CAO Mx2 — Heritage & History

CAO Mx2 emerged in the early 2000s as a bold experiment from the CAO brand, then under the stewardship of Cano Ozgener and his family, who had built a reputation for flavored and unconventional cigars. The Mx2 was designed as a 'double maduro'—a cigar with both a maduro wrapper and maduro binder, a rarity at the time. Produced at the General Cigar facilities in Danlí, Honduras, and Santiago, Dominican Republic, the line quickly became a benchmark for accessible strength and dark, oily character. Its name, Mx2, references the 'maduro times two' concept, and the blend was a departure from CAO's earlier, milder offerings. The Mx2 Toro and Robusto became staples, praised for their consistency and value. Unlike many competitors who reserved maduro for special releases, CAO made Mx2 a core line, proving that dark, rich cigars could be produced at scale without sacrificing depth. The line's success helped cement CAO's transition from a boutique oddity to a mainstream powerhouse, and it remains a reference point for medium-full maduro blends.

Blending Philosophy

CAO Mx2's blending approach hinges on a 'double maduro' construction: a Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper over a maduro binder, typically Honduran, with fillers from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. This dual-maduro strategy amplifies the earthy, sweet, and cocoa-driven notes inherent in maduro leaf, while the inclusion of sun-grown and corojo tobaccos in select vitolas (like the Natural Toro) adds a counterpoint of brightness and spice. The brand avoids over-fermentation, instead relying on the natural oils of the San Andrés leaf to deliver a dark, slightly sweet profile. The blend is consistent across the lineup, but vitola-specific adjustments—such as a longer Lancero to highlight wrapper influence or a thicker Gran Toro for a denser smoke—show a deliberate calibration of burn rate and flavor concentration. CAO's philosophy is about layering dark, fermented tobaccos without letting them become one-dimensional, ensuring each size offers a distinct expression of the core profile.

Flavor Profile

Across the Mx2 range, smokers can expect a core of dark cocoa, espresso, and earth, underscored by a subtle sweetness from the San Andrés maduro wrapper. The Mx2 Robusto opens with leather and a hint of white pepper, transitioning to dried fruit and a creamy finish. The Toro amplifies the cocoa and adds a touch of cedar, while the Churchill, with its longer format, emphasizes the earthy, almost smoky notes. The Natural Toro, using a Honduran corojo wrapper, is noticeably lighter—medium strength—with more red pepper and a brighter, nutty character. The Lancero, with its higher wrapper-to-filler ratio, showcases the maduro's sweetness and a delicate baking spice. Across the board, the finish is typically dry, with lingering notes of dark chocolate and a slight tannic bite. The strength is medium-full, but the blend's balance prevents it from becoming harsh, even in the larger vitolas.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Mx2 Natural Toro is the ideal entry point. At medium strength and around $8–$12, it offers a milder, more approachable version of the Mx2 profile. Expect notes of cedar, red pepper, and a subtle nuttiness, with less of the heavy cocoa and earth found in the maduro versions. The Toro size provides a comfortable 60–75 minute smoke, allowing the smoker to experience the blend's evolution without being overwhelmed. It's a gentle introduction to the CAO style.

CAO Mx2 Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 CAO Mx2 cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are CAO Mx2 cigars made?

CAO Mx2 cigars are produced at General Cigar facilities in Danlí, Honduras, and Santiago, Dominican Republic, with some vitolas also rolled at the La Romana factory in the Dominican Republic. The specific factory varies by size, but all are under the General Cigar umbrella.

What is CAO Mx2 known for?

CAO Mx2 is known for being one of the first widely available 'double maduro' cigars, featuring both a maduro wrapper and binder. It gained a reputation for delivering a dark, rich flavor profile at a mid-range price point, making it a staple in the medium-full strength category.

Are CAO Mx2 cigars strong?

Most CAO Mx2 vitolas are medium-full in strength, with the exception of the Natural Toro, which is medium. The maduro versions have a noticeable but manageable nicotine kick, while the Natural Toro offers a lighter, more approachable smoke.

What is the best CAO Mx2 cigar for beginners?

The Mx2 Natural Toro is the best choice for beginners due to its medium strength and lower price point ($8–$12). Its Honduran corojo wrapper provides a milder flavor profile with less of the heavy cocoa and earth found in the maduro versions, making it easier to appreciate.

How much do CAO Mx2 cigars cost?

Prices range from $7–$10 for the Corona and Petit Corona, up to $10–$14 for the Gran Toro and Toro. Most vitolas fall in the $8–$13 range, making Mx2 a solid value in the premium cigar market.

What wrapper does CAO Mx2 use?

CAO Mx2 uses a variety of wrappers depending on the vitola. The maduro versions feature a Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper, while the Natural Toro uses a Honduran corojo (natural) wrapper. Some limited or regional releases may also use Honduran Sun Grown or Honduran Corojo, but the core line is primarily San Andrés maduro.

Are CAO Mx2 cigars Cuban?

No, CAO Mx2 cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Honduras and the Dominican Republic by General Cigar Company, using tobaccos from Nicaragua, Honduras, and Mexico. They have no connection to Cuba or Cuban tobacco.

Where can I buy CAO Mx2 cigars?

CAO Mx2 cigars are widely available at brick-and-mortar tobacconists, major online cigar retailers, and through General Cigar's official website. Given their mid-range price, they are often found in sampler packs and are a common fixture in humidors at specialty shops.