Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata – Cigar Review

After the launch of their wildly popular Syncro Nicaragua, Avo Cigars is at it again. Instead of the box pressed format it’s older brother received, the Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata takes on a different shape and a bolder blend. This marks the newest blend by the company, and today I’ll be taking a look at the short torpedo vitola.

What am I smoking?
Cigar Review: Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory:
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Mexican San Andreas
Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan
Length: 4.5 Inches
Ring Gauge: 52
Vitola: Short Torpedo

Packaging & Design
Now, as you may have noticed from an earlier review, I’m a huge fan of the design for the Avo line of cigars. For the Fogata, the box follows the same attractive geometric patterns, but uses different colors to set itself apart from the others. Hues of orange, yellow and red cover the top of the box and carries over to the bands on the cigars. Now, instead of one primary band there are now two, the secondary designating FOGATA in silver print on a thinner orange band.

First Impressions
The cigar itself is interesting in its appearance. I’m not particularly used to seeing a stubby torpedo (the smallest size in the line), so this is something new for me. The taper of its shape starts right at the top of the primary band, which is about 1/4 of the cigars total length. The wrapper has a slightly oily and sandy texture to it that shows minimal veins and seems. Construction is even throughout, and showcases nuances of pepper and cocoa from the foot. Those tastes carry over into the prelight draw as well.

The Smoke
The Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata starts off with a quick burst of black pepper that fades into a crisp cedar. Along with that, sensations of spice are prevalent through the nose that leave a strong citrus note behind it. The draw is of normal resistance and the burn is solid entering into the second third.

Halfway through and the new Syncro is starting to pick up some power. Richer notes of leather and ground espresso start to take hold while the taste of cayenne pepper keeps the smoke lively. The burn is still straight and even, making for an attention-free 20 minutes at this point.

Finishing up on the Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata, and it has remained fairly consistent and enjoyable since the end of the second third. One slight nuance I was able to pick up here reminded me of the thin brown skin surrounding a peanut after its cracked out of its shell. Took me a bit to figure that one out. Behind that are hints of figs and remnants of dry earth.

Final Thoughts
Im sure many of you have been wondering how the Fogata compares to the original Avo Syncro. Now, these are two different cigars, each offering two different experiences: The Fogata had a more “wild” and punchy bouquet of tasting notes, whereas its predecessor had smoother feel and more “tame” profile. In terms of balance, I feel the original Syncro had a slight advantage due to its less powerful blend that was able to show more complexities in the smoke. As I mentioned, each cigar is unique and both are worth the time to enjoy, especially if you’re an Avo fan like myself.

Rating: 90