Cigar Geeks - AVO LE 05 2017 (Lost Edition)

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

AVO LE 05 2017 (Lost Edition)
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Joe McDowell, aka MacMac (MacMac)

87
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Vendor sponsored Geek Critique. Up for review this time is the http://www.cigargeeks.com/cigardb/default.asp?action=showcig&cigar_id=191640">AVO LE 05 2017 (Lost Edition). This critique has been generously sponsored by Brian Andrew-Desind of https://privadacigarclub.com/" target="_blank">Privada Cigar Club. Special thanks goes out to Brian for providing the sticks and Todd (tuck0411) for coordinating this!

In 2014, AVO Cigars produced a limited-edition box called the AVO Greatest Hits Sampler. The 14-count sampler contained every AVO limited edition since 2001 with the exception of the AVO LE05 and one of the two AVO 22 releases because Master Blender Eladio Diaz was unable to replicate these to his standards for the box. A few years later Eladio created this batch of 4,000 cigars that was up to par with what he was looking for. These cigars were not released or banded, and they became the Avo LE 05 2017 (Lost Edition).

Don't forget to stop by and check out our friends at Privada Cigar Club: https://privadacigarclub.com/" target="_blank">Privada Cigar Club

AVO LE 05 2017 (Lost Edition)

Brand:: AVO
Name:: LE 05 2017 (Lost Edition)
Length:: 5.375
Ring Gauge:: 52
Country of Origin:: Dominican Republic
Filler:: Dominican Republic
Binder:: Dominican Republic
Wrapper:: Ecuador
Color:: Colorado Maduro
Strength:: Medium
Shape:: Robusto
Average Member Purchase Price:: $12.00
Average Member Rating:: (1 Review(s))
Notes:: https://privadacigarclub.com/product/avo-le-05-2017-lost-edition/ This was an unreleased test run of 4000 prior to what eventually was released as the stick mentioned here: https://cigar-coop.com/2018/09/cigar-news-avo-le05-returns-for-30th-anniversary.html

This cigar was enjoyed with Rob Roy

Pre-Light: 8 Points of 10 Possible

The Avo LE 05 2017 is a handsome cigar. The cigar's wrapper has a creamy milk chocolate color. The cap is dark brown. The barrel of the cigar is veiny but this does not detract from the cigar's appearance. An oily finish adds to the handsomeness of the AVO LE O5 2017. The cigar is firm from foot to cap. The cap was cut with a Colibri V-cutter. The cap held up nicely to the cut and allowed an open and easy pre-light draw through the cigar. There was no fraying or unraveling of the cap. The cut was clean. The barrel of the AVO LE has an earthy/woody aroma with a light floral hint. An air of barnyard emerges from the foot of the cigar.

Lighting and Burn: 14 Points of 15 Possible

The foot of the cigar was toasted using a single torch Xikar lighter. There was a pleasant aroma of roasted oats. The cigar lit nicely and produced an even burn. There is a robust, abundant, smooth smoke giving the cigar a medium body. The ash, mostly grey in color, was sturdy holding to an inch and a half in length. One relight was required just after the first ashing. The AVO has an even well-paced burn. One hour and ten minutes was the smoke time for the "Lost Edition."

Construction: 30 Points of 30 Possible

Construction of the AVO Lost Edition is impeccable. The seams of the wrapper are tight, the cap is constructed well, and though it is darker in color as compared to the wrapper the connection point between the cap and barrel are smooth and the seams are unnoticeable. The draw on the cigar is open and free. The pre-light draw reveals a mossy taste with a hint of licorice. The cigar's good construction is apparent. No flaws were noted at any time during the smoking of this cigar.

Flavor and Aroma: 35 Points of 45 Possible

Initially there was a smokey oak flavor with hints of leather and minerals. The finish was bready and the palette was left with a dry feel. The burn was even and paced well. The sturdy ash was mostly grey in color. A woody aroma was noted as the cigar rested on the ashtray.

As smoking progressed, the smoke was smooth and medium bodied. A re-light was required at the beginning of the second third. The ash was again sturdy and grey in color. Entering the second third of the smoke, there is a charred flavor with a hint of coffee and a leathery finish. Though the smoke was smooth, there was a bitterness noted as well as a dry feel on the tongue and palette.

Summary

The flavor progressed to an earthy flavor with a hint of minerals. The leathery hint remained in the flavor through most of the smoking of the cigar. The palette was left with a bready, dry, and slight harsh feel. The cigar finished with a musky and mossy earthiness.

Smoke production was good throughout the smoking of the cigar. The flavors were complex, but mostly in an earthy category. Throughout the smoking of the cigar, there was a bready dryness.