AVO Releases Quartet Sampler

After showing it off at the 2013 IPCPR Convention and Trade Show last July, AVO has finally released the Quartet sampler, a four-pack of cigars that now includes a mystery blend.

Not much was said about the sampler when it was on display at the cigar industry’s annual gathering, but on Monday consumers learned that the release would contain three robusto vitolas of existing AVO blends–the AVO Heritage, AVO Signature and AVO Lounge Edition–as well a secretive fourth cigar bearing a gold band that says “AU14 Batch No. 024.”

The company isn’t releasing much in the way of details on the mystery cigar, though Scott Kolesaire, brand manager for AVO, told halfwheel that it is a completely new blend. “We are looking for consumer feedback, basically getting the AVO fans involved,” he said.

Consumers that purchase the Quartet sampler will be invited to go to a special webpage to take the AVO “Mystery” Cigar Questionnaire. Kolesaire said that “it is very possible that based on the feedback we receive, a new AVO line could be developed.”

The four packs began shipping today and will be arriving at retail in the coming days with a suggested retail price of $30.00 per pack, before taxes.

The company is also expected to make a formal announcement about the AVO Limited Edition 2014, known as the AVO 88, in the near future. The bands for the project were leaked in late January.

Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.