Following the successful rebranding of Camacho, Davidoff decided this was time to rebrand the Winston Churchill and Avo lines.
While not as a drastic as the Camacho rebranding the new Avo is much more subtle. The colors are lighter and brighter and the use of foil accentuates the new design making it more sleek and modern than before.
According to the 4 pack box that the Avo Classic No. 2 arrived in, “This inviting blend of balance and refined taste is composed using rare tobaccos which have been aged for 25 years. Smooth and creamy with notes of pepper”.
Cigar: Avo Classic
Size: 6 x 52 (Toro)
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Strength: Mild
Source: Avo/Davidoff
The Look: The last time I picked up an Avo Classic had to be around the year 2000 when I still had my own cigar shop in Brooklyn, New York. The wrapper at that time was probably a true Connecticut, and as a result the Avo looks darker than I remember it. The band of the cigar gives it a “fresh coat of paint” look with a flawless looking wrapper and roll. In the hand the cigar is firm to the touch with an above average weight and a slightly recessed foot that feels spongy.
The Notes: The cold draw of the cigar is like many smokes to come out of Davidoff. It’s what I call the Henke Kelner trademark of earthy barnyard notes. Grass and hay are front and center with a subtle creaminess in the background. The notes of the cigar is reversed with more cream than earth. With the cigar out of my mouth there is a peppery afterthought which creates a nice contrast.
The first third of the cigar has some earthy components with the first light, but the cigar quickly changes it a rich creamy flavor profile with a subtle sweetness.
In the second third of the Avo Classic is a note that reminds me of the kola nut. To be honest, I chose to smoke the cigar twice today once before lunch and once after lunch to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating. It’s a taste that I absolutely love and don’t ever recall getting it from an Avo cigar, but here we are back to back and bam! its right there in the same spot on both sticks. The cigar continues to creamy on the finish.
The last third of the Avo Classic continues to deliver the kola nut note, however the creamy component has been replaced with a slight pepper that fades on the short finish.
The Burn: The Avo Classic has the type of draw you would expect from Davidoff with a slight resistance which for me is summed up in one word, perfect. The burn line was super thin and the light-colored ash held strong for close to a third at a time with no flake what so ever. All in all, the cigar delivered above expectations.
The Finish: It really is a shame that I hadn’t smoked an Avo cigar outside the Limited Releases, in close to 15 years. However, I don’t know if it’s because the new bands have made the cigar feel younger, but I did realize that the Avo Classic is a cigar that should be a part of the regular rotation. Which should be easier now as the cigars supposedly are getting a price reduction. I know this, with the Avo Classic I did Savor Every Note.
Price: TBD
Score: 91
Avo Classic
Avo Classic Foot
Avo Classic Burn
