Im not to surprised to hear that Tim is staying in TN. Thats his home and when there was talk of moving CAO to Virgina, I had a hard time thinking that he would move. Maybe we have another E.P. Carrillo situation brewing.
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I have to disagree with the average product... I think CAO makes an excellent product. Though it may not appeal to everyone's taste... and though you may grow tired of them after a while... who can truthfully say that their product is average? It's been my experience that with CAO you have quite a few selections of better than average or even exceptional quality. (CAO Brazilia anyone?)

They propelled themselves out of the cigar boom... innovated and even revolutionized the way the entire industry thinks about packaging and POS materials... as you mentioned.

They may not have lead the world in cigar sales but they are good at what they do... I think to compare CAO as a whole to an "Average Cigar" is like comparing a Xikar or a Palio to an Average Cutter... Sure there are better cutters out there. And Sure... there are more expensive cutters out there. But to get a cutter of very high quality at an average price... that's the miracle of the modern cigar maker... if you paid what you really should for a cigar... I guarantee none of us would be smoking nearly as much as we do. Either that or we'd all be smoking White Owl Grape.

I'm not trying to get on anyone's case... or taking it personally or anything... but it really is the end of an era... with the exit of Tim Ozgener from CAO... the number of cigar makers that were actually around and kicking during the boom is dwindling lower and lower everyday... that's not to say we should all live in the past but it's like a part of our culture as cigar smokers. And when our culture loses a pioneer, it takes it's toll. Whether you like the cigars or not... respect is due.

I hope that he does well in whatever he decides to pursue... but hopefully we will not lose his experience and contributions to our passion of cigars. As we all know... once the black leaf is in your blood... you can quit... but you'll never forget.
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They are above average in my opinion; the Gold series is solid (Regular, Maduro, Vintage), and the Traviata is excellent by most all accounts. Add in the regulars like Brazilia and Italia, I think they are a solid company.
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When CAO and General merged a couple years back I couldn't help but make a bad joke:

"Let's see, CAO has made the Brazilia, Italia, and hybrid Bratalia lines. Can we expect to see a new cigar called the Gen-Italia soon?" :-)
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hey, get your facts and logic outa here.
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money!
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The man does have talent!!!:-)
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:-) :-)
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Tim Ozgener
tim@tozgener.com

Today, I find myself in need of clarifying several matters pursuant to the recent press release that was distributed regarding my departure from CAO. It is true that after 16 years I am stepping down from my position at CAO and will no longer be involved with the company effective immediately. The reasons that lead me to this most difficult decision, however, may not be as transparent.

The reality of the matter is that due to the recent merger between Scandinavian Tobacco Group (ST) and Swedish Match, a decision was made to fold CAO into General Cigar Co. (GCC), resulting in a physical relocation of CAO headquarters to Richmond, VA, from its current location of Nashville, TN. After conferring with my family, my decision was made to remain in Nashville.

Furthermore, while I have stepped down from my role as CAO President, it is a misnomer to say that I have completely abandoned the premium Cigar industry. While I am leaving the manufacturer side of this great business, I will continue my efforts on the political and social fronts in aiding to lobby against egregious anti-smoking legislation and taxation wherever and whenever I am able, as I have done during the past several years. In addition, I will continue to serve on the board of several trade organizations.

In closing, my wish is that the CAO brand will continue to prosper and grow under the watch of General Cigar Co., and that CAO loyalists will continue to enjoy their brand of choice for years to come. As I stand upon the closing page of this chapter, however, I do so with a desire in my heart to make certain that the epilogue is written with accuracy and goodwill.

Sincerely yours,

Tim Ozgener
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:-)
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Well Said!!

Though I don't purchase them as often as I used to, I still have a drawer in my humi with all CAO sticks (have 8-10 different types). When I smoke one on occasion, it is still enjoyable to me!!
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I just smoked a Brazilia Chango last night!!!

Not bad at all!!!:-)
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While I don't enjoy all CAO cigars, I do enjoy some of their lines. Recently found out I really like the Soprano "Boss" cigar (didn't care as much for the Soldier or Associate). On the other hand, their highly rated Vision cigar fell completely flat for me :-)

But yeah...I've gotta say, whether or not you like CAO cigars, the guy has done a really good job of making it a successful company, and he seems like a good guy supporting cigar rights as well. Sad to see somebody like this leave the business.
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