Ratings & reviews
Editorial score
Community score
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Organoleptic profile
Strength
mild
Balance
very good
Draw
perfect
Intensity
expressive
- Bouquet
- complex
- Finish
- medium
- Ash color
- gray
- Smoke output
- medium
Aroma profile
Secondary aromas
Tasting notes
The AVO XO Intermezzo presents itself with an alluring visual appeal, showcasing a smooth and shiny wrapper. Its texture in hand embodies the artisanal quality of the Dominican Republic, promising a refined smoking experience. The Connecticut Shade wrapper adds a touch of elegance to this already attractive creation.
At first olfactory contact, the pre-light aromas reveal a seductive complexity, adorned with notes of cream and coffee, accompanied by a woody hint. Upon lighting, the aromatic richness asserts itself, enriching the profile with toasted nuances and a touch of earth, offering a true promise of pleasure.
On the palate, the development of flavors unfolds harmoniously across the three thirds. The dominant aromas of coffee and cream are enhanced by woody essences and delicate notes of pepper and toasted bread, creating a coherent and satisfying experience. The aromatic progression reflects a beautiful balance between sweetness and strength, captivating the palate.
The finish offers a pleasant sensation with a medium length while providing a persistence with echoes of toasted notes. This cigar stands out for its perfect balance between sweetness and strength, making it all the more unique and enjoyable. The AVO XO Intermezzo thus establishes itself as a benchmark for those seeking a moment of relaxation.
For an ideal tasting experience, consider enjoying this cigar during the afternoon, accompanied by a black coffee or a light whiskey. The harmony of flavors will make it a perfect companion for your moments of pleasure.
Community impressions
Celebrated by enthusiasts, the AVO XO Intermezzo cigar stands out for its perfect balance and rich aromatic profile. Connoisseurs appreciate its meticulous construction, excellent draw, and its ability to deliver notes of cream, coffee, and wood, while remaining accessible to novice smokers. Its finish and persistence extend the enjoyment, making it a favored choice for moments of relaxation.
How to taste: AVO XO Intermezzo
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1.The Visual Examination
The AVO XO Intermezzo presents a light brown, natural, and delicate wrapper that immediately catches the eye. Its construction is very beautiful, reflecting the care taken during manufacturing, and its Robusto format of 127 mm (5") with a ring gauge of 50 offers a pleasant grip.
This first visual impression allows for an assessment of the overall quality of the cigar even before lighting. A beautiful presentation often signifies a well-crafted tobacco blend and a promising tasting experience.
2.Pre-light Aromas
Before lighting, inhaling the aromas of the AVO XO Intermezzo reveals notes of coffee and cream, enriched with woody nuances. This aromatic palette foreshadows a rich and complex tasting experience.
The pre-light aromas provide insight into the raw nature of the tobacco, allowing one to anticipate the sensations to come. This helps to refine focus during the tasting and better appreciate the evolution of flavors.
3.The Cut
A standard cut under the cap is essential for an easy draw. On the AVO XO Intermezzo, a clean cut is made, promoting free access to the aromas and allowing for an even burn.
A clean cut ensures a consistent draw throughout the tasting. This avoids the inconveniences of a blocked draw that could disrupt the smoking experience.
4.Cold Draw
The cold draw of the AVO XO Intermezzo is perfect, offering ideal resistance to inhalation. This key step provides information about the quality of the construction and how the cigar will perform during its burn.
A smooth draw indicates a surprise-free tasting experience, while a difficult draw may require adjustments along the way, which can impact the overall enjoyment of the cigar.
5.Lighting
During lighting, it is crucial to ensure an evenly toasted foot. Taking care not to burn the cigar too quickly will allow for a harmonious burn from the very first puffs.
A good lighting method minimizes the risk of canoeing, ensuring that each side burns evenly and allowing for full enjoyment of the aromas right from the start.
6.First Third
The first third of the AVO XO Intermezzo reveals a mild profile, with dominant aromas of coffee and cream. The smoke volume is medium, providing a pleasant experience without being overwhelming.
This initial contact with the cigar establishes the aromatic foundation and allows one to gauge the strength, which may seem more pronounced than it will be in the subsequent thirds. Smoking slowly helps balance heat and flavors.
7.Second Third
As smoking progresses, the second third of the cigar reveals secondary aromas of pepper, toasted bread, and damp earth, enriching the complexity of the experience. The balance remains very good.
This evolution of flavors illustrates the depth of the blend and allows for the discovery of the richness of the tobaccos used, making each puff more captivating and nuanced.
8.The Finish
At the conclusion of the AVO XO Intermezzo, the gray ash testifies to a controlled burn. The finish is marked by a pleasant persistence with slight toasted notes, leaving a delightful memory.
The color and retention of the ash, as well as the finish, are valuable indicators of the quality of the tobacco used. This confirms the balance of the blend and the finesse of the leaf drying.