CigarPursuits: Pursuing the "C.A.O Gold Maduro"

About C.A.O Gold Maduro

CAO Cigars, founded by Cano Aret Ozgener in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1968, evolved from its roots in Istanbul, Turkey, where Cano's interest in tobacco began. After moving to the United States in 1961, Cano's passion for cigars grew. In the early stages of CAO, the company specialized in briar pipes and humidors. In 1980, they attempted to enter the cigar industry but faced initial challenges.

However, success came with the C.A.O. Black line. Collaborating with experts like Nestor Plasencia and Carlos Torano, CAO improved its cigar blends. The company moved its production to the United States in 1995 and expanded with the introduction of the Gold Robusto in 1996. Under Tim Ozgener's leadership, CAO continued to grow, with the help of Rick Rodriguez.

In 2010, CAO came under the ownership of General Cigar Co. After a hiatus, Tim Ozgener returned in 2022 with the launch of Ozgener Family Cigars and the Bosphorus line.

  

CigarPursuits Review

Appearance & Construction: 15/15

The CAO Maduro Gold robusto, with its 5 x 50 dimensions, had an impressive appearance. The Brazilian wrapper was chocolate dark color and had a noticeable toothy texture. (Note: toothy refers to the bumps on a cigar wrapper, which are remnants of areas where the leaf's oils were highly concentrated and are often indicative of a richer flavor profile). It was rolled tightly, and both ends of the cigar were finished neatly.

Aroma: 13/15

Before lighting, the CAO Maduro Gold robusto gives off a warm, nutty smell mixed with the scent of wood. From the cold draw you get a hint of spice and a rich earthy notes thats promises a good, flavorful smoke.

Flavors: 28/35

Right from the start, the cigar presents a clear flavor of hazelnuts with a spicy red pepper kick. As the smoke progresses, it mellows, unveiling a subtle vanilla sweetness. Cedar notes and roasted coffee nuances also make an appearance. However, towards the end, the flavors plateau without further development, with the red pepper and coffee notes remaining prominent.

Burn & Smoke: 14/15

The CAO Maduro Gold burned evenly, maintaining a solid white ash. The draw was effortless, producing a pleasant smoke that enhanced the experience. It burned slowly and required a quick touch-up towards the end to ensure it continued burning correctly.

Overall Enjoyment: 17/20

Overall, smoking the CAO Maduro Gold was a satisfying experience. The appearance was impressive, with a great-looking wrapper and solid construction. The aromas were decent, nothing out of the ordinary, but pleasant enough. While the flavors didn't develop much throughout the smoke, they were enjoyable from start to finish. The burn and smoke were also fine, not exceptional, but they didn't detract from the enjoyment. In the end, I found pleasure in the simplicity and consistency of this cigar.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my time with the CAO Maduro Gold was overall quite enjoyable. From its striking appearance to the satisfactory burn and smoke, it delivered a solid performance. The aromas and flavors, while not particularly complex or evolving, provided a consistent and straightforward smoking experience. Taking all factors into account, I would rate this cigar with a score of 87, placing it firmly in the 'Solid' category. It's a reliable choice for anyone looking for a straightforward, no-frills cigar that delivers on its promises.

Bonus - Perfect Pairing 

For those looking to elevate their smoking experience, pairing the CAO Maduro Gold with a cup of coffee comes highly recommended. The robust and full-bodied flavors of a good brew can beautifully complement the rich, earthy notes of the cigar. Whether you prefer a dark roast to match the intensity of the Maduro or a lighter roast to add contrast, coffee is a classic companion that can enhance the subtle complexities of the cigar's profile. 

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