Oliva Master Blends 3

[Herf N Turf]

The Oliva MB 3 Double Robusto

Vitola: Box Press Double Robusto
Size: 5 x 54
Wrapper: Sungrown Broadleaf Maduro
Construction: Flawless
Flavor: Complex and Full
Body: Med-Full first half, Full to the finish
Strenth: Med-Full to Full
Draw: Medium Firm
Drink: The MacCallan 12yr Sherry Cask Aged
Setting: 76F, no wind, quiet front porch
Price Paid: $10.70 local B&M

First off, sorry for the lack of pics this time, but I cant find my damn cable to save my life. Too bad too, since the construction of this stick is simply gorgeous. The band, aparently by Disney, is very colorful and attractive. The dark, oily wrapper is tight and smooth; wonderful to the touch.
Picking this stick up, you know youre in for a serious adventure just based on the weight of it. You know you've got a pile of tobacco in your hand.

Prelight: Tasting the wrapper prior to clip gave hints of dark brown sugar and a little dark chocolate. The aroma was of finely fermented broadleaf and ligero. The clip was very shallow with just the tip of the cap coming off cleanly. Prelight draw was medium-firm, but in no way plugged. I keep my smokes at 70% and I contemplated whether this one might benefit from a little dry-box treatment. Oh well.

Light and First Third: Dispite the amble tobacco crammed into this thing, it took to the torch like a starving dog to a steak. Toasting nearly lit the entire foot, with only a few deft tugs required to get a complete light. First few draws were of ligero with notes of earth and leather. Making my way through the first third, I got the characteristic sweetness of the ligero and dark broadleaf.
At this point, I realized that my usual go-to blended scotch was not doing this stick justice. I immediately switched to The MacCallan and this is where the fun really began.
The change of whiskey profile really opened this smoke up! Suddenly the sweetness and nearly overwhelming chocolate notes began pouring out. It immediately became more complex, full and completely delicious.

Second Third: Everthing remained consistent. I just settled in for a hellova ride with rich, wonderfully complex flavors bombarding my palette. Im in the groove, baby!

Final Third/Finish: WOW! The MB3 is at full speed now. All the flavors have taken on full power and are bathing my mouth in thich, rich luciousness. There's something very PAM '64 about this stick, but creamier and sweeter. The finish bathes the palette in wonderful dark brown sugar notes and great spice. I love it.

Conclusion: It's rare that I find myself in complete agreement with CA, but their rating of 92 for this stick is pretty right on. Just simply a delightful, very full-bodied experience. Paried with the right drink, this is one of the best flavor profiles I've smoked of late. Highly recommend.

[dj1340]

Great review, don't know why I haven't tried one of these yet but will be at the B&M this afternoon and remedy that!

[Cigar Man Andy]

Thanks for the review Don.

[Jack Straw]

Great review - I've been meaning to try these!

[darkninja67]

Thanks for the review. I am with you that these are a great cigar. I wish they could be had for cheap again. I may fire up a robusto today actually.

[Sweet_Cigars]

Damn Don thanks alot, now I gotta go out and get me one of these!

Awesome review you got me sold!

[Patrick B]

Great review. I had one last week and it blew me away. Fantastic, rich smoke!

[Shervin]

Way to sell me on what to smoke today Don, great review!

[dj1340]

Grabbed one of those today at the B&M and smoked it with a little Cruzan/ diet Dr. Pepper. Must say your review was right on the money. Box is on order!!

[darkninja67]

Pipes and cigars had these for $100 a box of robos awhile back. I should have grabbed two.

[BengalMan]

One of my favorite cigars that we make, hands down. A classic from the Oliva's.

[ashmaster]

Wonderful review Don for a stick I don't visit often enough.

[Acesfull]

Recently grabbed a box of these for $115 shipped from cigarplace.biz might want to check them out still to see if the coupon code "oliva" still works. I've always been a fan of the Masterblend lineup... cigar.com has the MB2 boxes on sale which are better than these!

[jedipastor]

Thanks for this great review! I just picked up my first one today from a humidor inside a store I don't visit often...I was suprised to find this and Illusione, Tatuaje, Liga Privada #9, and some other HTF sticks at this place! Too bad it's over an hour away

[scottw]

I absolutley love this stick, awesome.