Inspired by the worldly spirit and endless curiosity of cigar legend, Avo Uvezian, AVO Cigars first ventured beyond its Dominican roots in 2015; capturing exotic notes from vibrant cultures around the world to create an exciting collection of blends called Syncro. The first with spicy, sweet notes from Isla Ometepe with the AVO Syncro Nicaragua, nextfrom the regions of Nicaragua‘s Esteli and Condega regions with the wildly exotic AVO Syncro Nicaragua Fogata. AVO now travels further south to uncover a primal rhythm of color and complexity, finding harmony with the unknown to create the new AVO | Syncro South America Ritmo Toro.
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
Ritmo, Spanish for rhythm, offers a completely new AVO experience rich with mystery and possibility. AVOSyncro South America Ritmo is a blend of tobaccos from Peru, Brazil and Ecuador with Central American tobaccos from Nicaragua and Mexico. It is available in Robusto (Box-Pressed) 20 cigars 5 x 50 RG $10.90, Toro (Box-Pressed) 20 cigars 6 x 54 RG $11.90, Special Toro (Box-Pressed) 20 cigars 6 x 60 RG $12.90, Torpedo Largo (Box-Pressed) 20 cigars 7 x 54 RG $13.90.
“This is a very handsome box pressed toro sized cigar that is sporting a dark, slightly reddish hued wrapper leaf with very minimal veins. The leaf is a bit dry to the touch but has a nice oil sheen when looked at under lighting.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Aroma: 89
“The aroma reminds me of lightly composted and dry hay… Slightly sweet and just the faintest hint of citrus.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium
“A nice pepper and sweet spice kick starts things out. The draw has plenty of smoke and brings some coffee notes and a few hints of dried fruit. The retrohale is sweet and mellow.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“Rich oak with a mix of dark coffee and bakers chocolate in the background establish themselves almost immediately. Black pepper on the nose gives just the right amount of bite. The flavors strike a balance quickly and never really waiver during the entire third.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“The flavor profile really expands nicely in this middle third. Some roasted almonds and dry earthy tones at the same time. The coffee and sweet flavors are still present. The retrohale is increasing in pepper and kick.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“Charred toast replaces the dark coffee and adds a nice depth to the oak. The bakers chocolate is barely hanging on in the background while a developing leather catches some of the peppery notes, I notice this cigar is becoming a bit spongy in my hands.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
Final Third
Flavor: 86
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“The final third definitely increases in pepper and richness. Some leather and fruit notes join the coffee and the spice for a good finish.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“The black pepper intensifies on the retrohale and spills onto the palate. The oak char is developing an edge to it, bordering on harsh. The leather is beginning to fade and the cigar is beginning to smoke hot.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 93
“No complaints here. The draw was really excellent for the duration of the smoke.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
Burn: 88
“There was a definite rocky start with a pronounced crooked burn. This corrected easily enough, but probably marred the flavor and experience throughout the initial third.” –John I. (John I.)
Construction: 89
“This one developed a sponginess mid way through that seemed to have an affect on the flavors.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium
Experience Overall: 87
“In terms of flavor, this would likely be a good introductory cigar for a novice. The flavor profile is light, accessible and pleasant. Creamy, floral and mild mannered with a bit of a kick toward the end. Anyone with an interest in experiencing cigars would likely be impressed. The construction problems would be a drawback for a newcomer however.” –John I. (John I.)
“Solid flavors and an excellent burn with transitions that made sense and worked well together. This cigar seemed to tell a story, and I would be more than happy to smoke it again. Well done.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“This cigar took no time settling into a nice peppery oak profile. Hints of dark coffee, bitter chocolate and toast added some dimension. The leather managed to keep the flavors well balanced for the first half. Sadly the cigar became spongy in the middle, resulting in an awkward mix of the flavors before developing a harshness. .” –Gregg (McGreggor57)
“My hopes were high based upon the appearance of this cigar. Unfortunately there is more to a cigar than looks… And this was a good reminder of that fact. This was not a cigar that is chose to visit again based upon this sample.” –Jason H. (Jokey Smurf)
To view the complete scores and notes, click here.
Blind Cigar Review: AVO | Syncro Ritmo South America Toro
Overall Score – 89 – Good
Blind Cigar Review: AVO | Syncro South America Ritmo Toro
Summary
"In terms of flavor, this would likely be a good introductory cigar for a novice. The flavor profile is light, accessible and pleasant. Creamy, floral and mild mannered with a bit of a kick toward the end. Anyone with an interest in experiencing cigars would likely be impressed. The construction problems would be a drawback for a newcomer however." -John I. (John I.)
