AVO – Cigars

Avo Cigars – Enjoyment in Perfect Harmony

There are still legends that stand the test of time, outlasting all fashions, trends, and fleeting phenomena. Some legends were created by individuals who fade into the background of a brand or product, overshadowed by the name or aura of the legend itself. However, there are also people whose legendary reputation precedes them – perhaps not widely known to the public, but admired by those who understand their work. Living legends, such as Avo Uvezian, inspire with their lifestyle, taste, and philosophy. What makes Avo Uvezian a truly unique legend is that his name is inseparably linked to the premium cigar brand he created: AVO. Aficionados around the world respect not only the man but also his cigars, which embody his philosophy of “Cigars in Perfect Harmony” in their purest form.

From Musical Prodigy to World Legend

Born in Lebanon in 1926 with Armenian roots, Avo Uvezian’s path in life seemed clear early on. His father, a classical composer who studied in Leipzig and conducted a symphony orchestra, and his mother, a trained singer, ensured that music was a constant presence in his life. Avo began playing piano as a child, and after his father’s untimely death, he took on responsibilities for his family at a young age. With his mother’s blessing, he joined the jazz trio “The Lebanon Boys” as a pianist, touring the Middle East.

Later, he worked as a bar pianist in a Tehran hotel, where his talent caught the attention of the Shah of Persia. This led to a visa to the United States, where he began music studies before being drafted into the Korean War. His exceptional talent allowed him to perform for officers instead of serving in combat, and he returned to the U.S. unscathed in the early 1950s.

Cigars by Avo Uvezian

After marrying and moving to Puerto Rico, Avo opened a restaurant and piano bar. There, he met an Armenian based in Switzerland, and together they noticed that the cigars they sold to customers for the journey home generated more income than his piano playing. This sparked the idea to start their own cigar business. During a visit to Switzerland, they ordered cigars of unknown origin, expecting them to be Cuban cigars. To their surprise, they were Dominican cigars, which were less popular at the time. Recognizing their potential, Avo traveled to the Dominican Republic, where he eventually partnered with Hendrik Kelner, a renowned cigar producer for Zino Davidoff. Thanks to his business acumen, Avo sold his successful brand to the Swiss Oettinger Davidoff Group, becoming a multimillionaire. Today, Avo Cigars are part of the Davidoff portfolio, alongside Griffins, Zino, and Private Stock.

AVO Cigars: Perfection Born from Passion

As a trained musician, Uvezian incorporated concepts like composition, notes, and harmony into the philosophy of Avo Cigars. All tobacco used, except the wrapper, comes from the Cibao Valley in the Dominican Republic. Its mountainous landscape, mild climate, and mineral-rich soils create ideal conditions for cultivating tobacco. Avo Cigars use Piloto Cubano for the filler and Olor tobacco for the binder, wrapped in the finest Connecticut Shade leaves.

Each harvest and region is meticulously documented to ensure consistent quality. The AVO Classic line embodies the philosophy of “Cigars in Perfect Harmony” and pays homage to the composition that marked Avo Uvezian’s debut as a cigar composer in 1988. Formats include Quartetto, Preludio, and Notturno.

The darker AVO Domaine series uses similar tobaccos as the AVO Classic but with a different blend and from other plantations. The AVO XO line, introduced in 1998, remains a staple in the market, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and even burn. AVO Limited Editions are released nearly every year since his 75th birthday. Lastly, the AVO Heritage series offers the most robust AVO cigars, available in five vitolas and featuring finely balanced medium-strength blends.