Oliva MB II Real Time Review

[Twill413]

I am thread happy today, so as I sit in the BM I thought I would take the opportunity to do a real time review on an Oliva MB II Churchill.

Prelight thoughts:

This thing is a real beauty. 7 Inches of churchill goodness. The laser engraving on the leaf is really pretty durn cool. I used a V cut and the prelight draw is very fruity. Toasted like a charm, and the draw for the first couple of puffs is a little loose, but that is much easier to work around than too tight. This should be a good one. First couple draws are nice and smooth, although not much in the way of flavorful yet.

Feel free to chime in with thoughts...and stay tuned

[Twill413]

Guess I am only entertaining myself. Background on this stick. I picked up three for $15 in a fire sale(they weren't moving) at the BM. Two torps and this guy. Kinda kicking myself now that I didn't buy about 15 of these. Mostly because of the pretty band and the cool laser engraving.

I am about an inch in or so, and it is very floral through the nose. One of the sweeter cigars I have ever had. A nice change of pace. I thought the burn was gonna go crooked on me in the first half inch or so, but she self corrected and is razor sharp now...

[catfishm2]

I was pleasantly surprised by this cigar. After hearing mixed reviews, I wasn't really expecting to much. But much to my delight, I really enjoyed it. It kept changing the entire length. Like you said, it had a very nice floral aroma and some sweetness to it. The imprint on the wrapper is pretty cool. I have had to touch up the ones I've smoked, but nothing major.

The one thing I do have against them is the price though.

[mastershogun]

Originally Posted by Twill413

Guess I am only entertaining myself. Background on this stick. I picked up three for $15 in a fire sale(they weren't moving) at the BM. Two torps and this guy. Kinda kicking myself now that I didn't buy about 15 of these. Mostly because of the pretty band and the cool laser engraving.

I am about an inch in or so, and it is very floral through the nose. One of the sweeter cigars I have ever had. A nice change of pace. I thought the burn was gonna go crooked on me in the first half inch or so, but she self corrected and is razor sharp now...

3 for $15... you should be kicking yourself for not buying more ... MB2's are great, MB1's are great, MB3's are great... love them all

[Twill413]

Originally Posted by catfishm2

I have had to touch up the ones I've smoked, but nothing major.

You are right on with this one. I just hit the halfway mark and it looks like she is gonna need a touchup. just a little one though, nothing major. Damn tasty, picking up a little light background pepper on the tongue.

Spoke too soon though, self corrected again.

[Pyro]

I also believe that the MB2's got unfair reviews. In my opinion, the reason for this was that MB1 was incredibly good right OTT whereas MB2 need a lot more time in the humidor before getting balanced. I have bought two boxes of MB2 Robusto and one box of MB2 Torpedo. Most of those will be put away for several years. On the other hand, my box of MB3 Torpedo will be smoked during the coming two years.

A comment:

Originally Posted by Twill413

...I used a V cut...

Why use a V-cutter on a long filler cigar?

[muziq]

Originally Posted by Twill413

You are right on with this one. I just hit the halfway mark and it looks like she is gonna need a touchup. just a little one though, nothing major. Damn tasty, picking up a little light background pepper on the tongue.

Spoke too soon though, self corrected again.

Total agreement, the MBs I've tried have been great but need a little attention. That wrapper is so smooth; this stick has a really nice presentation overall.

[RenoB]

Nice review on a great cigar! Have an MBI in the humi that's calling my name now

Were you at Jacks? Cause I almost went yesterday, and if he's got these on fire sale I'm gonna get there tonight (gotta check on Anejos anyway).

[KASR]

Great play by play review! Gonna have to pick one of these up and try them.

[fpkjr]

Originally Posted by mastershogun

3 for $15... you should be kicking yourself for not buying more ... MB2's are great, MB1's are great, MB3's are great... love them all

Great Review.
I only smoked 1 MB2 last year and then they were gone. This time around I grabbed up a supply of the MB3's I fell in love with the wrapper and blend. However, they tend to tip the scales at my local B&M due to the 30% tax added by my state. $13. and change for the torpedo, + 6% sales tax, is that about average?
Frank

[mastershogun]

Originally Posted by fpkjr

Great Review.
I only smoked 1 MB2 last year and then they were gone. This time around I grabbed up a supply of the MB3's I fell in love with the wrapper and blend. However, they tend to tip the scales at my local B&M due to the 30% tax added by my state. $13. and change for the torpedo, + 6% sales tax, is that about average?
Frank

I've seen them sell for that price too. if you want an MB2 you should still be able to get them with relative ease. the MB1's are the hard ones to get

[fpkjr]

Originally Posted by mastershogun

I've seen them sell for that price too. if you want an MB2 you should still be able to get them with relative ease. the MB1's are the hard ones to get

I my opinion there was a difference between the MB II and MB III. I only torched one MB II and that was a tag along on a trade I did several months ago.. That's a stretch for me to even think I'd be able to recall a cigar smoked several months before.

I've seen the MB II advertised but to be honest after sampling the III there's no need backtrack

[Pyro]

Originally Posted by fpkjr

...$13. and change for the torpedo, + 6% sales tax, is that about average?...

You can get them for $139.95 per box (20 ct) at www.cigarplaze.biz .

[fpkjr]

Originally Posted by Pyro

You can get them for $139.95 per box (20 ct) at www.cigarplaze.biz .

That's Connecticut taxes for ya..
Thanks for the link.

Originally Posted by RenoB

Cause I almost went yesterday, and if he's got these on fire sale I'm gonna get there tonight (gotta check on Anejos anyway).

Good luck with that.. Haven't seen them in the North East other then the TAA event (WOAM, #46, #77 anejo) Rumor mill has it they've gone to Europe. Not sure if its reliable or not.

Frank

[Twill413]

In case anyone was wondering I did finish it. The engraving adds a nice muted portobello mushroom flavor... Just kidding. It got a little harsh toward the end, but otherwise this was a really good smoke. It was my first churchill, and they definitely aren't short smokes. I think they might be worth the $7-8 retail, but not $13.