CAO Flathead
- Origin Nicaragua
- Wrapper Connecticut Broadleaf
- Binder Connecticut Habano
- Filler Dominican, Nicaragua
- Strength Medium-Full
CAO is the little, boutique, premium cigar brand that has defied all odds in the premium cigar industry. It started as a dream by the late Cano A. Ozgener, who incorporated his passion for fine cigars along with his passion for family to create the CAO brand. Together they grew CAO from a local favorite to one of the most widely recognized names in the cigar industry. When the family sold the brand to General Cigar in 2007, many had doubts that the brand could thrive under the corporate yoke. The brand was put in the capable hands of Rick Rodriguez, who had been the heir apparent to Partagas Master Blender Benji Menendez. Those first few years were rocky for CAO and Rodriguez, but he’s hit his stride and continues to churn out spectacular new blends for the brand.
Inspired by hot rods and pin-up girls, CAO Flathead is a box pressed badass that hits on all cylinders – as evidenced by the 95 rating it earned from Cigar Aficionado. Hand-shaped to deliver a striking flat top, the cigar features a brawny Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and a blend that’s heavy on Nicaraguan leaf. Its frontmarks are named for engine parts, but the tribute to muscle cars doesn’t end there – the packaging gives a nod to the muscle car engine with a lid that’s easily removed and used as wall art.