Cigar Geeks - AVO LE 05 2017 (Lost Edition)

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

AVO LE 05 2017 (Lost Edition)
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: DRuff

79
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 Glenlivet 12 Single Malt Scotch

Pre-Light: 8 Points of 10 Possible

Slight sheen on the wrapper but not too much with a few veins down the length of the cigar. Nice Medium brown color, a bit darker than a walnut. Cap was perfect and cut well. Mild earthy/woody smell, not very pronounced.

Lighting and Burn: 13 Points of 15 Possible

Cigar lit well, nice even burn, no tunneling or flaking. Smoke volume is perfect. Ciagr had a medium grey ash that is holding on well. Burn rate is nice, not too fast and staying lit with no problems. No relights needed.

Construction: 28 Points of 30 Possible

Excellent draw, not too loose or tight, a pleasure to smoke. Wrapper is silky smooth and the cap is holding up well while smoking, no little pieces of tobacco in my mouth. Cigar roll is firm but not hard. Near perfect construction.

Flavor and Aroma: 30 Points of 45 Possible

First third is medium strength at the most, nice and smooth, with wood and earth flavors. Flavors are not overly pronounced but very pleasant. 2nd third is not changing at all, a bit uninteresting. Last third is the same. Nothing much going on here, just an average smoke with no real pizzazz.

Summary

A well constructed, attractive cigar with no real personality. I imagined it would be good with a cup of coffee on a Sunday morning, but did not stand up to a mild scotch like Glenlivet. No complexity to speak of. Burned perfect and was pleasant, but not in my wheelhouse. I have had quite a few medium strength cigars with way more flavor than this.

Thanks for letting me participate!