AVO Syncro Nicaragua Special Toro

This thick box-pressed cigar feels good in the hand, a sign of the quality construction that AVO is known for. The AVO Syncro Nicaragua Special Toro, a gordo by dimensions, came to me via a sampler pack of various vitolas. Post cut, the cold draw tasted a bit sweet and woody. The woody notes carried over into the smoke, with the first half providing generous amounts of spice, wood, and earth. Black pepper and spice were ever-present on the retrohale. Cedar and spice dominated the second half of the Syncro Nicaragua. No retouches or relights were required and only a subtle canoe developed toward the end. Coming in at $11, this AVO compares favorably with competitors in terms of flavor and construction, but it isn’t the best value.