Posts Tagged Dave Wagner

Oliva Master Blends 1

Jun 30

Posted by admin in Oliva Master Blends 1 | 10 Comments

- 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

Tags: cigar, cigar construction, cigar flavor, cigar images, cigar photographs, cigar photography, cigar photos, cigar pictures, cigar review, cigar smoking photos, cigars, Dave Wagner, jose oliva, nicaragua, oliva, oliva cigars, oliva master blends, photography, stogie, stogie review, tobacco

Oliva Serie V No4

May 24

Posted by admin in Oliva Serie V No4 | 7 Comments

- click on photographs -

After last week’s Studio Tobac Tour photoshoot, we are continuing with Oliva bandwagon and bringing a limited production – Olive Serie V No4. This specimen is unfortunately limited to the European market and US B&M cigar shops which are part of The Tobacconists’ Association of America – a trade organization established in 1968 by visionary retail tobacconists. Future and broader availability of this size was one of the topics I discussed with Dave Wagner – Oliva’s VP of Sales. Although I wasn’t able to nail this one down, I walked away from this conversation with a feeling that availability is certainly not out of the question. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

I have a soft spot when it comes to Oliva cigars. I have smoked through tons of Os, Gs, Vs and Connecticut but my favorite has to be 2008 Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial. Clearly, V No4 had a high expectation. Thankfully it didn’t disappoint. The format of the cigar was simply brilliant. If you are in a pinch and in need of a quick smoke, this slightly thicker Petite Corona is a godsend. In flavor department, as one would expect from Serie V, we are talking about spice, woodiness, and nuttiness mixed with some chocolaty hints. From ash/burn perspective, more accolades. Light grey ash with relatively sharp burn line.

I was able to lay my hands on few samples few weeks ago due to generosity of a fellow cigar smoker. Fortunately I was able to track down a box of Oliva Serie V No4 this week and I’m happy to say that it is in route as I type this review. If you can locate a TAA shop in your neighborhood, give them a call. You will not be disappointed. My fellow cigar smokers – Walt from StogieReview and Steve from SmokingStogie were as equally pleased as I was.

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano Sun Grown
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5″
Ring: 43

Construction > Great
Burn > Great
Enjoy > Absolutely !
Recommend > Absolutely !
Buy > Box Worthy !

Studio Tobac Tour

May 17

Posted by admin in Studio Tobac Tour | 7 Comments

- click on photographs -

The Studio Tobac Tour finally made its appearance in the Garden State – New Jersey. Bryan ‘The Show’ Scholle – Studio’s Ambassador, Dave Wagner – Oliva’s VP of Sales, Richard Delia – regional Rep, and Special Edition 2011 Touring Corvette were all in attendance. In case you wonder about Studio Tobac project, please find a summary from Studio Tobac website.

Studio Tobac was born within the Oliva Cigar Company in 2007. It is a collection of the company’s most innovative minds. Studio Tobac consists of an Executive Board of Directors, A Studio Ambassador, an advisory board comprised of independent cigar enthusiasts around the world, as well as General Membership. For over three years the Studio has conceived innovative projects like the renowned NUB cigar. A cigar which introduced a complete new format in premium handmade cigars to the industry. The Studio also successfully produced the CAIN cigar. Cain is the only STRAIGHT LIGERO cigar in the world. These and many more projects exist within the portfolio of Studio Tobac. For 2011 the Executive Board decided to open the Studio to the cigar smoking world. The Board further moved to establish an advisory board to be selected by invitation, as well as a General Membership available to cigar enthusiasts from all over the world.

The Studio Tobac Tour was hosted by B&M shop in Montclair, NJ – ‘FUME.’ I have attended one of the NUB events a year ago so I had a certain level of expectation. Fortunately, Studio Tobac crew exceeded that expectation. All around great, down to earth, opinionated yet open minded fellow cigar smokers. Weaseling doesn’t exist in my vocabulary but both Dave and Bryan were persistent and I was fortunate enough to walk away with few Cain F lanceros (Tour exclusive), ST-DS001 prototype, and Cain Daytona. THANK YOU !

What sets Studio Tobac Tour apart from previous tour is the innovation The Ambassador brings forward. Bryan ‘The Show’ Scholle is not only applying the wrapper but he is also blending, bunching, rolling, and innovating right on the spot. This ‘southern boy’ who is moving & grooving to the beat of Johnny Cash and drinking fine american beer, is extremely approachable and very talented. Bryan was a good sport and agreed to step into ‘model shoes’ for quick 15min photoshoot (*see below).

For those of you who are thinking about attending Studio Tobac Tour, I encourage you to do so. Definitely an event not to be missed. On the way out, don’t forget to ping Bryan for another Studio Tobac Tour exclusive – The Donkey Punch. This Nicaraguan puro is made up of W: Habano Fuerte, B: Habano Fuerte, F: 100% Estelí ligero and has one comical band – still in prototype phase. I wish Studio Tobac and Oliva much success with this tour and future endeavours. ’til next time.