The AVO LE 19 is the seventh installment of the Improvisation Series. According to Davidoff, Avo Uvezian broke conventions as the first cigar manufacturer to produce an annual Limited Edition. In honor of his legacy they decided to “break the mold” with this release. As a result the cigars are packaged in boxes inspired by the box pressed cigar molds used to shape them. The cigar is limited to just 2,500 boxes in the US Market and is blended by Master Blender Eladio Diaz and Henke Kelner.
Cigar Review: AVO Improvisation Series Limited Edition 2019
Wrapper: Ecuador
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic, Peru
Length: 6″
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Toro
The Look: As alluded to in the introduction the cigars come packaged in a box that is similar to the cigar molds used to make a box pressed stick. Featuring two rows of ten cigars, each stick sits in its own compartment much like in a mold. The dark chestnut colored wrapper sits underneath two bands of black, bronze and white. The first one is the classic AVO logo, and a secondary band denotes 2019 in an interesting lockup design. The wrapper has a subtle brindle effect with almost no visible veins and a nice oily sheen. In the hand the cigar is firm with no soft spots and a well packed foot.
The Notes: The cold draw of the AVO Improvisation Limited Edition 2019 serves up exactly what you would come to expect from a cigar blended by Henke Kelner. With notes of earth, cedar and barnyard components it is classic AVO and classic Kelner. However, there is just a subtle amount of spice present that gives it an updated feel as well. The aroma off the foot serves up similar notes of cedar, wheat, and hay.
Once we light up the cigar there is an initial note of earth that is quickly joined by components of wheat and hay. Progressing through the first third the cigar is joined but a subtle cream and cedar. The retrohale offers a subtle pepper note that grows in intensity as the cigar progresses. While the details of the blend haven’t been announced, the long dry finish of the LE 2019 is reminiscent of a cigar that has San Vicente tobacco.
The second third sees the cream notes become more prevalent but the dominant notes remain earth and hay giving this AVO a classic feel to it. The aroma of the cigar has a maple like nose with some cedar on the palate. The finish is long and dry which caused me to reach for a club soda before we head to the finish of this box pressed stick.
The last third sees notes of white pepper kick it up on both the aroma and retrohale. It tingles the nostrils between puffs, and awakens them when you exhale through the nose. The main profile continues to be earthy with hints of cream.
The Finish: This is classic Avo with a modern twist. The core perceived flavors are in tune with the name AVO and there is the addition of white pepper notes that give it a feel of something new. Add to the this box press appearance and you have a cigar that will go down as one of his greatest hits.
Score: 94
Price: $15.19 / $269.99
