CAO Session — Heritage & History

CAO Session began as a side project in the early 2000s, born from a collaboration between CAO's then-blending team and a group of Nashville cigar enthusiasts who wanted a shorter, milder smoke that didn't sacrifice nuance. The line was initially a limited run of 500 boxes, each numbered and signed by the lead blender, a detail that quickly made it a collector's item. Production moved to the STG Danlí factory in Honduras, where the brand found its permanent home, leveraging the region's rich tobacco heritage. Unlike CAO's more robust offerings like the Brazilia or MX2, Session was designed to be approachable, with a focus on Connecticut and Honduran wrappers that allowed the filler tobaccos from Estelí and the Dominican Republic to shine. The brand gained traction for its Petit Corona and Lancero formats, which became staples for those seeking a refined, shorter smoke. Over the years, Session has expanded its lineup but remains true to its original ethos: a sessionable cigar that respects the palate's limits.

Blending Philosophy

CAO Session's blending approach is defined by restraint and balance. The brand avoids heavy-handed ligero, instead favoring a mix of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers that provide a gentle backbone of spice and earth. The wrappers—Ecuadorian Connecticut, Honduran Connecticut Shade, and Honduran Natural—are selected for their mild sweetness and silky texture, which complement rather than overpower the filler blend. The Maduro Robusto, using Connecticut Broadleaf, is the outlier, offering a darker, more robust profile that still maintains the line's signature smoothness. Construction is meticulous, with a focus on even burn and easy draw, ensuring that each vitola, from the Corona to the Gran Toro, delivers a consistent experience. Session's philosophy is not about complexity for its own sake, but about crafting a cigar that can be enjoyed daily, without fatigue.

Flavor Profile

Across the Session lineup, smokers can expect a core profile of cedar, leather, and a subtle white pepper that lingers on the retrohale. The Connecticut-wrapped vitolas, like the Natural Toro and Corona, offer a creamy texture with notes of dried fruit and a hint of honey, while the Honduran Sun Grown versions add a touch of toasted bread and a slightly more pronounced spice. The Maduro Robusto, with its Broadleaf wrapper, introduces dark cocoa and espresso, with a deeper, earthier finish. Strength varies from mild-medium in the lighter wrappers to medium-full in the Maduro, but the body remains balanced, never harsh. The Lancero and Lonsdale formats tend to emphasize the pepper and cedar, while the shorter vitolas like the Petit Corona showcase the sweeter, more delicate aspects of the blend.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the CAO Session Natural Toro is an ideal starting point. At $8–$12, it's affordable, and its mild-medium strength is forgiving. Expect a smooth, creamy smoke with notes of cedar, light leather, and a touch of sweetness from the Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. The Toro format gives a generous 60–75 minute smoke, allowing you to explore the profile without commitment. It's a cigar that rewards attention but doesn't demand it.

CAO Session Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 CAO Session cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Belicoso — Belicoso, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Churchill — Churchill, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Corona — Corona, Mild-Medium · $7–$10 per cigar
  • Gran Toro — Toro, Mild-Medium · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Lancero — Lancero, Mild-Medium · $10–$14 per cigar
  • Lonsdale — Lonsdale, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Maduro Robusto — Robusto, Medium-Full · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Natural Toro — Toro, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Petit Corona — Petit Corona, Mild-Medium · $7–$10 per cigar
  • Robusto — Robusto, Medium · $8–$12 per cigar
  • Toro — Toro, Medium · $9–$13 per cigar
  • Torpedo — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $8–$12 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are CAO Session cigars made?

CAO Session cigars are primarily produced at the STG Danlí factory in Honduras, with some blending and rolling also occurring in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The tobaccos are sourced from Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.

What is CAO Session known for?

CAO Session is known for its approachable, mild-to-medium strength cigars that emphasize balance and sessionability. The brand gained a following for its Petit Corona and Lancero formats, which are praised for their even burn and nuanced flavor. The Maduro Robusto is a standout for those seeking a darker profile within the line.

Are CAO Session cigars strong?

No, CAO Session cigars are generally mild to medium in strength. The majority of the lineup falls in the mild-medium range, with the Robusto and Toro being medium, and the Maduro Robusto reaching medium-full. They are designed to be smooth and approachable, not overpowering.

What is the best CAO Session cigar for beginners?

The CAO Session Natural Toro is the best choice for beginners. Its mild-medium strength and creamy, cedar-forward profile are easy to appreciate, and the price point is accessible. The Toro size provides a comfortable smoking duration without being overwhelming.

How much do CAO Session cigars cost?

CAO Session cigars range from $7 to $14 per cigar, depending on the vitola. The Corona and Petit Corona are the most affordable at $7–$10, while the Lancero is the priciest at $10–$14. Most other sizes fall in the $8–$12 range.

What wrapper does CAO Session use?

CAO Session uses a variety of wrappers, including Ecuadorian Connecticut, Honduran Connecticut Shade, Honduran Natural, Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, and Honduran Sun Grown. Each wrapper imparts a distinct character, from the creamy sweetness of the Connecticut to the dark cocoa of the Broadleaf.

Are CAO Session cigars Cuban?

No, CAO Session cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Honduras and the Dominican Republic, using tobaccos from Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. They are entirely non-Cuban in origin.

Where can I buy CAO Session cigars?

CAO Session cigars are widely available at brick-and-mortar tobacconists, especially those with a good selection of premium cigars. They can also be purchased online from major retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Atlantic Cigar. Always check for authorized dealers to ensure authenticity.