Out of the Humidor: Avo Limited Edition 2010

Since 2001, with the launch of the AVO 75th Anniversary, Avo Uvezian has been producing an annual limited edition cigar to celebrate his birthday each March 22nd. These are among the most sought after cigars available due to their small production and unique characteristics. Each year, the cigar is one shape, one blend, and only presents one opportunity to buy. The release roster is impressive since its inception, as many of these cigars have become even more valuable due to their after-market demand. Following the successful AVO 75th, we’ve had the pleasure of enjoying the “AVO 22” in 2002, “AVO 77” in 2003, “AVO Legacy” in 2004, and “AVO LE-05” in 2005. In 2006, we celebrated Avo’s 80th birthday with the “AVO 80th Anniversary”, followed by the “AVO LE-07” in 2007, “AVO Tesoro in 2008 and “AVO Compañero in 2009.

This year, for his 84th birthday, the Avo LE-10 was launched at a cigar dinner at the Madison Avenue boutique, Davidoff of Geneva, who owns and manufacturers the Avo brand.

The “AVO Limited Edition 2010” is a Super-Robusto format, at five-and-a-half inches with a 55-ring gauge. It features a beautiful sun-grown wrapper from Ecuador, combined with Dominican Ligero filler tobaccos and a Sumatra binder from Mexico. It is full-bodied, though its strength is not aggressive, but rather ever-present. It envelops the palate with rich, complex smoke that is more velvety than creamy. It possesses a wonderful aroma, and maintains a welcomed cool smoke; an affect of the thicker ring gauge.

Though absolutely ready to smoke now, it will no doubt be a cigar that will withstand the test of time in a humidor and develop further in aging. The flavors that now seem so obvious and up-front will soften over time, which should leave you with a more subtle smoke, though still intense. Only 6,000 boxes of 10 cigars were made, the most limited production in recent years for an AVO special release. Each box sells for $155 plus applicable taxes and will not last long.

Avo Limited Edition 2010 Launch Dinner