The Avo X.O. is a refreshing Connecticut wrapper cigar featuring tobaccos that have been aged for 6 years. In this review, I will be exploring the Avo X.O. as I cover the following talking points:
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Overview
- Brand: Avo Cigars
- Range: X.O.
- Reviewed Vitolas: 6 x 54 “Legato” Toro
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
- Binder: Dominican Republic
- Filler: Dominican Republic
- Factory: O.K. Cigars, Dominican Republic
- Handmade: Yes
- Body: Mild
- Estimated Smoking Time: 90 Minutes
- Pricing: $12 / Single [Shop On CigarPage]
Little has been shared about the AVO X.O.. As mentioned earlier, it features 6-year-old tobacco and an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. However, we only know that the binder and filler are Dominican in origin.
Avo X.O. Look & Feel
- Wrapper Hue: Cedar
- Rolling Consistency: Mostly Straight
- Spring: Firm
- Aromas: Cinnamon, Straw, Caramel
With its classic Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, the X.O. has a sandy cedar colour, which is reminiscent of craft paper. However, it doesn’t have many oils on the wrapper and doesn’t reflect much of the light. Nevertheless, the construction is very good with an a firm spring and an overall straight roll despite a couple of soft spots here and there.
The wrapper leaf’s veins are quite subtle and it does have a refined and elegant appearance. The aromas on the nose are subtle and very modest but I noted a combination of cinnamon, straw, and caramel.
Avo X.O. Review
As with every cigar review, the Avo X.O. samples were stored with 69% Boveda Packs in a Boveda Acrylic Humidor. They were closely monitored for a period of at least three weeks with a Boveda Butler until acclimated and ready for the review.
Pre-Lighting Experience
- Draw: Ideal
- Aromas: Terracotta, Raisin, Anise
The draw is perfect with an open airflow that offers just the right level of resistance. The dry draw’s tasting notes are richer than the aromas on the foot.
Expect terracotta, a musty aroma that is sometimes associated with Cuban tobacco, sweet and caramelised raisin, and anise spice. Nevertheless, the experience is still very mild and subtle.
1st Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Charred Bay Leaf, Grilled Almond, Dried Clay
A thick stack of ash sits above a thick and slightly wavy burn line. Its flavour profile is balanced and pleasant with a silky mouthfeel. It’s velvety but not quite as creamy as you’d expect from a Connecticut shade cigar.
It delivers aromatic notes of charred bay leaf, nuttiness that expresses itself as grilled almond, and dried clay that’s reminiscent of terracotta. However, it is very different from the distinctive Cuban mustiness that is often described alongside it.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Cacao Nib, Speculoos, Charred Bay Leaf
The burn line flattens but it tends to lean at an angle by the second third. The ash holds its shape quite well.
As for the flavour profile, there has been an increase in body and it’s edging towards gourmand notes. Nevertheless, the charred bay leaf has persisted into the second third. Unsweetened cacao nib dominates the second third while speculoos biscuit offers a mild yet sweet caramelised spiciness.
Final Third Smoking Experience
- Notes: Espresso, Cashew, Copper Mineral
The burn line corrects itself and flattens by the final third to reveal rich ash that is evocative of a lunar landscape. The flavour profile is expressed mostly by a mineral composition that features delicate copper notes.
Espresso reveals itself as the transition from the cacao nib in the second third while cashew nut is a throwback to the grilled almond first detected in the opening.
Overall, the Avo X.O. features some complexity with a velvety mouthfeel. Its balanced flavour profile is ideal for beginners and the palate stimulation spreads nicely across the mouth.
The lifecycle displays changes through each third but it leans more towards consistency than adventure. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing when you’re a beginner. Indeed, it’s a reliable cigar that provides you with an expected experience.
As for the finish, it’s moderate but not overly long. It tends to soon fade after the cigar has been finished. Otherwise, the residual scent in the room leaves a woody fragrance that isn’t oppressive or unappealing.
Overall Burn
- Ash Backbone: Mostly Strong
- Burn Angle: Somewhat Wavy
- Temperature: Cool
- Draw: Ideal Airflow
- Final Smoking Time: 75 Minutes
The Avo X.O. burns quickly and faster than expected. Indeed, the Legato Toro can be finished in just 75 minutes without rushing. The draw is ideal and provides the right level of airflow. Meanwhile, the temperature is light and cool.
Nevertheless, the burn line can be a little wavy or lopsided. However, it does correct itself without the need for touching it up. Finally, the backbone is excellent and showcases the cigar’s overall construction.
Overall Experience
The X.O. features the classic AVO band with an orange colour scheme that suits the cigar quite well. It’s stylish and well-presented and indicates an elegant cigar.
The box follows the same colour scheme with a clean coating of paint. The interior provides information about the blend and both sides of the lid have a large version of the band on display. It’s also made of what appears to be solid wood, which is always great to see. Overall, it has a luxurious and premium feel to it.
Expect to pay around $12 for individual cigars and $11 if you buy a box of 20 ($220 total). Given the luxurious experience that it offers, the price point is fair and offers great value.
As for the occasion, it’s a versatile cigar that can be enjoyed in different ways. You can consider it for the morning but I would suggest it as a post-lunch digestif option. Indeed, it’s great to have for a business lunch with a client, for example.
Avo X.O. Pairing Suggestions
Consider pairing the cigar with a snack like trail mix. Otherwise, you can also opt for biscuits with speculoos and digestives both being good choices. If you were to have the cigar with espresso after a meal, biscuits are perfect. Meanwhile, the cigar could follow or even accompany a meal of grilled veal or pork chops.
As for beverages, I’d opt for a floral whiskey like Kentucky bourbon or an Irish. Alternatively, a light yet mature rum like the Flor de Caña 18 is a good option. Although I already mentioned espresso, caffè latte will impart additional creaminess to the cigar.
Finally, pilsner or lager beer will provide you with cool refreshment. Given that the cigar is quite light and welcoming, these are solid options. If you prefer a soft drink, root beer will extend the cigar’s aromatic properties.
Closing Thoughts
A light, playful, and welcoming mild-bodied cigar, the Avo X.O. offers maturity without an overdose of body. If you’re looking for an affordably premium option that isn’t the Avo Classic, it’s a good choice!
"A light and refreshing mild-bodied cigar that offers a pleasant smoking experience."
Further Reading
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