Scott Shilala generously gifted me five different, HTF cigars for my enjoyment, and also to hear what I think of them; this is the first of the five.
A beautiful torpedo with a severe box press, this cigar sports a deep brown, toothy wrapper. Pre-light I get fragrances of mild cocoa and dried cherries; the draw is easy after clipping only about a quarter-inch from the sharp head.
In the first inch, the distinct flavors of black cherries and aromatic wood assert themselves. Mellow, fragrant; this Oliva is the one that has a black belt in Karate but doesn't need to use it to impress. It is the quietly confident Oliva.
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Through the nose, I get dark berries and marzipan; also hints of dark cocoa and vanilla bean. Later, distinct notes of root beer float in.
I have to pause and say that this cigar is so delicious that I have to check myself from hotboxing it and ruining what is so good about it; a persistent mellowness...soothing, like honey on a sore throat. Absolutely zero harshness through the nose, even on a "hot" draw.
Only a third of the way in and I can already say that this is the most complex, flavorful cigar I've had since a fresh H. Upmann Magnum 50 EL years ago.
Past the halfway mark and to the finish line, nuance gives way to a robust, rich tobacco essence with undertones of sweet
cafe con leche. The stick stays very smokeable throughout, with a dry finish on each draw and almost no aftertaste or coating of the tongue.
I have to thank Scott for exposing me to this cigar. My friend John (PapaJohn67) always extolled the virtues of Olivas but I never truly understood until now. I don't know anything about this blend, if it's still even made, but I could see this being a fine everyday smoke.