nextCIGAR Review: AVO Syncro Nicaragua Toro

AVO SYNCRO NICARAGUA TORO

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Nicaragua (Ometepe) | Dominican (Piloto Cubano, San Vicente, & hybrid Olor/Piloto) | Peruvian (Olancho)

Factory: Oettinger Kelner Cigars (Dominican Republic)

Production: Regular Production

Vitola: 6″ × 54 Toro (Box-Pressed)

Release Date: Aug. 24, 2015

AVO has always showcased a nice balance in the Davidoff umbrella, being made at Davidoff’s OK Cigars factory in the Dominican Republic; the cigars often feature more delicate and refined profiles, while retaining a moderately affordable price range. The intriguing aspect of this cigar, though, is the Nicaraguan tobaccos — giving the impression the cigar will feature bigger, bolder flavours than AVO’s usual endeavours.

Syncro Nicaragua Toro is a nice-looking cigar, it’s sophisticated with a luxurious, clean-cut band and the soft box-press feels sturdy in the hand. There are also a good set of other vitolas used, ranging from a short robusto (4×52), up to a hefty gordo size (6×60). As with all AVO cigars (currently), the wrapper is Ecuadorian, this time being of Connecticut seed, having a medium brown, Colorado Claro hue. I was very impressed with the construction, having invisible seams, very tight veins, and a dense, solid roll. Also of interest was the near-flat cap, similar to what you’ll find on many Cuban cigars.

SMOKING EXPERIENCE

AVO Syncro Toro has the look of luxury, and a closer examination shows pleasant aromas of dry wood, sourdough, and a petting zoo-like leather. With a cut, the pre-draw is medium resistance, with subtle notes of mineral and cedar. After lighting, the first notes are very Dominican, with a tangy, funky quality, soon followed by caramel and smooth coffee. The texture is very pleasant, having a smooth and delicate feel, making for an enjoyably effortless exhale.

At this point, the flavours are fun, but certainly nothing new or noteworthy. “Why is this called Nicaragua?” I found myself asking — which seemed to make itself known mere moments later! A restrained spice enters the mix around the half-inch mark. Of course, it’s not overpowering or in-your-face, just a nice kick of spice, coupled with a little saltiness on the palate. The profile is refined, with a nice creaminess of salted butter and sweet cream to go along with the newly formed punctuations of Nicaraguan zest.

Moving into the two-thirds mark, the cigar seems to settle into a comfortable base of coffee and cream. And while the flavours are less dynamic, the body is still developing — now feeling more full and complex. This lasted a good chunk of the cigar, but eventually additional flavours again emerged — showing notes of toffee, black licorice, peppermint, and root beer candy. The black licorice later moves into a cold anise and nicotine strength in the retro, which is something I don’t usually find on a Dominican cigar (hello Nicaragua!).

WOULD I SMOKE THIS CIGAR AGAIN?

No doubt about it! I have to admit, I hadn’t paid much attention to the AVO brand until some of the more recent updates last year (2017). But if Syncro is a sign of what’s to come, I think I’ll be coming back, not only for this cigar, but to revisit the entire line. The new AVO line reflects a similar reduction we saw with Camacho, bringing the core lineup down to a solid 4 cigars (5 including the new Syncro). I feel this makes the whole brand more approachable, with Syncro Nicaragua leading the way.

FINAL THOUGHTS

AVO Syncro Nicaragua Toro does exactly as advertised, "syncing" Davidoff's skill in blending Dominican tobaccos with enough Nicaraguan edge to keep you interested throughout. After smoking the cigar, I am honestly shocked of its affordable price point. There are loads of complexities and refined flavours throughout. This is definitely not a Nicaraguan cigar in character, which might be confusing, considering its name. But when you understand the concept and what they're going after, I think it's easy to appreciate what AVO has accomplished with their first commitment to the power of Nicaraguan tobacco.