Since General Cigar Company has acquired CAO, they have always allowed the brand to maintain its creativity.  This has been exhibited not only in its regular production releases, but also in many of its limited releases.  This year, the creativity was once again demonstrated with the launch of the CAO Amazon Basin.  This is a cigar that made its debut at the 2014 IPCPR Trade Show and is targeted for an August release to retailers.

CAO Amazon Basin is described as a small batch, limited release.  This cigar incorporates rare tobacco from a remote region of the Amazon rainforest known as Bragança.  This tobacco is organically grown on unspoiled tropical land and harvested only once every three years.  The seedlings are transplanted directly into the soil a full yard apart.  As a result, this results in a small yield which is half of other tobacco plants.  All of these factors lead to Bragança being a rare tobacco.

The harvested Bragança leaves are then rolled into tubes known as “carottes” where they undergo six months of fermentation.  The tobacco is transported out of the Amazon via canoe.  Eventually they are brought to the CAO factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.

CAO’s Rick Rodriguez commented, “We had a unique opportunity to use Amazonian tobacco before anyone else in the world. We tested the tobacco and really liked the flavor, aroma and blendability, so we ran with it. The flavor is very unique — earthy and nutty with a pleasantly dry finish.”

CAO describes the Amazon Basin as a medium-bodied cigar that has an exotic flavor profile.  Some of the notes described include caramel and briny flavors.  The cigars feature rustic packaging.

Amazon Basin joins the CAO Colombia as launches by the CAO at the 2014 IPCPR Trade Show.

At a glance, here is a look at the CAO Amazon Basin

Blend Profile

In addition to the Bragança tobacco, the CAO Amazon Basin is a multi-national blend with tobaccos from four regions.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filer: Nicaraguan

Vitolas Available

The CAO Amazon Basin is being launched in one size – a 6 x 52 Toro.   The cigars will be packaged 18 per box.  The price point is $9.25