AVO LE05

[psyktek]

This may be my cigar "blind spot", but I've never smoked an AVO that would make me consider buying a box. But, things change....therefore this review. Apologies for not knowing the actual vitola name, but looks like a DC. George, are you listening?

Construction: solid, weighty for the size. Nice natural wrapper, even color, minimal veining. No soft spots.

Burn: even thru the entire length, right down to the nub. Slow, lasted over an hour. Solid, light gray ash; good length which, to me, also shows good construction.

Draw: firm, no sucked-in cheeks needed. Punched, not cut. Tons of smoke.

Flavor: complex, creamy and consistent. No bitterness, even at the end. Solid tobacco flavor, no bite. (an aside: I think bitterness is often the result of puffing too often)

Bouquet: pleasant, floral with hints of vanilla and spice. Nothing exotic. Aroma in the room nothing more than the scent of a really nice blend.

Finances allowing, would definitely consider a box of these. Haven't smoked the legendary 22 or 77 yet, but this stick raises AVO's rating in my book. Would give this smoke a 90+. Everything a good cigar should be.

 

[NorCalCigarLover]

Hmmmmm...... can't wait to try mine. Thanks psyktek!

 

[ree ree robusto]

Nice review. I've been waiting to smoke mine here soon. Maybe today will be the day? :whistling:

Ree

 

[ggiese]

I honestly don't know what vitola to call it - looks something like a Corona Gorda. It was supposed to be created "in the old style", whatever that means (too much of a newb to know for sure). Certainly a very pleasant smoke...

Thanks for the great review!!! And I'm very pleased to hear you enjoyed it - it seems to be pretty much universal... But, you better get these soon - everyone is running out quickly. My shop had 6 boxes last week, and they were down to a few sticks a few days ago. They tell me they are not getting anymore either...

 

[cigardawg]

I've been hearing it called a Grand Robusto (5 3/8 by 52). Assuming there are not more than one size. I've only seen the one myself.

 

[psyktek]

Edited my post to reflect the actual wrapper color/style. See what happens when you have 2 butts in the ashtray and no band on either one? :laugh: As to the vitola, I think it could have a number of designations: DC, Corona Gorda, Gran Robusto....?

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet...."

 

[ggiese]

I've been hearing it called a Grand Robusto (5 3/8 by 52). Assuming there are not more than one size. I've only seen the one myself.

[snapback]190622[/snapback]​

There is only one size - that's it!!! I believe that was intentional - "in the old style" is the war cry by the AVO factory on these...

 

[tone-ny]

Thanks to Grandpa George I was able to score some of these beauties. They are a fine cigar that with some age will make them a much sought after smoke!

 

[ree ree robusto]

They have the AVO LE 05 at the local cigar shop I work at. It is a natural though. We can't seem to move any. ???

ree

 

[cigardawg]

This may be my cigar "blind spot", but I've never smoked an AVO that would make me consider buying a box. But, things change....therefore this review. Apologies for not knowing the actual vitola name, but looks like a DC. George, are you listening?

Construction: solid, weighty for the size. Nice natural wrapper, even color, minimal veining. No soft spots.

Burn: even thru the entire length, right down to the nub. Slow, lasted over an hour. Solid, light gray ash; good length which, to me, also shows good construction.

Draw: firm, no sucked-in cheeks needed. Punched, not cut. Tons of smoke.

Flavor: complex, creamy and consistent. No bitterness, even at the end. Solid tobacco flavor, no bite. (an aside: I think bitterness is often the result of puffing too often)

Bouquet: pleasant, floral with hints of vanilla and spice. Nothing exotic. Aroma in the room nothing more than the scent of a really nice blend.

Finances allowing, would definitely consider a box of these. Haven't smoked the legendary 22 or 77 yet, but this stick raises AVO's rating in my book. Would give this smoke a 90+. Everything a good cigar should be.

[snapback]190613[/snapback]​

I had one of these last Friday while waiting for my truck to get fixed. Smoked it at Havana Connections in Richmond, VA.

This was a very appealing cigar. The presentation was great...no bands in the cabinet-style box. Very nice. The natural wrapper had some veins, but invisible seams. Honestly, it looked like a light colored HdM Epi No. 2 in appearance...very nice. The pre-light nose was of sweet tobacco and earth, with just a bit of sweet spice mixed in. The pre-light draw was open, just like I like it.

The cigar lit easily and the draw stayed open and easy. Each puff drew absolute mouthfuls of thick, incredibly rich (for an Avo, especially) smoke. The aroma was sweet mixed with good wood. The cigar burned dead even throughout the smoking experience. No touch-ups were needed and no catch-ups required. The cigar burned a little warm near the end, but I just slowed down a bit and it was fine. The ash was white and firm, staying on the cigar an inch to inch and a half at a time. Very well constructed cigar.

Now, most Avos have a good appearance and are well constructed. Henki Kelner knows about making cigars. However, other than the Avo 22, I've never had one that had enough of the flavors that I look for...until now. The LE5 just burst with flavor from the initial lighting. It started with a creamy-coffee flavor that was accented with alfalfa and some sweet wood. There were some spices that popped up after about a quarter of the cigar, maybe vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg...something slightly sweet. The creaminess stayed and there was never any harshness or bitterness to the cigar. Near the midpoint, it picked up a bit of strength and provided a bit of earthiness to the taste profile. The cigar ended with the creamy-coffee still intact, but with the earth intensified and the body to the full side of medium. Excellent cigar.

Not an Avo fan here. Other than the 22, never really smoked one I liked. I definitely liked this one. Overall, I rate this cigar an A . Can't wait to see if they age well.

 

[psyktek]

"The LE5 just burst with flavor from the initial lighting. It started with a creamy-coffee flavor that was accented with alfalfa and some sweet wood."




ALFALFA??!!??

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

OK, maybe you're more of a farm boy than it seems.

Nice review. :thumbs:

 

[cigardawg]

"The LE5 just burst with flavor from the initial lighting. It started with a creamy-coffee flavor that was accented with alfalfa and some sweet wood."




ALFALFA??!!??

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

OK, maybe you're more of a farm boy than it seems.

Nice review. :thumbs:

[snapback]190886[/snapback]​

Yep. Grew up in rural Texas across from a corn field. YeeHaw. :sign:

Seriously, the taste was not so much alfalfa (which would taste alot like grass, I suppose), but more how alfalfa smells. That really wonderful, sweet hay smell right after it has been cut. That's a better description of what I taste.

 

[ggiese]

They have the AVO LE 05 at the local cigar shop I work at. It is a natural though. We can't seem to move any. ???

ree

[snapback]190667[/snapback]​

How much you selling them for? MSRP of $12?

Our store was kinda slow at the start, then they started flying through the boxes... Maybe once they catch on...

Ree - if they are reasonable enough, I may be interested in picking up a 5er - please let me know!

 

[Savage112]

You guys are making my mouth water

 

[BkCloud114]

They have the AVO LE 05 at the local cigar shop I work at. It is a natural though. We can't seem to move any. ???

ree

[snapback]190667[/snapback]​

As George said.... how much for a 5er with shipping ??

 

[cigardawg]

Almost sounds like a second box split is in order. One going on now, would participate in a second is someone wanted to take the lead.

 

[ree ree robusto]

I come back to work after a week. (I work only on Sundays.) And, all the AVO LE 05's are gone. Hmmm...I guess I spoke too soon. I'll let you guys know when we are get more in. If we do. Sorry fella's.

Ree

 

[benjiev]

Smoked my LE'05 in the backyard with a couple of buddies last night with a good port and a nice little fire burning in the portable firepit. Loved the construction, flavor was outstanding I could put the cigar down. Creamy, great draw. Unfortunately never got the alfalfa overtones but I got the hints of vanilla.

Thanks George! We'll put that on the list for a possible box split I'll definately be buying some of these for the hummi......

 

[OutlawD]

They have the AVO LE 05 at the local cigar shop I work at. It is a natural though. We can't seem to move any. ???

ree

[snapback]190667[/snapback]​

the shop i work at got 2 shipments of 5 boxes..unheard of
avo limited 5 boxes per store...my boss has very good ties with avo and padron
he got the second shipment after long begging and pleading


on the subject of the cigar itself
dominican binder and filler with a "special" ecuadorian wrapper
speculation is that this is a isom wrapper

 

[ggiese]

Smoked my LE'05 in the backyard with a couple of buddies last night with a good port and a nice little fire burning in the portable firepit. Loved the construction, flavor was outstanding I could put the cigar down. Creamy, great draw. Unfortunately never got the alfalfa overtones but I got the hints of vanilla.

Thanks George! We'll put that on the list for a possible box split I'll definately be buying some of these for the hummi......

[snapback]191221[/snapback]​

Glad you enjoyed it I couldn't help but share this one with you guys!!!