If you've been looking for a smoke that hits that sweet spot between a quick break and a full-blown session, the avo intermezzo xo is probably already on your radar, or at least it should be. There's something about the way Avo Uvezian's blends come together that just feels different from the heavy-hitting, spice-bombs that seem to dominate the market these days. It's a refined experience, but it doesn't feel stuffy or unapproachable.
I've smoked my fair share of cigars over the years, and I keep finding myself reaching for this specific stick when I want something reliable. It's not just about the tobacco; it's about the vibe it creates. You don't always want a two-hour commitment that leaves you feeling like you need a nap. Sometimes you just want forty-five minutes of pure, creamy bliss, and that's exactly where this cigar shines.
The Story Behind the Name
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of how it smokes, we have to talk about the man himself. Avo Uvezian wasn't your typical cigar maker. He was a jazz pianist, a composer, and a guy who clearly knew a thing or two about the finer things in life. You can actually taste that musical influence in the avo intermezzo xo. It sounds a bit cheesy, I know, but there's a rhythm to the flavors that just works.
The "XO" in the name stands for "Extra Old," which refers to the aged tobaccos used in the filler. We aren't talking about just a few months of aging here; we're talking about tobacco that has sat and matured until all the rough edges are gone. When you combine that with the "Intermezzo" size—which is essentially a beefy Petit Corona—you get a concentrated burst of flavor that stays smooth from start to finish.
What to Expect from the First Light
When you first take an avo intermezzo xo out of its cellophane, the first thing you'll notice is the wrapper. It's a beautiful, silky Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf. It's light in color, almost like a toasted almond, and it has this slight oily sheen that tells you it was handled with care.
The cold draw—before you even light it—usually gives off notes of sweet hay and maybe a bit of cedar. Once you get a flame to it, the initial puffs are incredibly creamy. There's no harsh pepper blast that makes you want to sneeze. Instead, it's a mellow, buttery introduction. If you're someone who likes to retrohale (blowing the smoke out through your nose), you'll pick up some subtle floral notes and a bit of toasted bread. It's honestly one of the most pleasant "first light" experiences out there.
The Construction and Burn
One thing you can always count on with anything coming out of the Davidoff factory (where Avo cigars are made) is the construction. The avo intermezzo xo is built like a tank, but in a delicate way, if that makes sense. The draw is consistently perfect—not too tight, not too loose.
I've rarely had to touch one up with a lighter. It burns straight, and the ash stays on for a surprisingly long time for a smaller cigar. This might seem like a small detail, but when you're trying to relax, the last thing you want to do is keep fighting with your cigar to keep it lit or keep the burn even. This stick allows you to just sit back and forget about the mechanics of smoking.
Breaking Down the Flavor Profile
As you get into the second third of the avo intermezzo xo, the flavors start to deepen a little bit. It never moves into "full strength" territory—I'd firmly call this a mild-to-medium smoke—but it gains some complexity.
- Nutty notes: I often get a distinct cashew or almond flavor.
- Creaminess: This is the backbone of the cigar. It's like drinking a latte.
- Woody undertones: There's a constant cedar presence that keeps it grounded.
- Subtle spice: Every now and then, a tiny bit of white pepper shows up, just to keep things interesting.
It's the kind of cigar that doesn't demand your entire attention, but if you do stop to think about what you're tasting, there's plenty there to discover. It's sophisticated without being pretentious.
Why the Size Matters
The Intermezzo vitola (5 x 50) is a great choice for a few reasons. In the world of cigars, size definitely changes the experience. Because it's a bit shorter, the heat doesn't have as far to travel, which can sometimes make a cigar feel "hot" toward the end. But because the avo intermezzo xo is packed with that aged tobacco, it stays cool almost until you're burning your fingertips.
It's also the perfect length for a "me" moment. Whether that's a lunch break, a quick session after work, or a morning coffee companion, it fits into those windows of time where a Churchill or a Double Corona would just be too much.
The Perfect Pairings
You can't talk about a cigar like the avo intermezzo xo without talking about what to drink with it. Because it's so creamy and balanced, you don't want to pair it with something that's going to totally overpower it.
- Coffee: This is probably the gold standard. A nice cappuccino or even just a black coffee with a bit of sweetness brings out the toasted notes in the wrapper.
- Light Spirits: If you're looking for something stronger, a light Highland Scotch or a smooth Irish whiskey works wonders. You want something with a bit of honey or fruit rather than a peaty monster from Islay.
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Believe it or not, the effervescence and acidity of a dry sparkling wine play really well against the creamy texture of the Avo. It's a very "Avo Uvezian" way to enjoy it.
Who Is This Cigar For?
To be honest, I think the avo intermezzo xo is one of those rare cigars that appeals to almost everyone.
If you're a beginner, this is a fantastic entry point into "premium" cigars. It won't make your head spin from too much nicotine, and the flavors are easy to identify and enjoy. It's a great way to learn what a well-aged, well-constructed cigar is supposed to feel like.
If you're a seasoned smoker, you'll appreciate the nuance. Sometimes your palate gets exhausted from smoking heavy Maduro wrappers and Nicaraguan spice bombs. The Avo XO acts like a palate cleanser. It's a return to elegance. It's the cigar you smoke when you want to remember why you fell in love with the hobby in the first place—not for the "kick," but for the flavor and the relaxation.
Final Thoughts on the Experience
Is the avo intermezzo xo the cheapest cigar in the humidor? No, it's not. It carries a bit of a premium price tag, but you can really tell where that money is going. It goes into the years of aging that the tobacco underwent. It goes into the quality control that ensures every single stick draws perfectly.
When you light up an avo intermezzo xo, you're paying for consistency. You know exactly what you're going to get: a smooth, buttery, and deeply satisfying smoke that honors the legacy of a man who lived for music and good times.
Next time you're at your local shop or browsing online, grab one or two of these. Don't save them for a "special occasion" that might never come. Instead, make the afternoon special by taking forty-five minutes for yourself. Put on some light jazz (it only feels right, given the brand's history), pour a drink, and see why this blend has remained a staple for so many people over the years. It's a classic for a reason, and once you've had one, you'll probably find a permanent spot for them in your own humidor.