Cigar Review: AVO Improvisation 2022 Maduro

This pinnacle in the series marks the tenth and final release. Inspired by AVO Uvezian’s dynamic and diverse legacy, two distinct, complex blends stand together in perfect harmony. The closing improvisation is the tenth release in the line made to celebrate the legacy and lifestyle of Avo Uvezian. For a man so dynamic, a legacy so diverse and a figure capable of transforming any space, the closing Improvisation utilizes two blends, white and black, to perfectly harmonize with every occasion. Each blend composed of a variety of tobaccos from diverse regions, expertly aged to provide the sophistication and symphony of flavors.

Today we take a look at the black, while later this week we will look at the white.

Cigar Review: AVO Improvisation 2022
Wrapper: Ecuador Maduro
Binder: Mexico
Filler: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
Length: 5.5″
Ring Gauge: 55
Size: Robusto Grande

The Look: The AVO Improvisation 2022 comes in boxes of 22 cigars laid out in two rows of 11 cigars. The cigars alternate between Shade and Maduro creating the appearance of piano keys. Each cigar features a dual band of black and gold with the primary showcasing the AVO logo. The secondary band uses the same colors denoting 2022. The maduro version features a gorgeous oily wrapper with minimal veins. In the hand the cigar is firm with no soft spots although it feels a little bit light in the hand.

The Notes: The cold draw of the Maduro serves up notes of chocolate graham cracker in the background while cedar notes are dominant. The cedar notes are slightly more intense on nose from the foot. Once the cigar is lit a quick hit of leather hits the palate as we get into the first third.

As we take our journey into the final release of the AVO Improvisation 2022 the leather notes pull back some as hints of honey develop with an abundance of coffee, especially on the finish. The cigar is very smooth and rich, and at the early stages I find this standing out from prior releases. The retrohale sees a slightly floral component with some oak as well. The finish is extended with the retrohale where it becomes fairly lengthy.

Moving into the second third notes of coffee remain dominant along with elements of earth and cedar. The retrohale sees nuts, pepper and continued leather. All of which come together creating a rich and balanced cigar. The finish of the cigar is long and tasty at this point and very enjoyable.

The final third sees hints of dark chocolate emerge while coffee remains dominant. There are some hints of oak, earth and leather as well while the finish has dried fruit aspect to it. The retrohale sees some pepper notes with a continued earth and leather.

The Finish: Many artists overstay their welcome and their farewell tour comes too late, but that isn’t the case with the AVO Improvisation. The Maduro version of the 2022 might be the best the AVO to date, period. It’s a cigar I would like to see become a regular release in the line. It’s rich, flavorful and balanced that has me wanting to smoke another one. For those that like to pair their cigars with an adult beverage I would recommend Ron Zaccapa XO, those the regular Zaccapa would pair nicely as well.

Score: 94
Price: $316.99 (Box of 22)