The AVO Expresivo Toro is part of the new Expresivo line from AVO Cigars. Launched this year, the Expresivo marks the first time a regular production AVO has been manufactured outside the Dominican Republic, with production moved to Diadema Cigars de Honduras S.A.
The blend is built around a multi-terroir filler combining an Ecuadorian wrapper over a Honduran binder. The filler consists of Honduran tobacco from the Jamastran Valley, with Nicaraguan leaf from Jalapa and from Condega.
The wrapper is of a Colorado Maduro hue, oily with a bit of tooth to the touch. The filling is generous and uniform.
- Country of Origin: Honduras
- Size: 54 x 152 mm (6″)
- Wrapper: Ecuador
- Binder: Honduras
- Filler: Honduras, Nicaragua
- Price: $17.8 | €17.5
AVO Expresivo Toro: the cold draw reveals clean tobacco with spicy nuances. Once lit, the opening delivers cream, nuts, and black pepper.
In the first third, the black pepper moves to the retrohale. A cappuccino note is added alongside subtle nutty and earthy aromas. The strength is medium (3/5).
Leather is added in the second third, accompanied by a balsamic nuance. The strength remains unchanged (3/5).
In the final third, the black pepper returns to the foreground, accompanied by a sour cream nuance. A light harshness creeps in as well. The strength grows to medium-full (4/5).
Overall, the AVO Expresivo Toro is structured with a clear and well-intertwined flavor profile throughout the first two thirds. The light harshness in the last third, unfortunately, results in a somewhat unbalanced finish to an otherwise pleasant smoke. A bit more downtime in the humidor should take care of that.