Cigar Review: Avo LE 09 Compañero
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Well, I was first introduced to the latest release in the Avo Limited Edition series, the LE 09 Compañero, this past Wednesday when I went to the Smoke Ring’s opening of the Avo Lounge and celebrating Avo’s 83rd birthday. Avo himself was present as they unveiled the lounge and the cigar for the local patrons. They then preceded to pass out a sample for each person present. I picked up a few more to review for you, my readers.
The LE 09 is made up of 5 different fillers: 4 different Dominican ligeros and a Peruvian seco. I don’t remember the rest of the specific leaf details, but they’ve put a lot of thought into this blend.
Appearance: This pajero comes with the standard Avo band in a deep brown and white color with LE09 stamped on it. A second band accompanies the first and declares it the Compañero. Okay, so this thing is a good hefty size at 6×54. The wrapper has a slight tooth to it giving it a somewhat rough feel. There are a few prominent veins, but it’s not veiny. I think Avos are one of the best presented cigars across a family of cigars. They do very well with their branding and presentation. The LE 09 is no different.
Taste: This starts out full-bodied, full-flavored and in your face with some pepper. It settles quickly, though, into a smooth leather. After the first two inches, the leather and pepper go to the background and a floral cedar replaces it. And let’s talk CREAMY!! You’ll be smacking your lips together with this thing. The leather returns at the 2nd third to join the woodiness, and it finishes out beautifully. This is a nubber!
Aroma: This thing is aromatic! Holding it to my honker before lighting it I was amazed at the output of scent. It’s a sweet tobacco and leather smell along the length, but smelling the foot will get you some intense floral aromas.
Construction: I’m not going to be harsh here, because I never gave these cigars a chance to rest. I had some random burns, but that’s not due to the roll or the quality, it’s due to travel and not being properly rested before smoking. The stick, however, is very well rolled with a consistent feel along its body. The cap is perfect, the foot shows a consistent bunch, and the bands are perfectly placed without any glue getting on the wrapper.
Overall Impression: This could easily be an early top runner for Best of 2009. Its smooth full flavor outweighs its full-bodiness and its medium finish makes for a nice aftertaste that doesn’t go away too soon, but doesn’t stick around long enough to turn bad. Even its $16 price tag isn’t too much to bear. Those of you who have been following me for awhile know that I don’t like to spend lots of money on my sticks, but when funds loosen up a bit more, I’ll be buying a box or two of these. Maybe even more. I was that impressed. Avo and his crew have outdone themselves with this cigar. This will be my first perfect rating since starting Cigar Command. Any cigar that is so great to get me to overlook the $16 price has got to be.
Cigar Rating: 
Note: there’s one other perfect rating, but it wasn’t given by me.
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Nice review. It doesn’t sound altogether different from the LE08, which I enjoyed immensely. I can’t wait to get my hands on a couple of these!
It sounds amazing. Can’t wait to give it a try.
Hayward, it’s a little fuller than the 08 from what I remember.
Jason, it is amazing. Let me know what you think once you’re able to try one.
Smoking one right now that Avo himself gave me at Emerson’s of Norfolk. I’d say your review is spot on, but I’d like to add something. It has a spice to it that reminds me of an Opus X, but more mellow and well balanced with the cream and leather. I was a bit concerned after lighting about the smack you in the face spiciness. Plus, it burned a bit hot. However, I too did not let mine rest. Get them while u can and before the B.S. tax hike! This will be a classic cigar.
You must have left the Smoke Ring event pretty early that night. I was there, but I didn’t see ya.
Maybe you just got there really late.
I have never had the chance to try one of these.
I have on that was gifted to me from a empolyee at my B&M, and I would have smoked it tonight but its getting cold out. My B&M has them priced at 11.00 so if I like it as much as you do I can see a box in my future, Great Review….
Damn, man, that’s an awesome price!! I’d pick up a few boxes if I were you.
Brad… Does your B&M have a website? I’ve bought two boxes and want more to age. $11 is awesome!