The Strength: Medium
The Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
The Binder: Nicaragua
The Filler: Nicaragua
The Vitola: Churchill

For those of you I talk to on Twitter and to those who have been following my cigar reviews, you know my history with Oliva cigars. I’m not a big fan of Oliva cigars. I don’t know why, but I never go looking for an Oliva at the B&M and I’m never happy after I smoke one. With that said, im extremely excited to smoke this cigar because im still hoping for that Oliva cigar that I will enjoy.

The first thing we have to talk about is the amazing band, WOW! It’s definitely one of the most beautiful bands I have seen. I love the color scheme, it remains me of the colors from the Vegas Robaina band. The vitola is a pretty big and its wrapped in a beautiful Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. Another good thing about this cigar is the “royal-like” symbol that is on the wrapper. I don’t know how they did it, but it looks really good. I’m extremely impressed with the appearance and presentation of this cigar.

You know what, I am really surprised. I expected a full body cigar with a lot of heavy flavors, but I got the opposite. This cigar is medium body, not even close to full. It’s an easy smoke, very mellow on the palate, none of that harsh nastiness in the back of your throat. (which is a great thing) Flavor wise, theres lots of soft caramel-toasty-dark-tea with a very soft finish. It’s a very consistent cigar that doesn’t change in the flavor department at all, but that’s okay. I still enjoyed the soft flavors and fresh palate through out the entire smoke.

It’s been awhile since I smoked a Non-Cuban cigar and I forgot how nicely a cigar could burn and look while smoking it. It’s no secret, but Cuban cigars have one of the ugliest ashes.  This cigar on the other hand has the whitest ash ever and it holds very nicely and it’s pretty cool to look at while you smoke. The burn and draw were just right and I have to give it up to the Oliva family, this cigar is top notch with quality.

I didn’t love the cigar, but I didn’t hate it either. It didn’t “wow” me and I may never remember this cigar, but i still think its a decent cigar. If your checking out the review because your interested in getting your hands on one, heres my advice. If you like a medium body cigar that will leave you with a fresh palate, smoke it. If you are looking for a something more, you wont get it.

My Score: 88

PS: My relationship with Oliva remains the same, maybe they are reading this and creating a special custom blend for me. Maybe the Oliva Master Blends 15? Sounds like a good idea to me!

- Agent 15