CAO

CAO stands as one of the premium cigar industry's most innovative and globally-inspired brands, renowned for its pioneering use of exotic tobaccos from around the world. Founded by Turkish-American engineer Cano Aret Ozgener, CAO has built its reputation on groundbreaking blends that incorporate rare tobaccos from countries like Brazil, Italy, Colombia, and even the Amazon rainforest. The brand is celebrated for its bold marketing, distinctive packaging, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional cigar making while maintaining exceptional quality standards. Now part of General Cigar Company's prestigious portfolio alongside Macanudo and Partagas, CAO continues to deliver award-winning cigars that consistently earn 90+ ratings from Cigar Aficionado.

Background

CAO was founded in 1968 when Cano A. Ozgener, an engineer by trade, began his career in the tobacco business by modifying and improving the designs of meerschaum pipes. Ozgener expanded his pipe business at the urging of tobacco shop proprietors who were impressed with the quality of his work, and later transitioned into the manufacture of humidors before parlaying the CAO name into creating his own cigar brand during the cigar boom of the 1990s. Ozgener eventually left DuPont to found CAO in 1977, establishing the company's headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. CAO expanded into the humidor market in the early 1990s and added its first cigar lines in 1995. Following a string of prosperous years, global conglomerate Scandinavian Tobacco acquired CAO from the Ozgener family in 2007 and subsequently folded the brand into the portfolio of General Cigar Company in a merger with Swedish Match AB.

History

CAO's first major cigar success came from an accidental production problem - a maduro that didn't burn well was recalled, leading to the creation of their breakthrough CAO Maduro blend made by Douglas Pueringer at Tabacalera Tambor in Costa Rica, which 'put them on the map' according to Aylin Ozgener. In 1996, CAO introduced its Nicaraguan cigar line, with the CAO Gold Robusto made at Plasencia's Estelí, Nicaragua factory receiving an 89 rating from Cigar Aficionado in August 1997. One of their finest achievements was the CAO Flathead V660 Carb, scoring a near flawless 95-point rating and reaching the number three spot for 2015's Top 25.

Reputation

CAO is a high scoring brand among various cigar publications and is consistently seen on Cigar Aficionado's 'Top 25', despite multiple additions yearly they continue to earn strong marks for excellence. The brand has earned multiple 90+ ratings including the 95-rated Flathead, 90-rated Pilon, 90-rated Session, 91-rated Nicaragua, 92-rated L'Anniversaire Cameroon, 91-rated Brazilia, 91-rated Gold, 92-rated Italia, and 92-rated America. The brand has built a strong customer base through its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, with consumer reviews often emphasizing the unique flavor profiles and premium smoking experience offered by CAO cigars.