Oliva Master Blends 1

Size: 7 x 50 Churchill
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Body: Medium-Full
Strength: Medium
Humidor Time: 5 Months

I was walking around a B&M and saw this gem, not knowing much about the cigars except that these are highly rated and on my list to buy. After I had this in my humidor for the last 5 months, I decided to do some research on this, little did I know I had grabbed a Master Blends 1, these are no longer produced and the current market is now selling the third blend. I put this in my travel box and as I contemplated smoking it, knowing these are not made and this is truly a rare cigar, I told myself that there is no point in waiting or else I will not be lighting it up.

First impression, this stands out, the band is colorful and the tattoo is awesome, check this out:



From what I gathered, this is laser etched on the wrapper. Would this not be cool to see as a band, nothing to remove, just smoke right through it?

The wrapper is a very nice brown colored leaf, smooth to the touch with smooth veins, only one or two small ones stand out, which happened to come from probably the binder instead of the wrapper. The cigar is firm, giving a firm draw with a pre-light flavor of cocoa and coffee.

Starting off, this cigar lit nicely giving of pepper and coffee flavors first. The smoke was thick, with a good solid texture that allows the smoker to fully enjoy the flavors emitting from the quality tobacco within. The coffee flavor increased with a woodiness making its way into the forefront of flavors. and cocoa on the finish.

As I made my way into the body of the cigar, the flavors are really strong, they are not over bearing. The ash was white, the burn was a tad rocky, with some rotating I was able to keep it from getting out of hand. Through the body of the cigar, the woody coffee flavor was rather consistent, the pepper flavors from the start quickly faded into the background. The aroma was awesome, it was like incense and filled to area with a wonderful scent.

As I was making my was through into the final half and reaching the last third of the cigar, I was given a new flavor to enjoy, licorice. The smoke became really creamy and the body picked up into the full range. This cigar was not going out without a bang, the flavors became much more pronounced, cocoa was hidden behind coffee and wood with a touch of that licorice. This cigar was just getting better as I kept smoking.

So here I was, I just finished an amazing cigar, knowing I will probably not get the chance to smoke another, but pleased to have been able to enjoy this now. I am relaxed, happy as I smoked this with friends at our local herf. It was a perfect time to light this beauty.

Recommended? Oh Yeah!!!

Sol Cubano - Maduro

Size: 6 1/2 x 52 Torpedo
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Body: Full
Strength: Medium


"Cuban Sun" This dark beauty comes to us from the masters of cigars, Oliva's. With a very dark wrapper perfectly rolled smooth, veins barely make an appearance, and oils enhancing its looks. This cigar is firm but soft. The wrapper carries a spiciness to it and the loose draws gives off a tobacco flavor before lighting.

This cigar lit up rather easy creating a great amount of thick, creamy, and flavorful smoke. Instant cocoa and coffee flavors hiding a pepper spice you do not notice right off the back, it is hidden in the depth of it all. A nutty flavor is also enveloped by the cocoa flavor. This is truly an Oliva creation from the start.

The white ash does hold firm on this cigar, though it is a bit flaky at times. I am impressed by the straight burn I am getting from this cigar, well, to be honest I am not that impressed as this did come from the Oliva family, I expected quality and this cigar held up to its name.

Within the body of the cigar I was given large amounts of flavor that was well beyond my expectations. The finish was long and creamy. My mouth was coated with flavors of cocoa and coffee that are common with maduro cigars. I was given a touch of bitterness in the depth of the smoke, it never stood out or was harsh. With age this may go away and really make this cigar outstanding.

This cigar burns cool, oh did I mention the ash held on well? In fact I only ashed three times total! That was with heavy pick ups and put downs in the ashtray.

This cigar was perfect after my Cajun dinner and complimented my hot cocoa and Charlie Brown movie. What can I say, I am a sucker for the classics.

This is a budget cigar. No wait, this is a great cigar at a great price. The problem with labeling this as a budget cigar is it gives the connotation that this cigar only lives up to minimal expectations. I do not want to give the impression that this cigar is only worth the low price when in fact it is not. I have had cigar worth much more that cannot live up to the Sol Cubano. Take advantage of this cigar if you love maduros, you will be pleased you did. Put the flame to this one!