CAO — Heritage & History

CAO began not in a factory but in a Nashville music store, where Cano A. Ozgener sold pipes and cigars in the late 1960s. The brand's first cigars were made in small batches, but the breakthrough came in the 1990s when Ozgener's son, Tim, took over blending and introduced the CAO Brazilia line, using a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper that was then a rarity in the market. That cigar, along with the CAO Criollo Pato, which showcased Nicaraguan Criollo '98 leaf, helped establish CAO as a brand willing to source tobacco from unconventional regions. In 2007, General Cigar Company acquired CAO, moving production to its factories in Estelí, Nicaragua, and Danlí, Honduras, while retaining the brand's experimental spirit. The Amazon Basin Toro, released in 2014, used rare Bragança tobacco from the Amazon Basin, harvested only every few years, and became a cult favorite. CAO's history is defined by a willingness to take risks on unusual tobaccos and formats, a trait that still distinguishes it from more conservative competitors.

Blending Philosophy

CAO's blending approach is best described as 'sourcing-first' — the brand starts with a distinctive wrapper or filler leaf and builds the blend around it, rather than adhering to a fixed house style. The Brazilia line, for example, pairs Brazilian Arapiraca with Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers to let the wrapper's earthy, sweet character lead. The Mx2 uses a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper over a Connecticut Broadleaf binder, creating a layered, dark profile. CAO also experiments with unusual aging and fermentation: the Amazon Basin Toro uses Bragança leaf aged in wooden barrels, while the Italian Maduro wrapper on some lines is cured with wine-soaked techniques. Construction is handled at General Cigar's NACSA and HATSA factories, where the brand's larger ring gauges — like the Flathead V660 Engine Gordo — are rolled with a firm draw to handle their strength. This is a brand that treats the wrapper as the protagonist, not just a veneer.

Flavor Profile

Across CAO's range, smokers can expect a core of earth and leather, often with a sweet, dark fruit note from Brazilian or maduro wrappers. The Brazilia Gol! delivers espresso and dark cocoa with a hint of dried fig, while the Amazon Basin Toro offers a unique cedar and white pepper spice, with a subtle floral undertone from the Bragança leaf. The Mx2 is heavier on bittersweet chocolate and molasses, with a smoky finish. Lighter lines like the CAO Gold and Cameroon Toro show a milder side — cedar, nuts, and a touch of honey, with less pepper. Strength varies from mild-medium in the Gold to medium-full in the Flathead series, which adds a charred oak and black coffee intensity. The Criollo Pato balances Nicaraguan spice with a creamy body, making it a versatile middle ground. Overall, CAO's flavor spectrum is broad, but a consistent thread of earthy sweetness and peppery finish runs through most blends.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the CAO Gold Torpedo is an ideal entry point. At mild-medium strength and around $8–$12, it's approachable without being boring. Expect flavors of cedar, light leather, and a subtle almond sweetness, with a smooth, creamy smoke that lasts about an hour and a half. The torpedo shape concentrates the mild profile, making it forgiving for those still developing their palate.

CAO Cigar Lineup

Explore 31 CAO cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are CAO cigars made?

CAO cigars are produced in General Cigar Company's factories in Estelí, Nicaragua (NACSA) and Danlí, Honduras (HATSA), as well as in Santiago and La Romana in the Dominican Republic. The specific factory depends on the line — for example, the Amazon Basin is rolled in Estelí, while some Cameroon-wrapped cigars are made in the Dominican Republic.

What is CAO known for?

CAO is known for its adventurous use of rare and unusual tobaccos, such as the Bragança leaf in the Amazon Basin Toro, and for pioneering Brazilian wrappers with the Brazilia line. The brand also gained attention for its Flathead series, which features a distinctive flat cap and a powerful, full-bodied profile. CAO's willingness to experiment with wine-soaked Italian maduro wrappers and barrel aging sets it apart from more traditional blenders.

Are CAO cigars strong?

CAO's strength range spans from mild-medium to medium-full. The Gold and Cameroon lines are on the milder side, while the Brazilia, Mx2, and Flathead series sit at the medium-full end. The Amazon Basin Toro is also medium-full, offering a balanced but noticeable nicotine kick. There are no ultra-mild or ultra-strong cigars in the core lineup, making CAO a good middle-ground brand.

What is the best CAO cigar for beginners?

The CAO Gold Torpedo is the best choice for beginners due to its mild-medium strength and approachable price. Its cedar and almond flavors are easy to identify, and the smooth, creamy smoke won't overwhelm a new palate. It's a reliable, affordable cigar that builds confidence without sacrificing character.

How much do CAO cigars cost?

CAO cigars range from about $8 to $18 per cigar, depending on the line and vitola. The Criollo Pato and Gold Torpedo are at the lower end, around $8–$12, while the Amazon Basin Toro is the premium offering at $14–$18. Most core lines like the Brazilia and Mx2 fall in the $10–$14 range.

What wrapper does CAO use?

CAO uses a wide variety of wrappers, including Brazilian Bragança (a rare Amazonian leaf), Brazilian Arapiraca, Brazilian Mata Fina, Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, Nicaraguan Criollo '98, Honduran Sun Grown, American Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, Ecuadorian Habano, Mexican San Andrés Maduro, Nicaraguan Habano, African Cameroon, and Italian Maduro (Habano seed grown in Connecticut shade, darkened via maduro fermentation, with some cured using wine-soaked techniques).

Are CAO cigars Cuban?

No, CAO cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, with production handled by General Cigar Company. The brand originated in the United States and has no connection to Cuba or Cuban tobacco.

Where can I buy CAO cigars?

CAO cigars are widely available at brick-and-mortar tobacconists, especially those that carry General Cigar products. They are also sold through major online retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Thompson Cigar. For limited releases like the Amazon Basin, check specialty shops or online auction sites, as they sell out quickly.