CAO Italia

Brand Overview

History of the Brand: CAO Cigars was founded in 1968 by Cano Aret Ozgener in Nashville, Tennessee. Initially focusing on importing cigars, CAO expanded into manufacturing its own blends, becoming known for innovative and high-quality cigars. The brand has since been acquired by Scandinavian Tobacco Group, continuing its legacy of blending tradition with modern flair.

Founding Year: 1968

Overall Reputation in the Cigar Industry: CAO has established itself as a pioneer in the cigar world, often pushing the boundaries with unique blends and marketing strategies. They are respected for their consistent quality, innovative flavors, and the ability to cater to both novice and seasoned cigar enthusiasts. Their Cigars are often praised for their complexity and the balance of flavors, making CAO a favorite among those looking for something different from the traditional cigar experience.

History

Release Date: 2006

CAO Italia was introduced to celebrate the Italian heritage of the Ozgener family. Rick Rodriguez, the blender, aimed to capture the essence of Italy in a Cigar, stating, “We wanted to create a cigar that embodies the passion, the culture, and the flavors of Italy.” The line was an instant hit, praised for its unique blend that brought a new dimension to the CAO portfolio.

CAO Italia Attributes

Concept & Inspiration: Inspired by the rich culinary and cultural heritage of Italy, CAO Italia aims to evoke the flavors and aromas of Italian cuisine. The blend was designed to reflect the warmth, passion, and sophistication of Italy, using tobaccos that complement each other like fine Italian ingredients.

General Characteristics: Medium to full body, rich, complex, aromatic, well-balanced

Tasting Notes: Espresso, dark chocolate, anise, leather, spice

Notable CAO Italia Ratings

• CAO Italia Ciao, 92, Cigar Aficionado
• CAO Italia Novella, 90, Cigar Journal

Summary: CAO Italia has received high praise for its unique flavor profile, with critics often highlighting its complexity and the seamless integration of Italian-inspired flavors. The ratings reflect a cigar that offers a memorable smoking experience, appreciated for both its taste and craftsmanship.

Tobacco Details

Wrapper: Italian-grown Toscano wrapper

Binder: Cameroon

Filler: Peruvian, Dominican, and Italian tobaccos

Aging Process and Notes: The tobaccos are aged for a minimum of 6 months, with some components aged up to 2 years to develop the rich, complex flavors characteristic of CAO Italia.

Strength Estimate: Medium to Full

Production and Quality

Manufacturing: Hand-rolled

Quality Checks: Each cigar undergoes rigorous quality control, including visual inspection, draw testing, and a final sensory evaluation to ensure consistency in flavor and construction.

Unique Packing

CAO Italia cigars come in boxes designed to mimic the look of Italian leather, adding an element of luxury and sophistication to the presentation.

Who Will Appreciate CAO Italia?

Target Audience: Smokers who appreciate a full-flavored cigar with a unique twist, those with an interest in Italian culture, and cigar enthusiasts looking for a memorable smoking experience.

Pricing Strategy: Positioned as a premium cigar, CAO Italia offers value for its quality and uniqueness, with prices reflecting the craftsmanship and the exotic tobaccos used.

Type of Smoker: Experienced smokers who enjoy exploring complex flavors.

Pairings

• Espresso or strong coffee
• Single malt Scotch
• Dark chocolate
• Italian red wines like Chianti or Barolo

Conclusion

CAO Italia stands out in the cigar market for its innovative approach to blending, capturing the essence of Italy in every puff. Its reputation for quality, combined with its unique flavor profile, makes it a must-try for any cigar aficionado. The blend’s complexity and the Brand‘s commitment to excellence ensure that CAO Italia remains a beloved choice among those who seek a sophisticated smoking experience.

FAQ:

• Q: Where can I buy CAO Italia cigars?

  A: You can purchase CAO Italia cigars at Hiland’s Cigars, known for their excellent customer service, fast shipping, and competitive prices.

• Q: What makes CAO Italia different from other CAO lines?

  A: CAO Italia is unique due to its Italian-inspired blend, featuring an Italian-grown Toscano wrapper, which imparts distinctive flavors not found in other CAO lines.

• Q: Is CAO Italia suitable for beginners?

  A: While CAO Italia can be enjoyed by all, its full-bodied nature might be more appreciated by those with some cigar smoking experience.

• Q: How should I store CAO Italia cigars?

  A: Store them in a humidor at 65-70% humidity to preserve their flavor and quality. Hiland’s Cigars can provide you with the perfect humidor for your needs.

• Q: Can I get a discount on CAO Italia at Hiland’s Cigars?

  A: Yes, Hiland’s Cigars often offers discounts and promotions on CAO Italia cigars, so keep an eye on their website for the best deals.