Puro Evi

CAO

Estelí, Nicaragua · 1968'den beri

CAO was founded in 1968 by Cano Ozgener in Nashville, Tennessee, initially as a pipe tobacco company before pivoting to premium hand-rolled cigars. Ozgener, a Turkish-American entrepreneur with a passion for craftsmanship, helped shape CAO into one of the most innovative and adventurous brands in the cigar industry. Known for pushing creative boundaries, CAO introduced blends that challenged conventional tobacco pairings, making bold use of Cameroon wrappers, Brazilian Arapiraca leaf, and rich Nicaraguan fillers. Series such as the CAO Cameroon, CAO Brazilia, and CAO Mx2 earned devoted followings among enthusiasts seeking complexity and originality. In 2007, the brand was acquired by General Cigar Company, which expanded its production capabilities while maintaining the creative spirit Ozgener had instilled. Today, CAO cigars are crafted primarily in Nicaragua and Honduras, offering a wide range of profiles — from medium-bodied, nuanced blends to fuller, more assertive expressions. The hallmark of a CAO cigar is its layered complexity: sweet cedar notes intertwine with spice, cocoa, and leather, delivering a consistently rewarding smoking experience.