Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata Toro Review

Avo Uvezian, the talented jazz pianist and cigar blender, utilized the services of Davidoff’s Davidoff’s Hendrik Kelner to create a cigar of his own. As the years went on, more blends and brands were created for the virtuoso with many becoming classic hits. I was fortunate to see the man as he was promoting his cigars and love of music, even well into his nineties. Known for his white suit and hat, Avo was a gentleman and a true lover of the leaf. Sadly we lost the man in 2017 at the aged of 91. His love and legacy continues through Davidoff in cigars that honor the man’s spirit and passion for a fine smoke.

The Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata which is Spanish for “Campfire” is another example of the style the man had in his life captured in a cigar. I was fortunate enough to smoke his Toro and quite pleased. Enjoy!

Blend Specifics

• Cigar Reviewed: Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata Special Toro
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
• Binder: Mexican Negro San Andrea
• Filler: Nicaraguan/Dominican
• Size: Toro (6 x 54)

Here is some additional background from the Avo website:

Inspired by the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Avo Uvezian, our Master Blender has ventured to the untamed heart of Central America. Capturing sweet and spicy flavors from the rich, volcanic soil of Nicaragua and blending them with the soft, creamy notes of the finest Dominican leaves. Resulting in a smooth and balanced box-pressed cigar with unexpected depth and complexity.

As the first in our Syncro Series, AVO Nicaragua is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. One that begins on the remote island of Ometepe; a unique landscape where a rare and exceptional tobacco is grown. Known for its wild character and peppery notes, we carefully fuse this tobacco with earthy flavors from our estate in the Dominican Republic. The composition is an experience that is perfectly in sync with the moments worth sharing.

Appearance and Construction

The band has the classic “AV” noting his initials on top of each other with a white and orange backdrop. The word “Nicaragua” is featured on the band in orange and a secondary band with “Fogata” on it. There are no soft spots and the cigar feels packed just right. The wrapper is dark and smooth with minimal veins. As usual with a Davidoff product, the construct is spot on.

Flavor and Smoke Characteristics

The Avo Fogata begins a bit dry up front with some leather on the back end. Some spice develops with sweet cedar from the binder. As it builds some earth and graham cracker comes through along with sandalwood. The Fogata at this point sits in the medium range and the development seems subtle. Pencil lead and sweet cream balance out the start of the cigar.

Midway, the spice continues to build as well as earthiness on the finish. The burn is slow and with that a creamy texture envelopes the palate and lingers on for a while. Some almond is detected with a distinct pine nut flavor as it continues. A strong earthy finish hits you as the cigar builds up in strength and flavor. The Fogata is at the medium to full bodied range at this point.

The final third delivers lots of fresh earth and forest floor and the strength has pleasingly increased. The burn line and ash have been excellent which demonstrates once again the quality of Kelner’s work at Davidoff. Sweet cedar balanced by rich tobacco flavor makes you wish this was the beginning of this smoke and not the end. The sweet wood and tobacco is left to linger on the palate until its finish. A fun cigar to smoke.

Conclusion

Sadly Avo is no longer with us to personally continue his creativity and vision in cigar and his music. Thus far it is apparent that Davidoff is respectfully committed to honoring the man by what they are producing. The Avo Nicaragua Fogata Special Toro delivers a medium to full bodied experience dominated by sweet cedar, earth and some rich tobacco. I would recommend this Fogata to the smoker who appreciates nuances in their cigars and a quality premium smoke.