CAO Cigars: Artistry and the Culture of Enjoyment
The history of the cigar may be rich in serendipity, but the parallels between Avo Uvezian and his label AVO and Cano Aret Özgener, founder of the renowned CAO cigar empire, are unmistakable. Both hail from an ancient trading and cultural region in the Middle East—Özgener was born in 1937 as a Turkish citizen of Armenian descent in the Moda district of Istanbul.
The lives of these two men were shaped by twists and challenges that ultimately led them to devote themselves to their shared passion: the creation and perfection of premium cigars. Interestingly, they also shared a love of music—Uvezian as a pianist, and Özgener, who played the violin from a young age and later settled in Nashville, the city of country music. This shared dedication may be one reason why CAO cigars are now among the most popular premium long fillers.
The Beginnings: A Long Road to Perfection
Cano A. Özgener, renowned for his unique personality in the cigar world, is one of the few producers whose biography is so closely tied to their brand. Initially, it was not consumption but the centuries-old pipe-smoking culture of his homeland that fascinated Özgener early on. However, his life took a different path at first.
After emigrating to the USA in 1961, Özgener studied mechanical engineering at Columbia University in New York. During this time, he met his future wife Esen, who led him to North Carolina, where he started a family. As a creative tinkerer, he began developing tobacco pipes to improve their draw and burn characteristics.
In the late 1960s, he found initial success with meerschaum pipes produced in Eskişehir, a traditional Turkish town. In 1977, he took the leap into self-employment, dedicating himself fully to the tobacco industry. His products included artistically designed humidors and decorative cigar boxes. However, his first attempt to establish a cigar factory failed in 1980.
In 1995, with the support of experienced Cuban experts Nestor Plasencia and Carlos Toraño, he made another attempt—this time under the now world-famous CAO label. The first successful creation, the "Black," set new standards in quality and design.
The Renaissance of CAO Cigars
In 2002, the “Black” made a triumphant return, accompanied by a quality that elevated its spicy-smooth aromas to new heights. Driven by his quest for perfection, Özgener made blends—the artful combination of different tobaccos—a hallmark of CAO. This variety offers every aficionado an unparalleled taste experience, from mild to full-bodied.
Innovation and Elegance in Every Detail
CAO stands not only for top-notch flavor but also for exceptional packaging. Murat “Tim” Özgener, the founder’s creative son, brought a fresh perspective to the brand experience with innovative box designs. His vision imbued the brand with a unique aesthetic.
After his father’s retirement, the Scandinavian Tobacco Group took over the label and successfully led it into the future. New lines were introduced, while some older products were discontinued to further optimize the portfolio.
Experience the World of CAO Cigars
Today, CAO is considered one of the most experimental labels under the Scandinavian Tobacco Group. From the deep, dark Broadleaf wrappers of the Session Cigars to the unique CAO Pilon, which uses traditionally fermented tobacco, there’s something for every palate. Discover an unmatched variety and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of CAO cigars.
