CAO Session — Heritage & History

CAO Session was introduced as a more approachable, everyday line within the storied CAO brand, which itself was founded by Cano Ozgener in 1968. Originally a pipe tobacco company, CAO shifted focus to premium cigars in the 1990s under the leadership of Cano’s son, Tim Ozgener. The Session line was developed to offer a lighter, more versatile smoking experience—designed for shorter, more casual occasions without sacrificing craftsmanship. While CAO’s legacy is built on bold, innovative blends like Brazilia and MX2, Session represents a deliberate departure: a refined, mellow profile intended to broaden the brand’s appeal. Blended in Estelí, Nicaragua, and Danlí, Honduras, with additional production in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Session showcases CAO’s ability to balance tradition with accessibility. Though exact launch dates remain unconfirmed, Session is widely regarded as CAO’s answer to the growing demand for mild-to-medium cigars suited for any time of day.

Blending Philosophy

CAO Session is built on the principle that a premium cigar need not be overpowering to be memorable. The blending philosophy centers on balance and approachability: selecting mild-to-medium filler and binder tobaccos from Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, then pairing them with a rotating selection of wrappers—Ecuadorian Connecticut, Honduran Connecticut Shade, Honduran Natural, Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, and Honduran Sun Grown—to express subtle nuance. The line’s distinction lies in its versatility: sessionable in strength but uncompromising in construction and flavor. Intended for both newcomers and seasoned smokers seeking a lighter interlude, the brand prioritizes smoothness, even burn, and a clean finish over complexity or power.

Flavor Profile

Across its range, CAO Session delivers a signature profile defined by creaminess, soft earth, and gentle sweetness. The Ecuadorian Connecticut and Honduran Connecticut Shade wrappers impart notes of toasted almond, white pepper, and a faint citrus zest, while the Honduran Natural lends a slightly nuttier, bread-like character. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro expression—found on the Maduro Robusto—introduces cocoa, dried cherry, and a hint of leather, pushing the blend into medium-full territory while retaining smoothness. In the core Mild-Medium vitolas, flavors remain clean and linear: mild cedar, light coffee, and a whisper of vanilla. The broader range avoids spice bombs or heavy nicotine, focusing instead on consistent, refined sessions that linger softly on the palate.

Best for Beginners

For someone new to premium cigars, the CAO Session Natural Toro is the ideal introduction. Its Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper offers a creamy, mildly sweet smoke with soft notes of almond and cedar—approachable without overwhelming. The Toro format provides a generous 50-minute session with an even burn, allowing beginners to explore flavor progression at a comfortable pace and mild strength.

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 manufactured in multiple countries: primarily in Estelí, Nicaragua, and Danlí, Honduras, with additional production in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The brand sources its tobaccos from these regions.

What is CAO Session known for?

CAO Session is known for offering a mellow, versatile smoking experience within CAO’s portfolio. It is recognized for its mild-to-medium body, smooth flavor profile, and construction that prioritizes accessibility and consistency, making it suitable for both new and experienced smokers.

Are CAO Session cigars strong?

No, most CAO Session cigars are mild-to-medium in strength. The only exception is the Maduro Robusto, which is medium-full. The core lineup is designed to be gentle and approachable, with a focus on flavor rather than nicotine impact.

What is the best CAO Session cigar for beginners?

The CAO Session Natural Toro is widely recommended for beginners. Its Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper provides a creamy, mild smoke with subtle notes of almond and cedar, and the Toro size offers a comfortable smoking time with a predictable, even burn.

How much do CAO Session cigars cost?

Pricing varies by vitola. Smaller formats like the Corona and Petit Corona range from $7 to $10 per cigar. Larger or more specialized sizes such as the Gran Toro and Lancero fall between $9 and $14 per cigar. Most standard sizes are priced between $8 and $12.

What wrapper does CAO Session use?

CAO Session uses five different wrappers across its range: Ecuadorian Connecticut, Honduran Connecticut Shade, Honduran Natural, Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, and Honduran Sun Grown. The wrapper varies depending on the specific vitola and blend.

Are CAO Session cigars Cuban?

No, CAO Session cigars are not Cuban. They are produced in Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. CAO is an American brand founded by Cano Ozgener, and its cigars are made entirely with non-Cuban tobaccos.

Where can I buy CAO Session cigars?

CAO Session cigars are widely available at premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Authorized online retailers such as Famous Smoke Shop, Cigars International, and Thompson Cigar typically carry the full line.