Tasting Notes

In truth, this is an overwhelmingly complex cigar with a fascinating character. Do not be quick to judge. Also, it may take several sticks to fully grasp the intended flavor profile.

With that said, off we go.

Prelight

The wrapper is a dark, reddish hue leaf with a light oily sheen. It is smooth to the touch with minimal tooth and a firmly-packed shaft.

My stick smells musky - like wet hay and delicate cedar notes mixed with leather. Cold draw presents cinnamon, toasted nuts, cherry wood, and a little sweet pepper on the lips.

The draw is perfect.

First Third

The first few draws are a roller coaster. First off, there is an overly aggressive bitter disposition that threatens to turn me off. However, after a few draws, the rest of the flavors kick in, and I begin to understand the profile.

The first flavors to show up were cream and mixed floral notes. These start to replace the bitter notes. But they are more noticeable on the finish. Dark espresso mixed with woodsy notes takes over the front of the palate. Cinnamon, baking spice, roasted nuts, and cocoa with red pepper nuances camp at the center of my palate. There is a heavy leather presence with delicious but strange meaty notes.

So far, this cigar is layered, delicious, and somewhat confusing. At this point, I already knew I would thoroughly enjoy finding out what else is in store.

Mid Third

As my cigar progresses into the mid-third, smoke pools in the middle of my palate. It feels like all the flavors are emanating from that point to the rest of my mouth.

Earthiness takes a bold stand, though, much to my delight, a delicious peanut butter savour creeps right on top of it. There are subtle floral notes and a recurring peppery feel at the back of my throat and retrohale.

Before I forget to mention this on account of my enjoyment, you may need to Retrohale this cigar more than you usually do. There is a bouquet of flavors to be had in the retrohale.

A zesty orange flavor coupled with creamy chocolate, sweet caramel, and an ever-present musty disposition zoom in and out. Ever so often, there is an exotic charred meat flavor that drags into the long finish. This is the flavor that ties so perfectly to the original bitter notes.

So far, the cigar smoked flawlessly. Strength is at a strong medium, and the body is medium to full. The burn is without fault, and so is the ash.

Final Third

The final third opens with oaky notes slowly replacing the sweet undertones.

Strong coffee coupled with chocolate, roasted nuts, and leather are the prominent flavors.

Pepper and leather pick up on the background and Retrohale as smooth, creamy chocolate and floral notes linger on the finish. Discernible salty notes fused with the peanut tang is what closes my AVO LE05 30 Year smoking experience.

To say this cigar is beyond any AVO you have ever had does not seem sufficient. I am quite sure there are several flavors I missed and must endeavor to catch on my next smoke.