OSA NATION

It is well known that CAO was brought into the fold of General Cigars, but since then has remained somewhat quiet. After the dust settled, Ed McKenna and Rick Rodriguez knew that they needed to continue the quality of the brand, yet grow the company and expand their portfolio. They ventured down to Honduras and Nicaragua to learn more about the products that are produced, and started the next evolution of CAO. And from this emerged OSA Sol.

The name OSA is for Olancho San Agustin, the area from which the Honduran wrapper is grown. The binder is Connecticut Broadleaf and the filler is a blend from Honduras and Nicaragua. There are three Lots produced: Lot 50, (5x50), Lot 54 (6x54) and Lot 58 (6.5x58).

In launching the new line, CAO has embarked upon a tour that started in Nashville, CAO's birthplace. The event was held at Uptown's, and the place was packed. Patrons enjoyed the new OSA line, Latin music, food and drinks. Having recently come back from traveling up North, I finally got a chance to try the OSA myself, the Lot 50 (Robusto).

This earth brown stick with small veins had a firm construction with an earthy/woodsy aroma. The cigar lit easily and maintained a nice even burn. The initial taste had a woodsy character, but the essential oil from the leaves seemingly contributed to a slight tangy taste which is a nice change from a typical cigar. (This must be the "provocative taste" in the "Olancho San Agustin tobacco" mentioned in the press release a few months back.) It had a good mild draw and moderate smoke with the ash holding on to between an inch to an inch and a half.

Entering the 2nd third of the cigar, the mild/medium flavored cigar became a bit more flavorful with a bit more pronounced wood taste and a hint of pepper and entering into the third, a dash of cocoa. The strength and flavor continue throughout the cigar with the burn and smoke remaining constant as well. I needed to relight only once, and that was no doubt to my talking to both Rick and Ed and not minding the cigar in my hand.

I was pleased with the new CAO smoke and gave OSA Sol an 88, not bad for Rick and Ed's first creation. I hope this is a sign of things to come and I definitely look forward to future releases. And after spending time with these guys, they definitely have shown a great passion for the industry and a real desire to produce products that make their audience happy. I wish you guys the best! 

CAO girls surrounding Ed and Rick at the OSA Nation Tour launch at Uptown's in Nashville.