The one and only Avo Uvezian talks about his life and brand.

True icons can go by just one name: Madonna, Elton or Emeril. Those in the cigar world can add another name to that list: Avo.

After starting out small, as cigar makers go, Avo Uvezian reached meteoric heights thanks to his partnership with Davidoff, which purchased his Avo brand in 1995 and helped to make it one of the most popular in the world. Sartorially magnificent in his trademark white suit and woven hat, he's instantly recognizable in smoking circles.

Born in Beirut in 1926, Avo learned piano at an early age and worked steady gigs at hotels in Baghdad and Tehran, eventually earning an invitation from Shah Reza Pahlevi to be resident musician at his palace. A year later, Avo was seized by the urge to head for New York City, which he did with the Shah's assistance, arriving in 1947. But shortly after his nuptials (and a stint at Juilliard) he was drafted into the U.S. Army, then in the midst of the Korean War. Fortunately, Avo ended up manning a piano; after his tour of duty ended in 1953, he and the family headed to Puerto Rico, where he played piano full time.

And it was the piano that got him into the cigar business -- starting with the locally made smokes he would place on the instrument while he played. His audience kept asking him how to get more. Eventually, he was introduced to Hendrik Kelner, who in 1987 began making cigars for Avo under the brand name Bolero for the Puerto Rican market, and Avo for the New York Davidoff boutique on Madison Avenue (the initial production was 5,000 cigars). Eight years later, Davidoff purchased the brand, which has become a worldwide best-seller.

The Cigar Report: So, how many white suits do you own?
Avo Uvezian: Eight. All Brioni. You know, I've always worn these double-breasted suits, but I just ordered two new suits being made that are single-breasted, two-button.

TCR: Don't you want to mix it up a little, though? Some pinstripes or something?
Avo: I have about 12 other suits. Mostly in blues, and a few tans and browns, but they're all solid. I'm not a pinstripe kind of guy.

TCR: You are famous for wearing white, I suppose.
Avo: Yeah, that's true. In fact I was featured in a German magazine not long ago in a piece about "men in white." There were three of us. Number three was Giorgio Armani in his white T-shirt, the second was myself in my white Brioni suit, and the [next] was the Pope.

TCR: Not bad company.
Avo: Ha. Not at all.

TCR: Even in the winter you wear the white suit? Isn't that against the rules?
Avo: I have to, you know? I get some funny looks from some people, especially in the winter -- but it's the look.

TCR: Do you only wear white underwear, too?
Avo: Absolutely! Only white. Zimmerli from Switzerland, actually.

TCR: Really? I find white drawers a little risky, myself. Boxers or briefs?
Avo: Briefs. I've never worn boxer shorts in my life.

TCR: You were a very accomplished piano player, first and foremost, before becoming Avo the great cigar man. How often do you play?
Avo: Every day, when I'm home. I have some wonderful pianos and play as often as I can. It relaxes me and clears my mind. There's a great bass player who lives near me, and we play together often at home.

TCR: How many Avo Lounges are there?
Avo: Besides the one in Orlando, there are six in Switzerland, one coming in Vienna and another coming in Erivan, Armenia. There;s also one in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

TCR: So what cigars do you enjoy smoking most?
Avo: Mine, of course. I start every day with an Avo Classic, and then normally smoke some of my limited editions from over the years.

TCR: How many do you smoke a day?
Avo: Usually three or four.

TCR: And you smoke at home?
Avo: Ha! No. It's my wife's home; I just live there. [He chuckles.] The weather is so nice in Florida, where I live, so I sit out on my patio or near the pool and enjoy my cigar and the beautiful surroundings. It's perfect to reflect on my life and my blessings.

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