JC Newman

August 20, 2022

AVO Improvisation 2022 White (5 1/2 x 55 Robusto Extra)





Video review HERE.


(Description taken from Cigar-coop.com website)

AVO Cigars has announced it is bringing the AVO Improvisation Series to a close with the release of the AVO Improvisation 2022 – aka The Final Improvisation. This year’s release will be different in that it will feature two blends packaged together for the first time. It is scheduled to be released in time for the late brand founder Avo Uvezian’s birthday on March 22.

Since 2001, AVO Cigars has released a limited edition cigar to coincide with Uvezian’s birthday. In 2015, the company changed the direction of the annual limited edition cigar, putting the annual releases under the AVO Improvisation Series. These were not just limited cigar brands, but drew inspiration from other things ranging from other AVO blends to specific tobaccos to cigar molds, to music. This is the tenth Improvisation-themed release.

The two blends were inspired by the layout of the white and black keys of the piano.

The Improvisation 2022 White features an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper with binder and filler from the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, the Improvisation 2022 Black also features an Ecuadorian wrapper, but contains binder from Mexico and filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic. Both the Improvisation 2022 White and Black lines come in one size – a 5 1/2 x55 Robusto Extra, which is the same size as the AVO LE10. The cigars are packaged in 22-count boxes, consisting of 11 cigars of each blend. The cigars are arranged in alternating fashion to represent the layout of piano keys. A total of 1,500 boxes is being allocated for the United States. Pricing is set at $16.00 per cigar.

“The AVO Improvisation 2022 packaging memorializes both the luxury and musical inspiration of the AVO Lines. The box utilizes black and gold color themes to reflect the two most commonly observed colors in a symphony. Additionally we see the contrasting nature of these two blends reflected to the surface with this box design,” says Edward Simon, Chief Marketing Officer at Oettinger Davidoff. The ‘Closing Improvisation’ showcases two distinct yet complimentary blends to pair with various occasions, times of the day, and flavor and intensity preferences of the aficionado.”


AVO Improvisation 2022 White

Wrapper: Ecuadorian

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Factory: O.K. Cigars

Robusto Extra: 5 1/2 x 55


The cigar is golden brown and has a nice feel in the hand.




The test draw after cutting the cap was good with a touch of firmness. The initial flavors at light up were apricot, citrus peel, brown sugar, and earthy black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 to 7 1/2. Pretty good start.



At the first third (22 minutes) the cigar is burning very evenly and has a nice looking ash. The flavor notes are the same but now there is more apricot, less citrus peel, more brown sugar in the form of a syrupy brown sugar, and quite a bit of earthy black coffee. The black pepper is still good. The finish is apricot, citrus peel, and light black coffee with good lingering black pepper. I'd say the cigar is medium bodied at this point. The cigar improved from the light up. I rated the first third 94.




As I moved through the second third (46 minutes) the cigar changed. There are only hints of apricot and brown sugar, the citrus peel is very light, light leather, and earthy black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is leather, light black coffee, and light apricot with good lingering black pepper. The sweet notes are suffering. I rated the second third 89.




The cigar lasted 1 hour 5 minutes. The apricot and brown sugar notes came back a little. There is still light leather and quite a bit of earthy black coffee. The citrus peel is not much in play. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is hints of apricot and a lot of earthy black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar slightly improved. I rated the final third 90.




Overall Score: 91

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