I have never written a review before but sitting outside last night smoking this wonderful cigar I was inspired to try my hand.
The Avo Maduro #9 is a robusto sized cigar of 4 3/4 inches in length and a 48 ring gauge. The beautiful dark Maduro wrapper reminded me of dark chocolate. The pre-light aroma is delicious and I can't wait to get on with it.
Taking it oustide to the back deck the evening is warm, around 86, and almost perfectly still. Using my Xikar I effortlessly snip off about an 1/8th of an inch of the cap. The pre-light draw is perfect with just the right amount of resistance. The slight hint of maduro sweetness is noted as I take my torch lighter and begin to toast the foot. Upon completing the toasting the cigar lights readily and evenly with just a few puffs.
One of my favorite things about the Avo Maduros is the copious amounts of rich, creamy smoke they produce. This particular cigar did not fail to live up to this reputation. A small drag on the cigar fills my mouth with flavorful white smoke. Lightly exhaling sends the smoke drifting slowing skyward where it difuses through the overhanging branches of the pecan tree above. Life is GOOD.
While I do not yet have a refined pallate that can distinguish things such as coffee and spice and leather I do know a wonderful tasting cigar when I smoke one. This is definately one! I would call it a mild to medium strength cigar that smokes as smooth as the mildest cigar ever made.
One minor correction with the torch lighter after lighting and it burns razor straight. The first "ashing" takes place by lightly placing the cigar against the edge of the ashtray and the 2 inches of ash seperate from the cigar effortlessly. Another slight correction a few puffs later and again the burn returns to nice and even.
All too soon I've reached the band and it is time to lay the cigar down and head back inside. The smoke lasted me about 50 minutes. 50 minutes of relaxation listening to the cicadas, watching the sunset, and occasionaly stroking my dog Sally when she comes by for some attention. Couldn't ask for much more. People ask me sometimes why I smoke "those nasty things!" If they could experience what I just did I think they would understand.
I don't know how to "score" a review but the Avo Maduro #9 is a great cigar and I highly recommend it to lovers of maduros.
Joel
Warm Texas evening, comfy chair on the deck, 3 fingers of Wild Turkey, dog at my feet, and a good cigar. It doesn't get any better!