#nowsmoking: Avo XO Intermezzo

#nowsmoking Classic Edition: Avo XO Intermezzo Cigar Review

Avo XO Cigar Review – Intermezzo

Factory: Tabadom – Santiago, Dominican Republic 
Size: 5″ x 50 Robusto 
Strength: Medium 
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Shade 
Binder & Filler: Dominican Republic
MSRP: $11.40 (at press time) 

What’s the cigar’s back story?  

Avo XO cigars, and Avo Classic were the first two Avo blends made by Hendrik Kelner ca. 1988. Just in time for the Cigar Boom 90s, the Avo brand skyrocketed, taking Avo and Henke to newfound fame and they never looked back. Avo XO’s profile is spicier than the Classic for its use of more ligero and a special aging process that the fillers are subjected to. 

Rolled in an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper over a Dominican binder and fillers, XO has the admirable creaminess, balance, and rich taste—the core components found in all Avo cigars—that has made it one of the longest running success stories in the industry.   

Why is it a classic? 

The Avo XO Intermezzo is like a perfect storm of success. First of all, it’s been blended by Henke Kelner since time immemorial with the same perfectly cured and aged tobaccos. It‘s part of the Oettinger Davidoff family of premium cigars, and was a darling of the Cigar Boom 90s. Since then, it‘s never lost its prestige because, even though it may not have the intensity of today’s popular Nicaraguan-forward cigars, it consistently smokes like a dream.  

How well is the cigar made?  

Seamlessly. Perfectly packed from head to toe, even in its ochre color, and some visible vein patterns. The cap clipped-off in a perfect circle (I’ve never had an Avo that didn’t), offering an ideal draw with notes of nuts, cedar, and an herbal-like flavor.  

How does it smoke?  

The smoke is crisp and creamy-smooth with an excellent burn that results in fairly solid ashes that drop at about one nugget per inch. The flavors are well-balanced, and based on two sessions with the Intermezzo for this review, I picked up notes of raisin, herbs, cedar, nutmeg, and a little brown sugar. The cigar also emits a redolent, herbal-floral aroma, which is another nice trait of the XO selection.  

What is the cigar’s flavor profile?  

Medium-bodied with core flavors of cedar, almonds, salted raisins, and sweet spices on a semi-dry finish. Coincidentally and amazingly, Jared and I both came to the same conclusion in terms of what the Intermezzo reminded us of—trail mix—and we mean that as a high compliment. 

What drinks can I pair with it besides coffee?  

With the Avo XO Intermezzo, which does make a nice cool summer smoke, Jared recommends a Blue Moon ale, which I’ll second, and just about any of their selections will do. But for something a little stronger, check out the George Dickel Rye Jared paired in the video. Try it with a well-made Manhattan, too. 

(Find more cigar and drink pairing combinations here.) 

Who should smoke this cigar?  

Everybody—at least everybody who likes top-flight Dominican cigars in the medium-bodied realm. The XO Intermezzo may be a little upmarket for some newbs, but this cigar is so spot-on in balance and flavor, it could easily serve as an ideal “first cigar.”  

Should I buy this cigar? 

Definitely. Every cigar lover should have at least one seminal Avo cigar during their cigar smoking lifetime. The Avo XO Intermezzo is great for kicking back and letting it lull you into Avo Nirvana, or “Avovana” (which, of course, I made up).  This is a great break from bolder smokes, and could easily become an everyday affair. Speaking of which, the XO Intermezzo was Avo’s personal everyday favorite. (He actually told me so, in person, and that’s good enough for me.) 

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