My Weekend Cigar Review: AVO Syncro Caribe

A Summer Cigar For Every Season

Released in the summer of 2017 AVO Syncro Caribe cigars were the fourth addition to the AVO Syncro series. Offered in three sizes, AVO Syncro Caribe—Spanish for Caribbean—pushes a Dominican-forward blend of Dominican wrapper with an Ecuadorian binder and filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

What makes the AVO Syncro series unique is that the cigars are made using what Davidoff calls “natural distribution.” At the time of the Syncro Caribe’s release, Lana Fraser, director of marketing and retail at Davidoff of Geneva USA explained it as follows:

“The AVO Syncro series is centered around the concept of tobacco synchronization,” said Ms. Fraser. “This is an incorporation of the diversity, complexity and compatibility of tobaccos selected from varying regions. With the newest addition of the AVO Syncro Caribe, we strive to deliver new frontiers in cigar experiences.” In other words, the ratios of the tobaccos chosen from each priming—viso, seco, and ligero—are matched in the blend for each cigar.

Cigar Details:

Factory: Oettinger-Kelner Cigars - Santiago, Dominican Republic
Size: 5” x 50
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Dominican Republic
Binder: Ecuador
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

Presented in boxes of 20

AVO Syncro Caribe Robusto Cigar Review

I’ve never had an AVO or any other Davidoff-made cigar that wasn’t exceptionally well-made and the Syncro Caribe Robusto was no exception: nice and firm throughout, seamless rolling, textbook triple seam cap, perfect draw. Even in color throughout, there were just a few very narrow veins, Once cut, the draw was very good and issued notes that were nutty with a strong hot cocoa flavor.

Sweet and creamy smoke opened the first act, which is standard for AVOs. Settling in by the first half inch, every draw was smooth and sweet with a citrusy tanginess; unfortunately, no cocoa. Once I got through the first inch, the cigar was medium in body as nuttier flavors arrived with a note of cedar riding shotgun.

Now well into the first section, the flavors were well-balanced and consistent. Then, as the cigar wound its way to the halfway mark, the requisite AVO opulence surfaced and never looked back. Likewise, the ash itself was amazing; light grey in color and pretty solid, it laid bare several sturdy cone-shaped ashes during both of my sessions.

Getting down to the nub, the flavors were slightly sharper; more earthiness erupted and the body felt stronger. Giving it some time to cool down the sweet, nutty, and tangy elements resurfaced. And instead of interfering with the mix, the earthiness just blended right in. Therefore, I couldn’t help thinking how well this cigar maintained its base flavors where many cigars would simply turn bitter.

Was Avo Syncro Caribe Weekend Worthy?

Truth be told, I’ve smoked a number of AVO Syncro Caribe Robustos and if there was ever a “Summer cigar,” this is it. The line was a Summer release and even the packaging is very summery with its silver, turquoise, and pink coral colors. Yet although it reminds me of smoking a good cigar on the beach with a perfectly-mixed mojito in hand, this Robusto tastes just as good during the other three seasons and I’ve never been disappointed.

What impresses me most about this Syncro Caribe is how it whips those sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors into a luscious tobacco smoothie. Plus, the blend pairs well with the aforementioned mojito, rum, beer, iced tea, and even espresso—it’s that versatile. And with today’s higher cigar prices, I’ll put this cigar up against any new cigar at the same price.

Please Note: Gary’s review was based on his experience and that your mileage may vary.