- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-
This week we are reviewing another one of those ‘hard to find’ cigars – Oliva Master Blends in churchill size. This gem came and went many moons ago but I was able to purchase a five pack back in JAN2011 for $50 back. Every time I smoke Oliva Master Blends 3, there is at least one fellow smoker who will ask the same question “Did you ever try MB1 ?” Six months later I decided to pull them out and give them a try. I’m glad I did.
As stated in my Oliva Serie V No4 review, I have a soft spot when it comes to Oliva cigars but the original Master Blends, in my personal opinion, is the creme of the crop, full stop. Cigar’s construction was close to flawless. No visible seams with one not too obtrusive vein. After snipping carefully applied cap, I was introduced to perfect draw. Not too loose, not too tight, just how the doctor prescribed. Right off the bet, insane amount of smoke that made my photography session that much more enjoyable. Burn line was excellent with zero touch-ups throughout churchill 1:45min experience. Ash was nice and tight and would detach in 1.5″ chunks. In flavor department, this cigar shined like Chicago’s bean on a sunny day – that good ! Cigar kicked off with noticeable sweetness on the tip and subsequently turned into enjoyable nuttiness, chocolate and well balanced spice. Core flavors were present throughout the entire experience with chocolate turning into dark / bitter, but still enjoyable, chocolate. Interestingly enough, the amount of chocolate / sweetness reminded me of Cohiba Genios review. Whether that is another compliment or not, you be the judge.
Clearly, an enjoyable experience. I’m confident to take this even further and say that this is one of the best cigars I have smoked in 2011 and probably in my Top5 of cigars I have EVER smoked. I was trying to impress Dave Wagner – Oliva’s VP of Sales at a local Studio Tobac event with my Oliva Master Blends possession only to be told that Oliva has a substantial MB 1 /2 cushion. So much for my 5pack collection :). I have been told about ongoing Oliva Master Blends 1 / 2 resurrection plans. Let’s hope those come to fruition. When so, make sure you track a box, if not more.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 7″
Ring: 50
Construction > Great
Burn > Great
Enjoy > Absolutely !
Recommend > Absolutely !
Buy > Boxes !
Please consider the following post:
* Oliva Serie V No4
* Studio Tobac Tour
#1 by jjo on June 30, 2011 - 10:28 pm
Jay,
Is that white actually printed onto the wrapper? A much classier look than the MB3’s, with great colors. I like how the red compliments the wrapper and ties the other colors in. Great review and pics!
#2 by Denny P on July 1, 2011 - 5:57 pm
Very jealous. Fantastic job.
#3 by Jan on July 1, 2011 - 7:56 pm
Great review, and pics. I saw a box of these online for above $300, is that a fair price/worth it???
#4 by Jeff Senske on July 2, 2011 - 11:07 pm
Oh my! My mouth is watering for the flavor palet described here, Jay. I can almost taste it through your description, but like a sweet dream from which one must eventually wake- actually experiencing such smoke ecstacy seems just out of reach. The gorgeous photos only salt this bittersweet wound.
I will once again live vicariously through Cigar Photography blog.
#5 by Cigar Inspector on July 3, 2011 - 8:09 am
Excellent pics! I love the review format as well. Keep it up!
#6 by BlackBeard on July 3, 2011 - 2:38 pm
Damn! those pics are great! That last one is “Hot” haha!
#7 by Dalamscius on July 6, 2011 - 10:46 pm
The etching on these is awesome, I wish some other companies tried it out. You did an great job capturing them nice and clear. Good shoot Jay!
#8 by admin on July 7, 2011 - 11:23 am
@ Jjo – It is actually not a print but laser finish. Unique but no longer in practice due to hit & miss percentage. Would love to see Oliva resurrect this practice.
@ Danny – Thanks, bud !
@ Jan – Which one ? How many in the box ? Box itself is worth $$$
@ Jeff – Thanks for your kind words. You write like a poet :)
@ Denis – Thanks bud ! Glad to see you on my blog. CigarInspector.com is also a great place to hang out !
@ Anthony – Hot indeed ! Thanks for feedback.
#9 by Skipper on December 7, 2011 - 4:42 pm
Remarkable photography.
#10 by admin on December 8, 2011 - 9:11 pm
John,
Thanks, bud ! Much appreciated.