CAO Pilon

CAO has been unconventional from the jump, from experimental tobacco processing and cigar production to bold, eye-catching packaging. This all began in the halcyon days when CAO was owned by its founders, the Ozgener family. But that carries on even today. The brand is now owned by a corporate European tobacco giant, but they've managed to not screw up that unconventional approach too badly.   

CAO Pilon is a great example. This is a tasty, 90-rated, unique blend made from slow-fermented tobaccos. Slow-fermented because they've hearkened back to a Cuban technique for fermenting tobacco used in the 1800s, employing a circular pilon. A conventional pilon today is basically a big stack of tobacco grouped by type and organized in 'hands'...essentially a square or rectangular pile (imagine a cord of wood). Over time this creates heat, and the hands are rotated in a systematic fashion to avoid overheating until fermentation is complete.

The circular pilon is different. Tobaccos are carefully placed in a circular grouping which ferments tobacco at a much slower pace. This allows the tobacco to retain more flavor, roundness, and balance. Ultimately the difference is palpable...something akin to slow roasting all day on charcoal vs. firing up the stainless steel gas grill.

Crafted with Ecuadorian Habano and handpicked Nicaraguan long-fillers. Medium in body, CAO Pilon is slightly sweet with pronounced hints of cedar, baked bread, and cocoa coating the palate. 

If you like this blend, you may enjoy Buena Vista Edicion Limitada in terms of comparable flavor profile and superior cost.