New Oliva "O"...my humble review

[2chairs]

(This is a copy of the review I posted on the World Lounge)
****

Yesterday, my local tobacconist hosted a tasting for the new Oliva "O" series. Gilberto himself was there schmoozing and answering questions during this "World Debut." (Oliva chose Atlanta area as the kickoff.) Four sizes were available: robusto (6x50??), double corona (7x52), and two torpedos (6x52 and 7x54). Gilberto said the tobacco was Nicaraguan, rolled in Esteli. (Tasted to me like there may be some Honduran in the blend too.)

I tried the 7x54 torpedo (the Orion) and .... I am impressed! Dark, spicy, peppery, complex, great draw and burn. Nice construction, though may be slightly rough to the feel in some LLG's opinions. But I didn't think that distracted at all from the cigar. Started out with a splash of pepper and then kept building in flavor and strength through the first third. The ash didn't come off until better than an inch and half into the smoke. (I noticed others nodding their heads in approval as they smoked the first third and the consistent comment was ... this is getting really, really good.)

Second third was equally good with a bit more spice and pepper and a perfect burn and draw. Two inches from the end saw the burn get a bit uneven and it got a little hot for my taste. But by that time I was well satisfied and like I said, very impressed ... enough so that I bought a box. Had another one last night and it was just as good as the first. I'm going to put the rest in my locker at the tobacconist's humidor and age them another 3-4 months, so they should get even better. (This is not a "must age" cigar; I'm just doing it for my personal tastes.)

The box is a thing to admire; big, gorgeous with the look of finely polished mahogany and a satin-like inside top. Sticks were perfectly lined up (no cello) and the wrapper color was consistent throughout. Oliva has a new band, a thick, red satin strip to distinguish it from their other lines.

Comparisons? I'm a regular purchaser of Fuente Double Chateau and Royal Salute (both Sun Grown) and Camacho Corojo torpedos and this stick can hold it's own with either, maybe better. I'm going to reserve final judgment on that until the end of the summer after I've aged the Olivas and smoked them in between the Fuentes and Camachos.

I didn't try the other sizes but those who did at the tasting were singing praises. Didn't hear one bad comment and I know most every regular who was there. They do not hesitate to speak their mind and give an honest opinion. A lot of boxes (all sizes) were sold yesterday with the torps being the biggest sellers followed by the robusto and the DC.

Price? The 7x54 torpedo sold for $6.75 a stick; 7x52 torp was $6.50; double corona was also $6.75 and robusto went for under $6.00. Buying a box at the tasting got you a bonus of eight additional sticks. (For comparison purposes my local tobacconist sells Camacho Corojo 6x54 torps at $6.99; Fuente Double Chateau SG at $5.95 and Fuente Royal Salute SG at $7.95.) These are Atlanta area prices and then add 6% sales tax.

I think Oliva has a real winner here at a great price. I'll be really interested in hearing opinions from other LLGs after the "O" line comes to your areas.

Cheers!
Flipflop

[2chairs]

[miketafc]

Great Review

I love these cigars especially in the maduro wrapper

[c2000]

Are these available from internet vendors Yet? (nice review)


Jerry in Minnesota.

[Cobrajet]

Nice review thanks. I also agree, great cigars.

[partagaspete]

great review flipflop... Maybe it is just me but I have not seen you here in a while. Hope all is well.

T

[Blackknight]

This cigar is on my try list. so it's good to hear a plus review from a alpha silverback.

[RPB67]

Nice review. Never had one but that review make me wanna atleast try one.

Good review. Thanks.

[miketafc]

The review is actually 4yrs old. Found it during a search on Oliva and taught it was an April 05 post.

Sorry about the confusion, but it still stands as a great review of a good cigar brand.

[il duce]

i had my first one this w/e while i was in atlantic city and was very impressed with the flavor. very good cigar and i cant wait to try another