The Wizard of Oz’
An interview with CAO's Tim Ozgener
Plus cigar tips, cigar reviews and more!
(Posted May 3, 2005 - 5:00 PM/ET) NEXT ISSUE: Wednesday, June 1
*** IN THIS ISSUE ***
1. Feature Story: The Wizard of Oz’ - An interview with CAO's Tim Ozgener
2. Survey Says: What cigar strength do you most prefer?
3. Smoker's Ed (Cigar Terms & Tips): Check your battery; Perfect cuts
4. Rating Lunatic: Toraño Reserva Selecta Torpedo; Don Tomas Cameroon Perfecto No. 3; Roly #2
5. Website Improvements: New point-of-sale survey; How to find "Free Shipping"
6. Cigars in the News: Airline lighter ban now in full-force
7. Eyes on the Prize: Celebrity and Customer Cigar Sightings *** FEATURE STORY *** The Wizard of Oz’ - An interview with CAO's Tim Ozgener
by Gary Korb
As Vice President of CAO Cigars, Tim Ozgener's natural-born creativity and keen marketing sense have made him one of the driving forces in the imported premium cigar industry. As a result, CAO cigars rank among the world's finest cigars and have become a household name among cigar aficionados. (By the way, those ads you see about them outscoring the Cubans' are absolutely true.)
SHOP TALK: I read that before going into the cigar business, you had done some acting and even worked the comedy circuit. True? TO: Yes, at first I wanted to be an actor, so I went to USC and did some theatre in Southern California and the Bay Area. But on the side, instead of being a waiter or doing jobs that aspiring actors usually take, I represented my father's company, which at that time was just pipes and humidors. Then we got into cigars.
ST: How did you make the transition? TO: When you attend a lot of trade shows, you meet people who are in all three businesses - pipes, humidors and cigars - so you get to know the cigar people by osmosis, just by hanging out. Eventually, we formed a relationship with people like Carlos Toraño and Nestor Plasencia. The cigar we had at that time was during the boom, so the problem was, the demand was greater than the supply and what happened was we had a cigar that was basically inconsistent. I was selling it to retailers in California who later became my friends and mentors. For example, when the cigars weren't selling they would hand me a cigar and say, 'this is good, smoke this,' and that's how I learned what works in this industry. Then I moved fulltime into the family business, because I really enjoy what I do.
ST: For instance? T0: I enjoy coming up with creative packaging, like the boxes and even working on the blends for the cigars. Basically, I work on all the product development for the company.
ST: Your packaging design really is outstanding. How personally involved are you in the process? TO: That's what I really enjoy doing. When it comes to the design and packaging, at some point an idea strikes you, so you sketch it out and go from there. In this case I have a very talented graphic designer who also happens to be a friend from high school. His name is Michael Trebing. Mike and I will get together and I'll sketch out what I have in mind. Michael will flesh it out, implement it, improve it by adding his ideas and then it begins to take on our vision.
ST: The packaging for the Criollo selection in particular is stunning. It's also one of my personal favorites. TO: That came about because Criollo means 'native seed.' It was one of the first seeds planted in Cuba, hence the name. Due to the type of tropical climate that exists in countries like Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, for example, if it rains in the evening and there's dew on the plant and it's unseasonably cold in the morning, those are conditions for blue mold forming on the back of the tobacco plant. To stop that from happening, they tried to splice seeds that have great flavor but will also resist blue mold. Unfortunately, they weren't able to do that with the Criollo seed, but finally, in 1998, a scientist was able splice a hybrid with a Criollo seed, which they now call Criollo '98. They were growing it in Cuba with great success and they brought it to Nicaragua at a time when I happened to be over there, so we use the Criollo '98 for the wrapper. We also wanted to have a very Cubanesque-type of packaging for the Criollo, so instead of making the box look like exactly like a traditional Cuban cabinet, we split it in the middle and added the trays.
ST: What about the Italia line? TO: You could say it's sort of a relative to the CAO Brazilia. We found that many blenders were using Italian tobacco in their cigars to give them a little more depth, or oomph. Actually, we've even used it in some of our other blends to give them a little oomph, and at its best it can be an excellent tobacco. What we did with CAO Italia is, the filler is over 50% Italian Havana-seed tobacco that's grown in the Benevento region of Italy between Rome and Naples. It's a wonderful tobacco that has a lot of strength, sweetness, and flavor to it. Then we combined it with a little Nicaraguan and Peruvian tobacco. The wrapper is a Habano-seed that's grown in Honduras with a Nicaraguan binder.
ST: You debuted the flavours by CAO™ line a couple of years ago. How did that come about and how's it been going? TO: I used to go to a lot of cigar tasting events and people would always approach me and say, 'Here, try these flavored cigars.'
ST: You look like you weren't all that impressed. TO: I just felt that if we were going to make a flavored cigar I wanted it to be the Godiva or Cartier of flavored cigars. We had so much success with our other six lines; each one has received multiple '90' ratings in Cigar Aficionado. So, I said, if we make a flavored cigar it has to be the best - the crème de la crème of flavored cigars - to back up our name. Then we created a sub-brand of CAO called flavours by CAO, with excellent packaging and very unique flavor combinations.
ST: How are the flavored cigars blended? TO: We're using Cameroon wrapper, which already has a nice sweetness to it, and it complements the flavor very well. The fillers are all mild Dominican. But rather than painting the leaves or pouring a syrup on the leaves the flavoring is gently misted so the tobacco accepts the flavor over time. So when you smoke the cigar you get a nice balance between the taste of the tobacco and the taste of the flavors. Plus, we're using expensive flavors that are also unique.
For example, our newest flavor, KarmaSutraSplash is a combination of mango and chocolate chip mint ice cream, but there are something like 28 other flavors that are also in that blend.
ST: Sort of like the Baskin & Robbins of flavored cigars? TO: : [laughs] Well, let's just say, we try to come up with very unique combinations.
ST: What have you observed in terms of trends in the industry or something in particular that has caught your attention? TO: The American consumer always wants to know what's new, what's hot, what's different. My opinion is, you have to provide the American market with something that's exciting. I don't know what anyone else is doing; I'm just focused on our products. Basically, what we're trying to do is create excitement. Whether it's packaging, a flavor, or a new blend, we want to do something that will draw people in, and they're responding to it. ¶
*** SURVEY SAYS DEPT. *** Check out our new super-simple, automated survey! No more having to email in your responses. Plus, after you place your response, you'll be able to see an updated result of the poll. In turn, I hope that more of you will now participate in our monthly poll and we'll be able to get more accurate results, too. Hats off to our web development team for making happen!
Last time you said...
If you were made aware of one of the following during the order process, which would most likely cause you to add more items to your cart?
Cigar Terms & Tips(Collect and trade em'!) Machine-made cigar - Cigars made entirely by machine, most often using cut filler instead of long filler, thicker wrappers and sheet binders.
Before you return it, check the battery
Here's something that happened to me recently. I bought a digital hygrometer for my new humidor. It was working perfectly well, monitoring a steady 69-71 RH for several weeks. At about the same time I noticed the humidity had dropped to 65%. OK, that was acceptable, since the temperature in the room usually ranged from 69 to 72 degrees during the day. A few days later it began dipping down to 61, so I added more water to the humidifier. No change, but the cigars felt fine, and in some cases they even seemed a little too moist.
After another week of low humidity readings, even with the additional hydration, I began to think that the hygrometer was "bad" because the cigars still seemed quite supple.
I took the unit into the warehouse humidor where I know the conditions are ideal and couldn't get a readout of more than 57%. Now I was sure it was bad, so I took it into the store, told the story to Lisa and asked if she would replace the unit for me.
"Did you check the battery?" she asked.
"No. It's practically brand new, I said. The batteries are good for at least a year or more."
"I would check the battery," she repeated.
Almost all digital hygrometers have a clock, so I set the time on the clock to my watch. When I checked the time the next day it was slow by 3 minutes. I reset the clock again and the next day it was slow by 5 minutes. I guess by now I don't have to tell you the moral of the story.
Remember, just because the unit is new doesn't mean the battery is. It may have been sitting on a warehouse shelf for months before you bought it. Sure, a few digital hygrometers are defective from the get-go. But if you suspect it's not working at 100%, before you return or exchange it, check the battery. - G.K
Reader Feedback and Tips from Our Mailbag Perfect Cuts Although we ran this same tip from another reader a while back, it's worth repeating because it really works.
I use a XiKAR cutter. I lay it flat on my countertop or desktop, stick the uncut end through the opening, and pinch the blades together. I always get a clean cut, and the cap never unravels due to too much having been removed.
- Jeff Ellis
"What The Fed's Did with Your Lighter" - Another Man's Story In the December, 2003 issue of Shop Talk, I ran a story titled, "How The Feds Stole My Lighter" - One Man's Story. It was from a gentleman named Mike who had his Colibri confiscated in Los Angeles and the frustration he went through trying to get it back. Just this week, I received the following email from "Sean," who was browsing the Shop Talk archives. You may find his remarks interesting and maybe even a little disturbing, too.
I work for a major haz waste disposal company, and I can say that I know where your lighter is.
We receive literally millions of lighters from many different airports around the country. Some are manifested to my facility for disposal, others are manifested to a different facility. We receive anywhere from a little 3-gallon bucket with one lighter in it to huge cubic yard boxes packed full of lighters!
Although we are not supposed to keep any, we can't always help ourselves; there are some really cool lighters in there. Every time I find a really cool Colibri with an engraving it makes me wonder whose it was. I found a 1940 Zippo with "USS Enterprise" on it, well worn, with a Colonel's star on it, and I felt bad that an old veteran, or worse, his son's cherished family heirloom, was destined to be destroyed by a 1600 degree blast furnace flame in a matter of minutes! It sucks, but maybe someone picked it up.
I have studied eBay®, and although it's illegal, people do post them there for sale. This may not only result in a loss of their job, but there are also legal repercussions. That's dumb, but then again, so is traveling with your grandpa's cherished Zippo he got back in the war.
I am sorry you lost your Colibri; they are [fine] lighters. Email me and describe it to me. I might have one like it. Shoot, maybe I have yours!
- "Sean"
Got a good cigar tip? Send it in and share it with our readers by
sending an email to . Please be sure to put "Cigar Tip" in the subject line.
*** SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION DEPT.*** Free Advice!
Have a question about the care and feeding of your cigars or another
cigar-related topic? Send your questions and comments to me at: . I will try to respond as quickly as possible, but some replies may take a few days.
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Shop-Talk Archives
Want to catch up on your Famous Smoke Shop Talk reading or reference an article, tip, or other bit of information that appeared in a past issue? Go to our Famous Smoke “Shop Talk” archives page.
*** RATING LUNATIC DEPT.***
Recent cigar reviews from Famous Smoke Shop customers. (Reviews are
selected at random and may be edited for length, grammar, spelling, etc., not content.)
Toraño Reserva Selecta Torpedo (Honduras)
Size/Strength: 6¼" x 52 / Mild-Medium
Wrapper: Connecticut
Fillers: Dominican, Honduran & Nicaraguan
I usually don't write reviews, but this cigar rates it!! Everything about this cigar is as advertised in the write up Famous does, and more! I smoke Montecristo #2's (Torpedo) for my special occasion smoke, but as soon as the humidor is empty of these, guess what will replace them!! The packaging is excellent (the glass tube being a bonus, if you don't smoke them all at once, which is tempting). The wrapper is flawless, aroma of the stick divine, and taste is heavenly, all the way to the burnt fingers!! Nice white ash, and even burn! It is a mild to medium smoke, but even a person who enjoys a full bodied cigar would enjoy these, as I have! My hat's off to Carlos and the Torano family!! You have struck gold! I have smoked Toranos off and on for about 4 years, and this is absolutely the best!! Oh yeah, it even complimented the 3 fingers of Johnnie Walker Blue Label SUPERBLY! (The label and the band even match!) LOL.
- MacMarine in Las Vegas
Don Tomas Cameroon Perfecto No. 3 (Honduras)
Size/Strength: 6" x 48 Perfecto / Medium
Wrapper: Cameroon
Fillers: Dominican, Brazilian & Mexican
This is a great cigar!! Very comparable to the Hemingway signature series at a fraction of the cost. I have hundreds of cigars, but this one seems to call to me. I usually stick to a very wide variety but this one has become a regular. When I'm having trouble deciding, I always turn to this one. Very spicy yet very pleasant. For the price I would say that you must try this one. All my friends love them too.
- Alan T. in California
Roly #2 (Honduras)
Size/Strength: 6½" x 46 / Medium
Wrapper: Colorado Sumatra
Fillers: Dominican & Brazilian mixed filler (long & short)
I have been smoking Roly's for quite a while and have found them a reliable cigar that matches up with many of the high-end premiums. They start out on the mild side and progress into a pleasant medium bodied smoke with no bitterness, unpleasant aftertastes, or harshness. Its lack of bad habits is a very strong virtue. This does not mean that they are without character, just very pleasant. I find them on the mild side so it is a nice first cigar of the day, or when you are in the mood for that sort of experience.
As I am writing this I'm smoking a Roly #2 with the natural Colorado wrapper - my favorite. It seems that some of the bundles I get are either Puros Indios seconds or Cuban sandwich cigars with Puros Indios cuttings. I cannot tell the difference of taste and draw between them. Their appearance sometimes differs, but otherwise they are pretty consistent. I get a "leaker" once in a while, but the rock bottom cost for a premium smoke is worth a bummer once in a while.
- Gerry in Glendale, CA
AGREE/DISAGREE? Your opinion may be similar or completely different and is also appreciated, so don't be shy. Rate the cigars you smoke on our web site and write a review. You might even get your quote re-printed in our monthly mailorder catalog! What you say can help others make a more informed decision, even you!
*** FAMOUS-SMOKE.COM HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS *** New optional post POS survey
Famous Smoke Shop Customers and CigarAuctioneer bidders can now send us immediate feedback about their "shopping experience" by using new optional post point-of-sale customer feedback boxes found on both the auction and retail website. Please note that this feature will replace the BizRate survey, with which you may already be familiar.
You'll find the Auction comment box available after you place a bid, and the Retail comment box after you place an order.
Remember, this feature is optional, but please take a moment to tell us how we can make your Famous-Smoke.com and CigarAuctioneer.com experience even better. Your feedback is the best way for us to continue providing the best online service possible.
"Free Shipping" icon
In another effort to make Famous-Smoke.com a great place to shop, last month we began offering FREE SHIPPING on select cigar brands. Can't remember what brands get free shipping? No problemo!
Another new website modification is a "Free Shipping" truck icon that appears in the brand header at the top of the cigar search results page. The truck will appear on the brand header only if at least one item in the brand has free shipping.
- Chad Kercher, Webmaster
*** CIGARS IN THE NEWS *** Don't forget, the airline lighter ban is now in effect
If you haven't heard by now, since April 14th of this year, all lighters are now part of the Transportation Safety Administration's "no lighters on board" policy on all commercial aircraft.
It's already against the law to have lighters in checked baggage because they might start fires in cargo holds. Congress passed a bill last year adding lighters to the list of prohibited items in the cabin. Strike anywhere matches are banned as well, but you will be able to carry up to four books of safety matches into the cabin.
The new law also applies to military and civilian passengers on commercially chartered U.S. military overseas flights, noted Army Lt. Col. Scott Ross, a spokesman with U.S. Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
"Due to al Qaeda's continued efforts to create improvised explosive devices, prohibiting lighters onboard aircraft and in the sterile areas of airports will reduce current security vulnerabilities and add another layer of defense," a TSA document stated.¶
*** GIVE THAT MAN A CIGAR! DEPT.***
If you live in or near the verdant Lehigh Valley of PA, stop by our
retail store at 1100 Conroy Place in Easton, PA for one of our cigar tasting events. For details and more information call 610-559-8800. Thursday, May 26 - 4:00 to 7:00 P.M.:CAO cigars tasting
Details and deals to be announced.
The 2nd Annual Famous Smoke Shop Clambake & Herf
Date/Time: Saturday, June 25, 12:00 to 4:00 PM Location: Famous Smoke Shop - 1100 Conroy Place, Easton, PA Tickets: $75/person
Join us for our 2nd Annual Clambake and Herf! You'll receive at least 20 FREE major brand cigars and all the food you can eat. Plus Blue Mountain Vineyards wine tasting, roll your own cigar, discounts on cigars and accessories, raffles, music and more!
To order tickets by phone call, 1-800-672-5544
For more information call, 610-559-8800 It’s Like eBay® for Cigar Lovers!
Now you can get the cigars YOU want at the prices you want to pay by logging on to CigarAuctioneer.com. It's FUN, it's FAST and the ACTION is great! You'll not only find RARE cigars, closeouts, and discontinued cigar brands, but now you can bid on humidors, cigar lighters and more! (“eBay” is the registered trademark of eBay, Inc. Famous Smoke Shop-PA, Inc. is not associated or affiliated with eBay in any manner.)
Other Famous Cigar Smokers Caught “Infumare Delecto”
George Burns and Me smoking a Baccarat Churchill.
" Say Goodnight Gary..."
- Fitzy (Goodnight Fitzy. But George looks a little waxy. - GK)
WANTED! Cigar-smoking photos of you and your friends Have You Made A Cigar Sighting Recently? It can be from a movie, TV show or a celebrity you've seen elsewhere or in-person puffing a primo. If you can name the brand of the cigar, even better! Or send in a herfing photo of you and your friends to me at and please put "Cigar Sightings" in the subject line. Limit: 1 sighting or photo (preferably, a .JPG) per email.
NEXT MONTH: Must-read cigar books
That's all folks. Until our next issue on Wednesday, June 1, Happy Smokes!
Gary
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Shop Talk graphic at top of page by Robert Ingram.
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