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An experimental cigar from Davidoff that produced overwhelmingly positive results
If Avo Uvezian wasn’t the inspiration for the Dos Equis most interesting man spokesman, I don’t know who was! The true embodiment of style, elegance and worldliness, Avo was a jazz composer and pianist, polyglot, cigar enthusiast and style icon all rolled into one. Sadly, Avo passed away at the end of March. But what better way to celebrate his life than to smoke one of his very own?
The Avo brand was launched in 1988 and by 1995 the company was putting out several million cigars a year. In the same year, Davidoff took over the distribution rights of the Avo brand and the rest is history.
This very cigar reached the No. 16 spot in Cigar Aficionado’s Top Cigars of 2015 and was very much an experimental cigar – it was the first time Davidoff’s Dominican factory produced an Avo production box-pressed cigar as well as the first time Nicaraguan tobacco was used in an Avo stick. Quite the experiment!
Part 1: General Information
Avo Syncro Nicaragua Toro
Country: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Vitola: Robusto (6 x 54)
Price: $10.00
Part 2: Analysis
If someone blindfolded me and put this unlit stick to my nose, I would say that I was smelling a Hershey’s milk chocolate bar. In the hand, this is the most box-pressed stick I have ever held. The ridges are so extreme that even the veins of the wrapper are sharp and popping from the surface – this bad boy must have been in the mold for quite some time.
With the initial light and about five draws in, my palate is overtaken by a bitterness that is quite unpleasant but quickly goes away. Through the first third there are subtle notes of creaminess and nuttiness that pairs well with the armagnac I’m drinking.
Into the second third and the transition is quite stark, onto a sweet burnt honey, oakiness and light black pepper on the finish, a very distinct flavor profile that is very enjoyable. Into the last third and the oakiness comes to the fore and finishes with a stronger black pepper without a trace of spice.
Interestingly, I was expecting some cocoa notes based off of the potent scent of the stick though they didn’t materialize. Additionally, the burn on this stick was razor sharp to the end without a single touch up even when the ash fell off in the middle of the second third.
Boldness: 4.5/5 | Strength: 4/5
The Avo Syncro Nicaragua Toro takes roughly 90-120 minutes to smoke and would be perfect on a golf course as it is a slow burner. I paired this particular stick with Domaine d’Ognoas XO Astor Armagnac which was a great choice. It’s bold caramel and nutty notes complemented the stick well especially in the first third.
This cigar is a great choice for a beginner to intermediate smoker as the transitions are easily discernible and the strength isn’t overwhelming.
Part 3: Verdict
Overall, I would give this cigar a 8.5/10. Though the cigar has impeccable construction and some interesting flavors, the overall profile is not one of my favorites. Don’t get me wrong, this cigar is enjoyable for the right occasion and palate, just not for me. However, I see this as a great opportunity for me to try this cigar again in a different vitola as a blend can change with a different size and shape. And you know what? I very much look forward to it.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Christopher Benedetto
He Spoke Style
Photography by Rob McIver Photo
