CAO FASA Sol and FASA Noche Debuting at PCA 2024

General Cigar Co. is set to make some additions to its CAO portfolio at the 2024 PCA Convention & Trade Show this week, as the CAO FASA Sol and FASA Noche will be unveiled as full-time, regular production lines.

The two lines share a common core blend, using a Cameroon binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic and three of Nicaragua’s growing regions. Where they differ is in the wrapper, with the CAO FASA Sol using a Honduran Olancho San Agustin wrapper, which the company says gives the cigar a profile that gradually increases in strength to a medium-plus profile highlightd by roasted almonds, five spice and toast.

The CAO FASA Noche uses a Connecticut-grown broadleaf wrapper, which the company says imparts a “bold and transformative” effect on the profile. It’s described as a “medium-bodied and full-flavored profile, layered with nuances of molasses, white pepper, chili powder and dark roast coffee,” in a press release.

Both blends are offered in two sizes, a 6 x 50 toro priced at $6.99 per cigar, and a 6 x 60 Gigante priced at $7.99 per cigar. However, the two cigars are produced in different factories, as CAO FASA Sol is made at STG Danlí in Honduras, while FASA Noche is made at STG Estelí in Nicaragua.

“CAO FASA Sol and CAO FASA Noche could not be more alike, yet they could not be more different,” said Ed Lahmann, senior brand manager for CAO, in a press release. “They’re literally like night and day, and still perfect for either occasion. This is what CAO is all about…taking our fans on a journey through the tobaccos we choose.”

Both come in 24-count boxes that are scheduled to begin shipping to stores on April 1.

Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.