Normally I would have just included the AVO write-up with the Manufacturer’s Spotlight on Davidoff as they own this brand. But AVO Cigars, have a special place in my heart and I felt they deserve their own individual Spotlight. So without further ado:
Avo Uvezian is a cosmopolitan who began his career as a musician and went on to become a composer, cigar aficionado and even a creator of fine cigars. Avo, who lent his name to AVO Cigars, has nurtured all these talents in his quest for perfection.
In 1982, while seeking a suitable manufacturer, Avo made the acquaintance of master cigar maker Hendrik Kelner in the Dominican Republic and a harmonious relationship developed between them. The first AVO cigars went on sale in New York in 1988. Two passionate aficionados had come together and the outcome was predestined: “Cigars in Perfect Harmony”.
Avo Uvezian
Avo was soon receiving as many compliments for them as for his melodies. Hendrik Kelner and Avo Uvezian started off with 100,000 cigars in the first year. Within ten years, sales rose to over three million cigars per year.
“Success in perfect harmony” – with both his first career in music and with his cigars, Avo Uvezian has devoted himself to perfect harmony and unrivalled quality.
In both music and the creation of cigars, passion is the driving force that spurs him to find perfect harmony (Source: avo.com)
AVO – named after world-renowned jazz musician Avo Uvezian, Avo cigars are generally mild – medium in flavor and strength but full of perfect construction and consistency. The Domaine is one of the most unique tasting cigars on the market.
- AVO 787 – blended to recreate the AVO 22 LE, the 787 features a Connecticut-seed Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper and is available in 4 sizes, including a perfecto in the same size as the original 22.
AVO 787
- AVO Classic – AVO’s 1st line, introduced in 1987, the Classic features a Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper in 8 sizes.
AVO Classic
- AVO Lounge Edition – available on at AVO lounges, this rare cigar is available in 2 sizes made with an Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper.
AVO Lounge Edition
- AVO Maduro – this line, debuted in 2000, features the same blend as the Classic, but with a dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper available in 6 sizes.
AVO Maduro
- AVO Signature – blended to mimic the 75 LE, these cigars feature an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper in 5 sizes.
AVO Signature
- AVO XO – stronger than the classics, the XO featured another Ecuadorian Connecticut Seed wrapper and comes in 7 sizes.
AVO XO
- Domaine AVO – this wonderful cigar is available in 7 sizes with a Ecuadorian wrapper. It debuted to celebrate 10 years in the industry. This is one of the more unique blends on the market.
Domaine AVO
AVO Limited Editions – worth a separate category of their own, the LEs have spawned the Signature and 787 lines as well as the best cigar I have ever tasted, the AVO LE5. All LEs below feature Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrappers.
- 22 (2002) – my second favorite AVO LE. This blend was popular enough to become the AVO 787. This cigar was a perfecto shape available in a thinner European size or a slightly chunkier Domestic size.
AVO 22
- 75 (2001) – this was the first AVO LE. This blend became so popular it was made into the AVO Signature line. It was released in a 7 x 50 Double Corona size.
AVO 75th Anniversary
- 77 (2003) – this Toro is the only AVO LE I didn’t smoke. If you have one, feel free to send it my way.
AVO 77
- 80th Anniversary (2006) – more AVO 80s were produced than any other AVO LE. It was a medium-full bodied chunky torpedo that tasted a lot like the Paul Garmirian 15th Anniversary.
AVO 80th Anniversary
- Compañero (2009) - this is the new LE for 2009. It will be a Toro at 6″ x 50.
AVO Companero
- LE5 (2005) – the best cigar I have ever smoked. This complex robusto clearly was the best of all the LEs.
AVO LE5
- LE7 (2007) – this slimmer cigar was a bit of a disappointment. I put aside a few to age.
AVO LE7
- Legacy (2004) – this cigar was a bit underrated. These torpedoes have aged very well.
AVO Legacy
- Tesoro (2008) – “treasure” in Spanish, this treasure of a cigar featured a band at the foot and have been getting better with age.
AVO Tesoro
Here’s to hopefully many more, Avo!
Some of the prettiest and best tasting cigars ever made.
On the expensive side, but so nice.
- Zman
Love the Manufacturer Spotlight! It’s great to see the whole lineup like this, even if it makes me feel like a wino window shopping on Rodeo Drive. (Another hit of this Mogen David and I’ll be fine.) Thanks for the work you put in on these!