My experience is pretty much the same. Here is a short review of my experience

I picked an Avalon on purpose, with everyone begining to review these from the pass, I felt it was time. The Construction was firm yet slightly soft and forgiving, a few small veins, a nice lookin stick IMO. Pre light aroma reminded me of vintage leather. I clipped it without missing a beat. Pre light draw was easy, smooth and made me think of earthly sweetness. I lit the cigar with a wooden match at 9:15pm, and it burned even all the way through. It had nice clean thick smoke. Draw through out the smoke was almost effortless at times, which I enjoyed very much. I forced ashed about halfway through just to not end up with a lap full of ash. I got a nicotine kick about halfway in, nothing too severe, but made me slow things down a bit. The only thing bad I would say is even once I slowed things down, it still burned hot, I guess it is a trade off for the loose draw. Overall, I liked this stick very much, the last week or two have been really busy for me work and personally, so this was the first time in too long I gave myself a chance to sit down and relax and smoke, I am happy with my choice.