AVO Expressions Limited Edition 2024

Davidoff Cigars

• Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
• Factory: O.K. Cigars
• Wrapper: Ecuador
• Binder: Mexico
• Filler: Dominican Republic & U.S.A.
• Length: 6 1/2 Inches
• Ring Gauge: 50
• Shape: Round
• MSRP: $18 (Box of 15, $270)
• Release Date: April 18, 2024
• Number of Cigars Released: 6,900 Boxes of 15 Cigars (103,500 Total Cigars)
• Original Score: 91

If I had to list the most interesting cigar collaborations of the past few years, there is no doubt that the AVO Expressions Limited Edition 2024 would be near the top.

The project brought Davidoff together with Derrick T. Jones—perhaps better known by his stage name D-Nice—a hip-hop DJ and performer who garnered a new wave of recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for his “Club Quarantine” live streams on Instagram Live. Jones traveled to the Dominican Republic to see Davidoff’s operations and smoke test blends for the 6 1/2 x 50 toro extra, which was released in April 2024.

Of course, AVO has long featured products with musical themes thanks to the brand’s founder and namesake, the late Avo Uvezian, a famous pianist and composer. One interesting note is that the filler blend of this particular release includes tobacco that was aged in spent bourbon barrels.

The cigar’s high points include excellent construction and a rich and complex flavor profile that integrates nicely with the blend’s slightly less-than-medium strength. Not every collaboration in the cigar world is a hit, but the AVO Expressions Limited Edition 2024 is a great example of a milder blend that retains plenty of flavor. — Brooks Whittington