CAO Cigars: Redefining Tradition and Enjoyment
The history of the cigar is rich with fascinating coincidences. Particularly remarkable are the parallels between Avo Uvezian, founder of the AVO brand, and Cano Aret Özgener, whose CAO brand holds a special place in the hearts of cigar aficionados. Both hail from a trading tradition in the Middle East—Özgener was born in 1937 as an Armenian in the Moda district of Istanbul.
Their life paths were marked by challenges and twists that led them to dedicate their lives to the perfection of cigars. While Uvezian was a pianist, Özgener played the violin and found his home in Nashville, the city of country music. These influences are reflected in the quality that has made CAO Cigars one of the most popular brands for premium longfillers.
The Beginning of a Success Story
Cano A. Özgener, a visionary with a remarkable biography, is among the few cigar makers known worldwide. From a young age, he was interested in tobacco—not as a consumer, but through the Turkish tradition of pipe smoking. After studying mechanical engineering at Columbia University in New York, he moved with his wife Esen to North Carolina, where he initially focused on optimizing tobacco pipes.
In the late 1960s, Özgener began designing high-quality meerschaum pipes, produced in Eskişehir, a center for this craft. In 1977, he decided to leave his engineering career to devote himself entirely to his business. With success: soon, his range was complemented by artistic humidors and ornate wooden boxes. However, his first attempt at cigar production failed in 1980.
In 1995, he made a fresh start, supported by experienced colleagues such as Nestor Plasencia and Carlos Toraño. The CAO brand was born, and the first successful series, "Black," was launched in 1996.
The Renaissance of CAO Cigars
After a hiatus, the "Black" returned in 2002 with even better quality. The brand's success is also attributed to its meticulously crafted blends, offering a wide range of aromas and flavors—from bold to mild. This variety makes CAO Cigars a favorite among enthusiasts.
Creative Design and Perfection
Packaging also plays a significant role at CAO. Murat Özgener, the founder’s son, is responsible for the innovative designs that enhance the enjoyment. Today, CAO is part of the Scandinavian Tobacco Group, which has expanded the range with new series like the Session Cigars.
Diversity and Innovation at CAO Cigars
Within the Scandinavian Tobacco Group, CAO stands for experimentation. An example is the Broadleaf wrapper of the Session. Or the Bones series, inspired by Caribbean games. For connoisseurs seeking a mild cigar for any occasion, the CAO Nicaragua is recommended.
Special highlights can be found in the Limited Edition and the CAO Pilon, which use tobacco processed with traditional fermentation techniques. This intricate method enhances the burn and intensifies the aroma—an essential for lovers of traditional tobacco artistry.
