In the art of cigar making, the journey is often as important as the destination. Each cigar tells a storyβof the soil, the sun, and the hands that craft it. For OZ Family Cigars, this narrative has evolved through a series of bold, creative releases, led by Tim Ozgener, the company’s owner and innovator. His latest creation, Pi Synesthesia Brown, is set to make its grand debut at the Tobacconistsβ Association of America (TAA) meeting in Aruba. More than just a cigar, this release represents a continuation of a legacy that blends art, mathematics, and the experience of taste.
The Birth of Pi Synesthesia
The Pi Synesthesia line is a tribute to Timβs late father, Cano Ozgener, who was both a cigarmaker and an artist deeply fascinated by the concept of synesthesiaβthe blending of the senses. Canoβs unique vision was inspired by the infinite number Pi, which led him to assign colors to different numbers in a 2015 painting. This visionary approach provided the foundation for the Pi Synesthesia line of cigars, where each blend is designed to embody not only flavor but also a corresponding color that evokes a deeper sensory experience.
After the success of Pi Synesthesia Yellow in 2022 and Pi Synesthesia Red in 2023, Tim now introduces the latest addition: Pi Synesthesia Brown. This third release explores the nuanced, earthy flavors often associated with the color brown, embracing an indulgent and multi-layered palate.
A Cigar Crafted with Care
At first glance, it may seem that Pi Synesthesia Brown simply fits into the common color spectrum of cigars, as many handmade cigars feature brown wrappers. But Ozgenerβs approach to this blend is anything but typical. The key to Pi Synesthesia Brown lies in its wrapperβa Mexican San AndrΓ©s leaf known for its rich, dark hue. While this leaf often takes on a deep, nearly black appearance in many cigars, Ozgenerβs team selected a lower priming for the wrapper, resulting in a shade that more closely resembles milk chocolate. This careful selection process has given the cigar a distinctive look and feel.
βWe tinkered with the wrapper quite a lot,β Ozgener shares, reflecting on the meticulous experimentation involved in the cigarβs creation. The wrapper is only part of the story, however. The binder, made from Honduran Corojo ’99 seed tobacco, and the Nicaraguan filler combine to create a balanced, medium-bodied experience.
For Ozgener, the essence of Pi Synesthesia Brown is not just in its strength but in the flavors it imparts. βThe idea is for it to be reminiscent of the brown flavors that coat the palate more, like chocolate, cocoa, coffee,β he explains. True to this intention, Pi Synesthesia Brown brings together these comforting, rich flavors into a well-balanced smoke that is sure to appeal to cigar lovers looking for an indulgent, medium-strength cigar.
A Crafted Experience
Measuring 6 inches by 52 ring gauge, Pi Synesthesia Brown is a substantial yet approachable cigar. Its construction is expertly handled by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo at the Casa Carrillo factory in the Dominican Republic, a renowned name in the cigar world. Each box contains 12 cigars, and with a suggested retail price of $15.50, it represents a premium smoking experience that brings together craftsmanship, tradition, and artistry.
For those familiar with the previous Pi Synesthesia releases, Brown offers a different take on the synesthetic experience. While Yellow played with bright, citrusy notes, and Red brought forward bolder, more intense flavors, Brown explores the comforting, familiar territory of earthy, βbrownβ flavors. The idea of associating taste with color is what makes this line so unique, inviting smokers not just to enjoy a cigar but to engage with it on a multisensory level.
A Legacy of Innovation
Pi Synesthesia Brown is more than a cigarβitβs a piece of a larger creative legacy. Tim Ozgenerβs tribute to his fatherβs artistic vision continues to push the boundaries of how we experience cigars. By infusing mathematics, art, and a deep understanding of flavor, the Pi Synesthesia line offers a fresh perspective on the traditional cigar industry. Itβs a reminder that cigars, like art, have the power to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and create moments of reflection.
As Pi Synesthesia Brown prepares for its official debut at the TAA meeting in Aruba, it stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of OZ Family Cigarsβa brand that embraces both innovation and tradition, crafting each cigar with care, passion, and a touch of artistry. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or new to the world of cigars, Pi Synesthesia Brown invites you to experience the harmony of flavor, color, and craftsmanship that defines this exceptional line.
