For years many manufacturers have told cigar enthusiasts not to be concerned with the composition of a blend and just enjoy it. That is exactly what the team at AVO Cigars hoped consumers would do with the release of the limited edition AVO Unexpected series this summer. One could argue that it was somewhat “unexpected” that cigar enthusiasts would get four very familiar cigars. It turns out AVO Unexpected is not a series of special limited edition blends, but actually is four current regular production offerings with different packaging. The announcement of the blend compositions was made on Cigar Dojo’s Smoke Night Live Show on December 6th.
The four blends were revealed to be the following:
- AVO Unexpected Celebration (Yellow): AVO XO Legato
- AVO Unexpected Moment (Blue): AVO Domaine 70
- AVO Unexpected Tradition (Green): AVO Heritage Toro
- AVO Unexpected Passion (Red): AVO Classic No. 2
On the show, Scott Kolesaire of Davidoff encouraged cigar enthusiasts to smoke the AVO Unexpected blends versus the corresponding core offerings to show that the cigars are the same. He opined that the series and the name created a level of intrigue among cigar enthusiasts.
“It’s a fun thing to be able to try stuff with almost a different lens on it,” commented Kolesaire on Smoke Night Live. He added, “Sometimes it may take away preconceived notions you have.”
Wow. That sounds like a horrible idea.
“Now , better than ever . Well, not exactly . More like same old same old at $20 more a box “ .
Would love to know who the AVO / D execs were who signed off on this .
They dont understand family legacy and tradition instead rebranding old bnb line blends in new clothes…once as gain, they fail to understand as nd the creativity needed and inherent in the family Avo…how weak.
how deceptive! They should have just said nothing. I’ve smoked AVO for decades but no more! I get that you are trying to bring prominence back to the brand but not this way. Bad move AVO/Davidoff!
UNCZIO: Rest assured that if my father was still alive today, he would never have approved of less than transparent marketing ploy like this one!
AVO cigars have always stood for genuine fresh marketing ideas…remember when you first saw the wonderful AVO cigar bands..nothing was like it on the market back in the first Cigar Boom. Combining elegance with excellent quality promoted by an icon renaissance man like my father, gave consumers complete confidence in what they were purchasing along with comfort knowing that the blend would be consistently superior going forward.
Please don’t drop the brand due to a rash marketing move as the “UNEXPECTED” line. Think of my father’s assurances in the past to his public that it will still be top quality elegant product…no matter how it is dressed. Thanks, JAVO
I got a chance to meet your father a few years before his passing at the show in Vegas. Sorry for you loss heard so many great things. I have enjoyed the brand for years with 30 years being one of my faves. However, I paid $12 for one of these and immediately recognized the similarities to Domaine. I like best what Corona cigar did…said his peace and sold them off at 50% off!!!!
Uh, no. Bought my last AVO after just learning about this dishonest and unoriginal blooper of a marketing move. Why would I ever spend another dollar with David off/AVO? Who knows what I’d be getting? There’s plenty of manufacturers out there trying to make it through hard work and originality. There’s good leaf everywhere. Shame they besmirched your father’s name all to make a quick buck.
Cheers to your father, he was a master in so many fields. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Peninsula Hotel in Manhattan and we discussed you. I have a funny story I could share with you if you reply to this. Are you taking up where he left off? The brand needs to stay alive and stay unique and not let a corporation destroy what he built. Since Heinrik has retired I hope that his son will step into his footsteps in the same manner. Hope to hear from you and share with you a great story.
Anthony..
Thanks for your response and support. I would enjoy hearing the details if your meeting with my father at the Penninsula Hotel as mentioned.
As for myself, I am currently working as a managing director for a major commercial real estate investment brokerage, management and valuation company, but still enjoy attending cigar themed events in honor of my father’s legacy in the premium cigar world. Feel free to reply here or to my personal email javo@fourthtiermanagement.com
Thanks again!
JAVO