CAO Cameroon Robusto

Although C.A.O. was founded back in 1973, it wasn’t until 1995 that they unveiled a cigar line. Founder Cano A. Ozgener produces one of the best-known brands of Meerschaum pipes in the world, so jumping from producing pipes to manufacturing cigars was logical. He teamed up with two Cuban expatriates who really know their cigars - Carlos Torano and Nestor Plasencia. The release of their first batch of cigars in 1995 immediately sold out, and their reputation continues to grow as does their fan base. The CAO L’Anniversaire line was developed in honor of the 30th anniversary of CAO cigars. With its box-pressed shape and reddish-brown Cameroon (Africa) wrapper, it’s a good-looking stick. The draw is excellent, the burn even. Note the comforting pre-light aroma. Its premium Nicaraguan long-fillers and binders make for a mild- to medium-bodied smoke. The L’Anniversaire Cameroon has been named one of Cigar Aficionado’s Top 50 Cigars. Giving it a ’92’ rating, the magazine noted, "Nicely pressed, with rich color. The cigar has a lovely draw and burn. It’s nutty and toasty, with coffee, cocoa, and dry wood flavors. The finish is long." This gem is worthy of your best single malt scotch or single barrel bourbon.