Today seems like a good day for another Puff Profile, where we examine cigar brands in terms of their history and products. On the menu today is CAO Cigars, a premium brand known for its wide variety of innovative cigars that has received praise from hobbyists and respected publications alike.

Company History

CAO Cigars, or more formally CAO International Inc., got its start in 1968 by Cano A. Ozgener, the founder whose initials form the company's name. At the time, Ozgener was working as an engineer for Dupont. His love for cigars and pipes, as well as his engineering expertise, led him to create some pipes on his own and sell them on a small scale. Eventually he decided that he wanted to take the process one step further and he formed CAO as the business to handle it.

In 1980 CAO introduced the Casa de Manuel brand, its first venture into the cigar industry. Casa de Manuel, like many other first ventures, failed, leading Ozgener to concentrate once again on producing pipes as well as humidors. Fifteen years later, in 1995, CAO took another stab at cigar production with the release of a cigar titled the CAO. Although the company's second attempt at the cigar market in the mid 90's experienced some growing pains, CAO managed to withstand them and has now become one of the hottest brands on the market.

Artistically, CAO creates some of the most eye-catching designs in terms of their bands and packaging. The exquisite packaging that carries many of the company's cigars reflects on Ozgener's previous experience with building humidors. The brand is not all style without substance, though, as CAO cigars are known for their wide range of flavors and solid construction. Mr. Ozgener's perseverance has definitely paid off, as several of his company's cigars have received high ratings from widely renowned publications, which will definitely help to fuel further growth of the brand in the future. That's not too shabby for an operation that saw its humble beginnings over four decades ago in a basement.