AVO Classic is the blend that introduced most smokers to the world of Avo Uvezian, the Armenian pianist turned cigar maker whose partnership with Hendrik Kelner shaped decades of Dominican cigar craftsmanship. Released in the late 1980s, the line was designed to offer an elegant, approachable style built on precision and consistency. It quickly became one of the defining Dominican cigars of its era and helped establish AVO as a brand centered on refinement rather than intensity. The blend relies on aged Dominican tobaccos wrapped in smooth Connecticut Shade, reflecting the traditional techniques that Kelner and Uvezian favored. AVO Classic has stayed in continuous production because it captures the spirit of the brand’s early philosophy: balance, reliability, and a dedication to quality over trends. It remains one of the clearest examples of how AVO laid its foundation and why the name continues to hold weight among smokers who appreciate classic Dominican cigars.