If you have been smoking cigars long enough you know the history of CAO Cigars. Before they were sold to General Cigar, they were owned by the Ozgener family. The cigars featured the initial of Cano Ozgener and they were an integral part of the launch of boutique cigar companies during the boom. After the company was sold, Tim Ozgener would leave the cigar industry. Now he is back with his first blend in 12 years, distributed by Crowned Heads which is owned by Jon Huber & Mike Condor. Ironically, both gentlemen were part of CAO back in the day.
The Bosphorus gets its name from the Bosphorus Strait which is located in Turkey, the birthplace of the Ozgener family making this release a fitting tribute to Cano Ozgener. It’s about in four sizes and today we review the B52.
Cigar Review:Ozgener Cigars Bosphorus
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Binder: Dual: Ecuador Connecticut and Nicaragua Jalapa
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli, Jalapa and Ometepe)
Size: 5 x 52
Vitola: B52 (Robusto)
The Look: It’s hard not to make a comparison when it comes to history. Toward the end, CAO had some innovative packaging but the Ozgener Bosphorus goes the fairly traditional route with a cedar box, though it does use vibrant colors which makes it stand out on the shelf. The busy band is reminiscent of the crown from the Statue of Liberty which welcomed many immigrants such has Ozgener into this country. Some of the embossing is lost on the busy nature of the band making it slightly difficult to read. The box pressed cigar features a gorgeous oily dark Sumatra wrapper that is virtually vein free. In the hand it is firm to the touch with a well packed foot and nice weight.
The Notes: The cold draw serves up a subtle molasses with an abundance of cedar, mocha and nutmeg while the aroma intensifies the cedar component. Once lit this smooth cigar delivers delightful notes of coffee, chocolate, rich caramel notes where it is joined by an earthy component past the half way point. The Bosphorus features a light colored ash that held on for half the cigar on multiple samples. The smoking time was average and the draw offered slightly more resistance then your average box pressed cigar.
The Finish: This medium-full is a great return to the industry for Tim Ozgener. It builds up in strength as the cigar progresses and offers a nice balanced and slightly complex flavor profile. It does more than enough to satisfy and it piques the interest as to what’s next for Ozgener Cigar.
Score: 91
Price: $12.99 / $229.99
Ozgener Cigars Bosphorus B52
Ozgener Cigars Bosphorus B52 Foot
Ozgener Cigars Bosphorus B52 Burn
