AshMap
Overview
The Avo XO Intermezzo represents a masterclass in restraint—a cigar that proves sophistication need not announce itself through raw power. Created by legendary blender Avo Uvezian in collaboration with Davidoff, the XO line emerged in the 1990s as the brand's flagship premium offering, and the Intermezzo stands as one of its most elegant expressions. Hand-rolled at the Davidoff-affiliated factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic, this robusto showcases the kind of manufacturing precision that has made the Davidoff umbrella synonymous with impeccable construction. Every element speaks to intention: the Connecticut Shade-grown Olor Dominicano wrapper displays a lustrous golden caramel hue, while the Dominican binder and long-filler blend of aged Olor and Piloto Cubano deliver a harmonious, well-integrated smoke.
The Intermezzo's flavor arc unfolds with the grace of a musical composition—fitting for a brand named after a pianist. The first third greets the palate with delicate cream, toasted white bread, and whispers of floral honey, anchored by a soft cedar that never turns aggressive. As the smoke develops, almond and cashew notes emerge alongside dry hay and vanilla bean, while a subtle citrus brightness adds dimension without disruption. Throughout, the smoke remains exceptionally smooth, a testament to the minimum two- to three-year aging of its component tobaccos prior to rolling. The final third deepens subtly with mild white pepper and more pronounced cedar, yet the defining characteristic of this cigar—a sustained creaminess—never abandons the experience. It closes cleanly and sweet-spiced, without a hint of bitterness.
Construction is exemplary throughout: the burn travels laser-straight with a firm, pale grey ash that holds past an inch, while the draw remains effortless with medium smoke production. At 45 to 55 minutes, the Intermezzo claims its designated place in the aficionado's daily ritual—not a commitment, but a moment. This is Dominican craftsmanship at its most refined, aimed squarely at the connoisseur who understands that elegance and nuance are far more challenging to achieve than power. The Avo XO Intermezzo is not for those who equate mildness with mediocrity; it is for those who listen.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Dominican Republic, Olor Dominicano (Connecticut Shade-grown) — Colorado Claro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Dominican Republic, Olor Dominicano |
| Filler | Dominican Republic, aged Olor and Piloto Cubano long-filler |
| Country of Origin | Santiago, Dominican Republic — Davidoff/Oettinger Imex factory |
| Vitola / Shape | Robusto |
| Size | 5 x 50 |
| Strength | Mild-Medium |
| Price | $14–$18 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobaccos aged a minimum of two to three years prior to rolling; finished cigars rested before release |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The light opens with delicate cream, toasted white bread, and a whisper of floral honey. A soft cedar note emerges underneath, providing gentle structure without any harshness. The draw is easy and inviting from the first puff.
Second Third
Complexity builds subtly — mild roasted almond and cashew notes emerge alongside dry hay and light vanilla bean. A faint citrus zest dances at the edges, adding brightness. The smoke remains exceptionally smooth and cohesive.
Final Third
The finish deepens slightly with mild white pepper, more pronounced cedar, and a lingering nuttiness. Creaminess never fully departs, and the cigar closes with a clean, sweet-spiced finish without any bitterness or harshness.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary — a hallmark of the Davidoff manufacturing umbrella. The burn is laser-straight with a firm, pale grey ash that holds well past an inch; the draw is effortless with medium smoke production.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
A light, aged Dominican rum such as Brugal 1888 or Ron Barceló Imperial; alternatively a delicate single malt Scotch like Auchentoshan 12 Year
Wine
A lightly-oaked Chardonnay from Burgundy (e.g., Mâcon-Villages) or a dry sparkling Cava — the cigar's subtlety demands a wine that won't overpower it
Non-Alcoholic
A medium-roast Colombian pour-over coffee or a lightly sweetened chamomile-honey tea
Who Should Smoke This?
The Avo XO Intermezzo is ideal for the experienced aficionado who has moved beyond strength-chasing and now prioritizes craft, subtlety, and consistency. It suits mid-morning or early-afternoon occasions—a quiet moment between meetings, a pause in conversation, a contemplative interlude. Beginners with refined palates will find it accessible and instructive; those accustomed to full-bodied cigars may initially underestimate it. The Intermezzo rewards attention and patience. It demands that you slow down, pay close attention, and appreciate the dialogue between its component tobaccos rather than the volume of their individual voices. This is not a cigar to smoke while distracted; it is a cigar that teaches you to taste.
Bottom Line
The Avo XO Intermezzo is a benchmark for Dominican elegance in the mild-to-medium category—proof that restraint, when executed at this level, transcends into pure refinement. If you have dismissed mild cigars as inadequate, this is the one that will change your mind.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Avo XO cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Avo XO Intermezzo a strong cigar?
No. The Intermezzo carries a mild-to-medium strength profile (2/5), designed for those who prioritize flavor complexity over power. Its appeal lies in subtlety and balance, not intensity.
What does the Avo XO Intermezzo taste like?
The cigar opens with delicate cream, toasted white bread, and floral honey, developing into almond, cashew, dry hay, and vanilla bean in the middle third. The finish deepens with white pepper, cedar, and lingering nuttiness, maintaining creaminess throughout without bitterness.
How long does the Avo XO Intermezzo take to smoke?
The Intermezzo is designed as a 45- to 55-minute smoke—an ideal mid-morning or early-afternoon cigar that fits comfortably into a daily ritual without requiring significant time commitment.
What is the best pairing for the Avo XO Intermezzo?
Pair it with aged Dominican rum such as Brugal 1888, a delicate single malt Scotch like Auchentoshan 12 Year, a lightly-oaked Burgundy Chardonnay, or medium-roast Colombian coffee. The cigar's subtlety demands partners that won't overpower it.
Is the Avo XO Intermezzo good for beginners?
Yes, for beginners with refined palates who appreciate subtlety. However, smokers accustomed to full-bodied cigars may initially find it too mild. It is an educational cigar that teaches nuance and patience.
Where can I buy the Avo XO Intermezzo?
The Avo XO Intermezzo is available at premium cigar retailers and online cigar merchants specializing in Dominican and Davidoff-affiliated brands. Specific retail locations depend on your geography.
What is the price of the Avo XO Intermezzo?
The Avo XO Intermezzo retails between $14 and $18 per cigar, positioning it firmly in the premium category while remaining accessible to serious aficionados.
Is the Avo XO Intermezzo worth aging?
The Avo XO Intermezzo arrives with tobaccos already aged a minimum of two to three years prior to rolling, with finished cigars rested before release. Further aging will deepen complexity, though the cigar is composed and refined immediately upon purchase.
What wrapper does the Avo XO Intermezzo use?
The Intermezzo features a Dominican Republic Connecticut Shade-grown Olor Dominicano wrapper in Colorado Claro shade, displaying a golden caramel hue with a silky, smooth texture and light sheen.
Where is the Avo XO Intermezzo made?
The Avo XO Intermezzo is hand-rolled at the Davidoff-affiliated factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic, part of the Davidoff/Oettinger Imex production operation known for exemplary construction standards.