“With the 2014 Limited Edition, the Avo 88 earns a rightful place among the series’ iconic releases as this is simply one outstanding cigar.”

Coming in at #15 is the Avo Limited Edition 2014 – Avo 88. This is the 2014 installment of the annual limited edition series by Davidoff’s Avo Cigars brand. The series was launched in 2001 and has followed each year with a different limited production release is done in a different size and a different blend. The releases are timed around brand ambassador Avo Uvezian’s birthday (March). This is the fourth time that a the Avo brand has landed on the Countdown, and its also the fourth of the annual limited edition series to qualify.  Most notably, the Avo Limited Edtion 2010 was the Cigar Coop Cigar of the Year for 2010. This is the first Dominican puro in the LE series, and it is the first Dominican puro to qualify for this year’s countdown.
The name Avo 88 is symbolic for two reasons. First it commemorates brand ambassador Avo Uvezian’s 88th birthday. Second, it pays homage to Uvezian’s musical roots as the 88 represents the number of keys on the piano. In face the packaging was done in a piano style box.

The Avo 88 was released in one size – a 6 x 52 belicoso.  As mentioned, the Avo 88 is a Dominican puro.  The cigar also features Davidoff’s proprietary Yamasa wrapper.  This has been seen on many Davidoff limited releases over the past 18 months including: Davidoff 2014 Year of the Horse the Davidoff of Geneva 25th Anniversary, Davidoff Madison Avenue 25th Anniversary the Davidoff Golden Band Awards cigar, and Davidoff Masters Edition 2013 Club House Toro.  

Overall I found a flavorful and complex smoke from the Avo 88 his one is loaded with notes of chocolate, grass, and red pepper. There were some interesting sweet notes including an orange cream and I could definitely pick up some the corojo sweetness from that corojo in the filler. The strength and body are medium, but progress upwards to medium to full in the second half.

Click here for our detailed assessment of the Avo Limited Edition 2014 – Avo 88.

Blend Profile

Wrapper: Yamasa (Dominican)
Binder: Olor/Criollo( Dominican)
Filler: Piloto Viso, Piloto Ligero, San Vicente Ligero, Corojo/Olor, Crillo (All Dominican)
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (O.K.Cigars)

Vitolas Available

The cigar was released in one size – a 6 x 52 Belicoso


Recommended Vitola: Belicoso (6 x 52)

Assessment Rating: 4.5 – Fight Chuck Norris for Them
Score: 94 (3/26/14)

For more information on our vision and criteria for the 2014 Cigar of the Year countdown, see our December 2014 Editor’s Corner.

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