Avo XO — Heritage & History

Avo XO began as a musical tribute. In 2001, Avo Uvezian—the jazz pianist and cigar maker who founded Avo Cigars in the 1980s—collaborated with Henke Kelner, the master blender at Davidoff's Santiago factory in the Dominican Republic, to create a line named after the musical term 'XO' (meaning 'with orchestra'). The line was designed to mirror the structure of a symphony, with each vitola named after a musical movement—Allegro, Intermezzo, Maestoso, Notturno, Overture, Preludio, and Legato. Unlike many celebrity-branded cigars, Avo XO was built on a genuine partnership between Uvezian and Kelner, who had already crafted the original Avo line. The XO series debuted as a limited production, but its success led to a permanent place in the portfolio. Production has shifted over the years, with some vitolas rolled at the Davidoff/Kelner factory and others at General Cigar's La Canela facility in Santiago, reflecting the brand's evolution under different ownership. The XO Maestoso, a double corona, remains a benchmark for the line's ambition.

Blending Philosophy

Avo XO's blending approach is rooted in the idea of balance and restraint, much like a musical score. The cigars use a range of Connecticut-seed wrappers—Ecuadorian Connecticut, Connecticut Shade from the USA, and Dominican-grown Olor—each chosen for its mild, silky character. The filler and binder blends are built around Dominican tobaccos, often aged for several years, to create a smooth, approachable profile. Kelner's method favors lighter, aromatic tobaccos over heavy ligero, resulting in a mild-to-medium strength across the entire line. The XO Intermezzo and XO Overture, both robustos, showcase this approach with their creamy, nuanced smoke. Construction is meticulous, with an even burn and easy draw that allow the subtle flavors to unfold without harshness. The line's consistency across vitolas—from the petite belicoso to the double corona—speaks to a blending philosophy that prioritizes harmony over power.

Flavor Profile

Smokers consistently find a core of soft, sweet cedar and toasted bread across the Avo XO range, with a gentle white pepper note that lingers on the retrohale. The Ecuadorian Connecticut wrappers impart a creamy, almost buttery texture, while the Dominican fillers add hints of dried fruit—particularly apricot and raisin—and a subtle nuttiness. As the cigars progress, a light leather and faint dark cocoa emerge, especially in larger formats like the XO Maestoso and XO Double Robusto, which offer more depth and a slightly longer finish. The smaller vitolas, such as the XO Petite Belicoso and XO Preludio, are brighter and more floral, with a quicker transition to the pepper notes. Across the range, strength remains mild-to-medium, never overpowering, but the flavor intensity builds with size, making the toros and double coronas the most satisfying for those who want a longer, more layered experience.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the XO Petite Belicoso is an ideal entry point. At $12–$16, it's the most affordable in the line, and its 4.5-inch length keeps the smoking time to around 45 minutes—perfect for a first experience. Expect a gentle introduction of cedar and cream, with a touch of white pepper that never overwhelms. The mild-to-medium strength is forgiving, and the small ring gauge ensures the flavors stay focused and accessible.

Avo XO Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Avo XO cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • XO Allegro — Toro, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • XO Double Robusto — Double Robusto, Mild-Medium · $18–$24 per cigar
  • XO Intermezzo — Robusto, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • XO Legato — Toro, Mild-Medium · $18–$24 per cigar
  • XO Maestoso — Double Corona, Mild-Medium · $18–$24 per cigar
  • XO Notturno — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • XO Overture — Robusto, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • XO Petite Belicoso — Petite Belicoso, Mild-Medium · $12–$16 per cigar
  • XO Preludio — Robusto, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • XO Tubo No. 1 — Belicoso, Mild-Medium · $18–$24 per cigar
  • XO Tubo No. 2 — Torpedo, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar
  • XO Tubo No. 3 — Robusto, Mild-Medium · $14–$18 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Avo XO cigars made?

Avo XO cigars are made in the Dominican Republic, primarily in Santiago. Production has occurred at several factories over the years, including the Davidoff/Kelner factory (where Henke Kelner blends) and General Cigar's La Canela facility. Some vitolas have also been produced at the Davidoff/Oettinger-Imex factory. The exact factory for each current vitola can vary, so check the box for the specific production code.

What is Avo XO known for?

Avo XO is known for being a music-inspired line created by jazz pianist Avo Uvezian and master blender Henke Kelner. It's recognized for its mild-to-medium strength and its use of Connecticut-seed wrappers from multiple origins. The XO Maestoso and XO Intermezzo are often cited as benchmarks for smooth, balanced Dominican cigars.

Are Avo XO cigars strong?

No, Avo XO cigars are consistently mild-to-medium in strength. They are designed to be approachable and smooth, with no heavy nicotine kick. Even the larger vitolas like the XO Double Robusto and XO Maestoso stay within this range, focusing on flavor rather than strength.

What is the best Avo XO cigar for beginners?

The XO Petite Belicoso is the best choice for beginners due to its lower price point ($12–$16), shorter smoking time, and mild-to-medium strength. Its flavors of cedar and cream are easy to identify, and the smaller format makes it less intimidating than the larger toros or double coronas.

How much do Avo XO cigars cost?

Avo XO cigars range from $12 to $24 per cigar, depending on the vitola. The Petite Belicoso is the most affordable at $12–$16, while the Double Robusto, Legato, Maestoso, and Tubo No. 1 fall in the $18–$24 range. Most robustos and toros are priced between $14 and $18.

What wrapper does Avo XO use?

Avo XO uses a variety of Connecticut-seed wrappers, including Ecuadorian Connecticut, Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, Dominican Republic-grown Connecticut, Olor Dominicano (Connecticut Shade-grown), Dominican Olor (Connecticut Shade-grown), and Connecticut Shade from the USA's Connecticut River Valley. The specific wrapper varies by vitola, but all are chosen for their mild, silky character.

Are Avo XO cigars Cuban?

No, Avo XO cigars are not Cuban. They are made in the Dominican Republic, with production centered in Santiago. The brand was founded by Avo Uvezian, an Armenian-American, and is blended by Henke Kelner, who is known for his work with Davidoff. The cigars use Dominican and other non-Cuban tobaccos.

Where can I buy Avo XO cigars?

Avo XO 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 rather than mass-market outlets. Online retailers like Famous Smoke Shop, Cigars International, and Neptune Cigars often carry the full line. For the Tubo vitolas, check specialty shops that stock Davidoff and Avo products.