AVO Expressions returns, this time partnering up with hip-hop pioneer DJ D-Nice. Now while I get AVO has always has music ties because of the history of Avo Uvezian this one seems to be a stretch and desperate attempt to make the brand seem relevant again. Sadly, since the passing of AVO the brand is best known for creative packaging and rebranding existing cigars with a different name under the disguise of a limited edition.
Each cigar has an MSRP of $18 and production is limited to 6,900 boxes of 15 cigars. The AVO Expressions Limited Edition 2024 is limited to 6,900 boxes of 15 cigars across the global market.
Cigar Review: AVO Expressions LE 2024
Size: 6.5 x 50 (Toro)
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut
Binder: Mexico San Andres
Fillers: Dominican Republic, USA (Pennsylvania)
Factory: O.K. Cigars
Release Date: April 2024
Box Count: 15
Production Size: 6900 boxes
The Cigar: The AVO Expressions LE 2024 has a primary band with colors of black, red, white and tan with the classic AVO logo and the words limited edition on the side. A secondary denotes Expressions with a record player in the background. The cigar has that premium look about it that Davidoff the parent company has created. The cigar features a pigtail cap pressed into the head of the cigar with a very veiny wrapper. In the hand the cigar has an average weight to it with no soft spots.
The Taste: The cold draw of the AVO Expressions is very Davidoffesque. By this we mean there are notes of barnyard, earth, and a subtle umami. The foot of the cigar adds to the barnyard elements with notes of hay, manure and cedar. Before the cigar is lit there is that classic feel you would expect from the Switzerland based company.
As we smoke the first third there is one word to describe the cigar; mild. There are notes of earth, cedar, and a subtle caramel that give the cigar a medium flavor profile but the perceived strength is a 1-2 on a scale of 10. As a stronger cigar smoker I find myself actually enjoying this on a spring morning on my day off. The retrohale has zero spice or heat to it and it adds a touch of vanilla to the mix.
In the second third the cigar remains the same until around the halfway point when a definitive vanilla bean begins to emerge. At the same time the cigar develops a buttery richness similar to split top fresh baked bread. The earthy components remain but slide into the background though they linger on a slight bitter finish. The retrohale adds a touch of cracked peppercorns that brings the perceived strength up to a 2-3 at best.
The last third is predominantly earthy with subtle notes of licorice and caramel. As the cigar comes a close dome chocolate notes emerge but it’s too late in the cigar to be enjoyed. The finish is a mixture of leather and wood while the retrohale has a touch of toffee added to the finish and an abundance of wood notes.
Conclusion: The difference between this cigar and a typical Davidoff cigar is price. It’s a very mild cigar much like Davidoff with an enjoyable early morning profile. It lacks a wow factory but there is nothing that stands out as disappointing. I would assume a strong cigar smoker wouldn’t venture over to this release. AVO cigars smokers know what they are in for and the AVO Expressions LE 2024 is exactly what they expect.
Score: 88
Price: $18.00 (Before any local or state taxes)
