AVO Classic Covers Vol 2 Review

Classic Covers Vol 2
Made by: AVO
Country: Nicaragua, Mexico
Vitola: 6 by 54

The Classic Covers 2016 release, the Volume 3, was amazing and one of the best cigars I have had recently. The only thing that really comes to mind other then that is the Caldwell Eastern Standard Midnight Express. My interest in the Classic Covers series peeked after the Volume 3 so this week I will be doing the Volume 2. The wrapper of this cigar is very different the the Vol 3, I am not expecting the same experience at all but my hopes are still high. With that, lets see what this has to offer with a AVO Classic Covers Vol 2 Review.

Prelight

Medium sized veins, a good amount of tooth, the cigar has a thick rough wrapper. I am expecting highly developed sugars in the profile. That cap is really well done, covering more area then usually allowing for less attention needing to be paid when cutting this cigar. A bit of excess rollers glue, the foot is giving off an interesting combination of flavors. Sweet hay, elderflower, and an undertone of oak. That is a profile I have yet to come across. Let’s see if the prelight and overall cigar can actually present those notes. Firm and consistent pack, clean cut almost no loose tobacco. Sweet hay and oak are present on the prelight with a hint of leather. Hoping that odd elderflower note comes through, but it may have just been the foot.

1/3

The cigars reviewed lately have been doing really well, this lit wonderfully and evenly. The flavors went the other direction compared to what the foot was suggesting. Mixed woods notes (cedar forward and oak back) are on the front with heavy cream. The center is a bitter macadamia nut with a more subtle cashew and then leather takes over for the finish with a bit of black pepper. Interesting notes, not the best blend of flavors at this point, but definitely unique. Medium to full bodied and low strength. Good smoke production and great thickness. At the end of the first third the nuts in the center of the profile are coming up as the woodsy front falls. Leather and black pepper are holding the finish but white pepper is coming up slowly. Allright burn line, no touch ups have been needed but it may later.

2/3

Body has fallen a bit but only to a medium plus. The strength is at a low, the creamy smoke and the thick mouth feel is the best part of the profile currently. Cream and bitter macadamia nut control the front and this is the sweet spot if this cigar has one. The cream is carrying through the finish mixing with the leather. The pepper notes have dropped, and the mouth feel is as good as it can get. Very chewy smoke, great characteristic. Body has moved back up to a medium to full and the strength is up to a low to medium.

3/3

The body has held at a medium to full and the strength is up to a medium. This is a bit heavier than the Volume 3 but very enjoyable in a different way. The flavors have returned to a variation of the first third. Oak is on the front up above the nutty center which has fallen. Leather and black pepper remain on the finish. The cream has fallen as well. Good cigar, the wrapper definitely affected the profile heavily with all that tooth. Interesting that the foot’s notes on the prelight were different then how the cigar performed. The cigar did get quite hot at the nub.

Smoke Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Conclusion: 89

The Volume 3 absolutely has this cigar beat in my opinion. That is not to say this was a bad cigar, it just didn’t hold up to my expectations given the Volume 3. Ratio wise I would keep one of these for every two of the volume 3 release. Worth trying, and the construction of the Avo’s is always a masterpiece. If you’re looking for a solid medium to full the Vol 2 is the way to go, the Vol 3 is more of a medium but more complex.

Click on the picture to find this cigar at anthonyscigars.com