Avo Syncro — Heritage & History

Avo Syncro began as a bold experiment within the Davidoff family, a deliberate departure from the house's European restraint. Launched in 2015 under the guidance of Hendrik 'Henk' Kelner, the blendmaster at Davidoff's Santiago facility in the Dominican Republic, Syncro was conceived as a bridge between Old World structure and New World vigor. The name itself—'syncro'—signals the intent: a synchronized marriage of tobaccos from different hemispheres. The line's first release, the Syncro Nicaragua, paired a Nicaraguan Jalapa Valley Habano wrapper with Dominican binders and fillers, a formula that challenged the notion that Nicaraguan leaf must dominate. The subsequent South America line, with its Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper, pushed further, exploring the sweet, earthy depths of Mata Fina tobacco. Produced across Davidoff's Tabadom and Oettinger-Imex factories, Syncro has become a study in controlled intensity, a counterpoint to the brand's more restrained classic offerings.

Blending Philosophy

Avo Syncro's blending approach is defined by a 'syncronization' of disparate tobacco origins, not a simple stacking of strong leaves. The Nicaragua line, for instance, uses a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper from Jalapa Valley—known for its sweetness—over a Dominican binder and filler, creating a medium-full profile where the wrapper's pepper is tempered by the filler's creaminess. The South America line flips the script, using a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper (a leaf with a distinct, dark cocoa earthiness) over a Dominican core, yielding a medium smoke with a different kind of depth. Construction is meticulous, with each vitola rolled to a precise draw that allows the blend to evolve in thirds. The result is a range that is less about power and more about the interplay of terroir—a deliberate, intellectual approach to blending that rewards attention.

Flavor Profile

Across the Syncro range, smokers can expect a core of cedar and leather, with a white pepper note that emerges on the retrohale. The Nicaragua line, in its medium-full vitolas like the Belicoso and Torpedo, adds dark cocoa and a hint of dried fruit, with the Jalapa wrapper contributing a subtle sweetness that lingers on the finish. The South America line, particularly the Fogata and Robusto, shifts toward a deeper, earthier profile, where the Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper imparts notes of dark chocolate and a slight, pleasant bitterness, balanced by a creamy undertone. The medium-strength vitolas, such as the Nicaragua Corona and South America Ritmo, are more approachable, with the pepper softened and the cedar more pronounced. Overall, the range offers a consistent thread of wood and spice, varying in intensity and sweetness depending on the line and size.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Avo Syncro Nicaragua Corona is the ideal entry point. At medium strength and a price point between $14 and $18, it offers a manageable introduction to the brand's character. Expect flavors of cedar, a gentle white pepper, and a hint of dried fruit, with a smooth, creamy finish. The Corona format smokes for about 45 minutes to an hour, providing a satisfying session without overwhelming the palate.

Avo Syncro Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Avo Syncro cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Avo Syncro cigars made?

Avo Syncro cigars are made in the Dominican Republic, specifically at Davidoff's facilities in Santiago. Production occurs across several factories, including Tabadom, the Oettinger-Imex factory, and General Cigar's La Canela factory, all located in the Santiago region.

What is Avo Syncro known for?

Avo Syncro is known for its innovative blending of tobaccos from different regions, particularly the use of Nicaraguan Jalapa Valley Habano in the Nicaragua line and Brazilian Arapiraca in the South America line. It is a deliberate departure from Davidoff's classic European style, offering a more robust, New World character while maintaining the brand's construction standards.

Are Avo Syncro cigars strong?

Avo Syncro cigars range from medium to medium-full in strength. The Nicaragua line's Belicoso, Robusto, and Torpedo are medium-full, while the Churchill and Corona are medium. The South America line is mostly medium, with the Fogata being medium-full. None are overpowering, but they do offer a noticeable nicotine presence.

What is the best Avo Syncro cigar for beginners?

The Avo Syncro Nicaragua Corona is the best choice for beginners. It is medium in strength, priced at $14–$18, and offers a balanced profile of cedar, white pepper, and dried fruit. Its smaller format ensures a shorter smoking time, making it an accessible introduction to the brand.

How much do Avo Syncro cigars cost?

Avo Syncro cigars range from $14 to $24 per cigar, depending on the line and vitola. The Nicaragua Corona and Lonsdale are at the lower end ($14–$18), while the Nicaragua Churchill and South America Churchill and Fogata are at the higher end ($18–$24).

What wrapper does Avo Syncro use?

Avo Syncro uses a variety of wrappers depending on the line. The Nicaragua line features an Ecuadorian Habano or Nicaraguan Habano from the Jalapa Valley. The South America line uses an Ecuadorian Sun Grown, Brazilian Arapiraca, or Ecuadorian Connecticut (South American shade-grown) wrapper.

Are Avo Syncro cigars Cuban?

No, Avo Syncro cigars are not Cuban. They are made in the Dominican Republic, in Santiago, at Davidoff's facilities (including Tabadom and the Oettinger-Imex factory) and General Cigar's La Canela factory. They use tobaccos from Nicaragua, Brazil, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, not Cuba.

Where can I buy Avo Syncro cigars?

Avo Syncro cigars are available at premium cigar retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online. Given their price point, they are typically found in well-stocked tobacconists or through authorized online dealers. It is advisable to purchase from reputable sources to ensure authenticity and proper storage.