.95.