Working for the first time with Nicaragua American Cigars S.A., OZ Family Cigars introduced their latest blend – the Karatoba to market in April of 2025 as their 4th regular production line. Tim Ozgener, founder of the company, has once again played a little word game in the cigars name. Karatoba is actually two words – ‘Kara‘ is the Turkish word for black while ‘Toba‘ is a reference to the largest volcanic lake in the world; Lake Toba in Indonesia.
In a press release, Ozgener noted:
“The cigar opens big, and evolves into a rich, lush profile, that I can only describe as having the essence of a hearty, well-seasoned bolognese sauce, with a maple-syrup finish. For our fourth release under the OZ Family portfolio, I really wanted something that not only captures the palate immediately, but that then takes the smoker on a ride of complex and evolving flavors that really keep the smoking experience interesting and your palate captivated.”
The OZ Family Cigars – Karatoba has a blend described as:
- Wrapper – Sumatra-seed (Ecuador)
- Binder – Nicaraguan
- Filler – Dominican Republic and Nicaragua
The new Karatoba is expressed in four different vitolas, each packaged in 21-count boxes.
- Robusto (5 x 52) – MSRP $12.00
- Robusto Extra (5 1/2 x 55) – MSRP $12.75
- Gordo (6 x 60) – MSRP $13.00
- Toro (6 1/2 x 50) – MSRP $12.25
For this review, I sampled one of the Karatoba Toros which I received from the company for the purpose of reviewing on Stogie Press.
Pre-Light Examination
Medium to dark brown silky smooth wrapper mild sheen but more of a matte finish, Double cap. Box Pressed. Nicely packed just the right give along the squeeze test. There are a few veins. Seams are tight almost invisable. A touch of marbling.
Two bands adorn the cigars. The primary band uses black and bronze colors. It proudly displays the OZ Family logo in the center and the name KARATOBA at the bottom. Additionally there is black paper footer band added.
Running the cigar along the nose, I was introduced to a sweet fermented leaf along the barrel and pungent earthy notes off the foot.
I straight cut the cap across the shoulder of he cigar and gave it some cold draw puffs that I found to offer a restriction much to my liking and delivered notes of tangy sweetness and cinnamon spice notes.
Using my single flame torch , I warmed the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first lit puffs of natural tobacco sweetness to start the journey. Follow along as burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- The cigar opens with easy draw delivering mouthfuls of smoke right off the first puff
- Pleasant natural tobacco sweetness starts the journey
- A light grey ash forms on top of a slightly wavy thin char line
- The early sweetness morphs into a mild honey note with a hint of cinnamon spice moving through the first third
- Eventually the ash fell in a small chunk revealing an off centered burn cone
- A hint of earth joins the profile after the first ash drop
- Syrupy aroma wafts off the foot in the second third
- Sweetness and earth notes highlight profile moving through the second third
- The profile gets a bit more creamy deeper in second third with just a splice of spice
- I would say the finish so far is well rounded and clean with a touch more spice on the retrohale
- Enticing dark chocolate enters near the final third
- The barrel gets squishy in the final
- Medium Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Final Analysis
The OZ Family Cigars – Karatoba Toro offers a smooth and evolving journey that balances natural sweetness, gentle spice, and soft earthy undertones. The transitions are subtle yet satisfying, showcasing a restrained complexity that builds slowly and deliberately.
The first half is defined by honeyed sweetness and cinnamon spice, while the second brings in creamy earth and a touch of syrupy richness on the aroma. The final third adds a refined dark chocolate tone that completes the flavor arc beautifully.
Construction was decent throughout, with a mild wave and easy draw, though the barrel did soften near the finish. The overall performance and flavor depth make this a pleasurable anytime smoke—refined enough for experienced palates, yet accessible for those seeking an inviting, medium-bodied profile.
Point Deductions: (-1) Off Centered Burn Cone; (-1) Mild wave in burn; (-1) Barrel gets squishy in final
Bonus Points: (+1) Well Rounded Finish through the journey
