Back in February, Davidoff Cigars announced a new Limited Edition AVO line of cigars called “Seasons”. The concept is that there will be four blends representing the four seasons of the year – Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each blend will be expressed in a (6 5/8 x 50) Diadema vitola and will carry an MSRP of $18.00. Each unique diadema captures the spirit of the respective time of year with its expertly blended tobaccos and aromas according to the company.
The first in the series, the AVO Seasons Spring LE23 was released in March of 2023. The second and the focus of today’s review is the AVO Seasons Summer LE23 which was released to stores on June 19th. I picked one up at my local brick and Mortar – Executive Cigar Shop and Lounge in Melbourne, FL.
Edward Simon, CMO at Oettinger Davidoff stated:
“This special release has been carefully created by our Master Blenders who have worked with tobaccos across multi-faceted origins to craft the perfect seasonal blends. Tobaccos from each cigar can be found from diverse growing regions such as Ecuador and the Dominican Republic, with tobacco aged for up to 14 years. We encourage our aficionados to enjoy each cigar while experiencing a moment unique to each season: walking through a garden in spring, watching the setting sun on a summer evening, feeling the air turn crisp as autumn leaves fall, and sitting by a crackling fire in winter.”
The AVO Seasons Spring LE23 blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuador Corojo
- Binder – Mexico
- Filler – Dominican Republic
All versions are packaged in 10-count boxes with 4,000 boxes allocated per blend with 1,500 boxes set for the USA.
Pre-Light Examination
The AVO Seasons Summer LE23 is a beautifully constructed figurado, sporting a medium brown, slightly oil wrapper. There is a bit of marbling in the wrapper and just few noticeable veins. The cigar is firmly packed from head to foot with no discernable soft spots.
Two Bands adorn the cigar.
Running the barrel along the nose, I noted the rich baking spice and cocoa notes. With it being a Diadema vitola there is little area on the foot to pick anything up, but I did like the aromas along the barrel.
I decided to cut the cigar much like I would a torpedo, using a straight cut at about 45 degrees. Once opened I gave it some cold draw puffs that greeted the palate with a natural tobacco sweetness, growing peppery spice, and a touch of earth.
Using my single flame torch, I ignited the tip of the cigar and drew in the first puffs of citrusy fruit notes to start the journey. Follow along as I burn this one to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Citrus fruit notes start the journey
- A light grey ash forms on top of a thick jagged burn line
- Cream notes enter, enveloping the early citrus fruit perfectly
- Ash fell reveling a flat but centered burn cone
- Gentle floral notes grace the palate
- A pleasant nutty aroma wafts off the foot
- Milk chocolate nuances add to the pleasurable profile
- Continued mild floral notes and cream notes maintain the profile midway through
- A hint of spice enters deep in the second third
- Slight off burn moving into the final third
- Strength increases as does the spice down to the final
- Medium in strength
- Total Smoking Time was 2 hours
Final Analysis
The AVO Seasons Summer LE23 embarks on an enchanting journey as citrus fruit notes burst forth with unparalleled vibrancy, infusing the senses with a burst of zesty delight. Gradually, creamy undertones interlace with the initial citrus fruit, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors that captivate the palate in an exquisite embrace. Further indulgence rewards the senses with gentle floral notes, bestowing a subtle elegance upon the tasting experience. Meanwhile, a delightful nutty aroma gracefully wafts from the foot, adding an enticing dimension to the ensemble. Sublime milk chocolate nuances weave their way into the already pleasurable profile, rendering an unparalleled combination of flavors that dance effortlessly on the taste buds. Amidst this symphony of taste, the profile maintains its brilliance midway through, with the floral notes continuing to assert their presence alongside the velvety creaminess that lingers on the tongue. Then, in a captivating twist, a hint of spice emerges deep within the second third, offering a tantalizing contrast to the preceding notes and further enriching the journey with its intriguing allure. I say grab a fiver of these. I rate this a 91.
Point Deductions: (-1) Jagged burn line; (-1) Slight Off burn in final; (-1) Flat but centered burn cone; (-1) Ash fell often
Bonus Points: (+1)Extremely well balanced in flavor and aromas
