Review: Avo XO Trio Preludio

AVO Falls on a Flat Note

Normally AVO produces a rather exquisite cigar with a great woodsy flavor and quite enjoyable. I can’t say the AVO XO Trio Preludio ranks among the best that AVO can produce, however it’s not the worst either.
AVO is a relatively new line of cigars. The first to be introduced to the US was back in 1988 by the creator Avo Uvezian himself. He partnered with cigar producer Hendrick Kelner in the Dominican Republic, and successfully sold 100,000 cigars in the first year compared to 3 million in 2003. In the early 80’s after years of schooling classical piano at Julliard, Avo had opened a restaurant and piano bar in Puerto Rico. Avo is a jazz musician and composer, who tends to bring those passions into his cigars.
The Preludio burns relatively hot and quick being only that of a 40 ring gauge and 15cm long. The Connecticut Shade wrapper adds it’s distinct smoothness to the burn, however nothing really hit home for me on this one. For a fuller, more distinctive smoke, try the AVO XO Trio Intermezzo. It is interesting to know that all Avo cigars are hand rolled by the torcedores (cigar rollers), for the quality of construction really shows through. The Preludio is a perfect looking cigar, but the smoke still has room to grow.
Knowing some of the history behind Avo Uvezian, I’d be more apt to enjoy this smoke in the likes of a downtown jazz club where the music burns hotter than the cigar.

The XO Line