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.

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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. :-):

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.

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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.

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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.
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Wow, now you have me excited to spark up the one he sent me... That Scott character really is a quality guy, is he not?
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Yum, looks good. It is seeming like Maduros are becoming my fav type of cigar.
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Sounds super tasty!
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Love these!! :-) :-)
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Great review...I must have been in the woods....didn't know they made this one.....thanks for sharing
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I am SO happy you enjoyed it, Joe. :-)
I search far and wide for old Oliva stuff, it's absolutely insanely incredible. John digs the Oliva Bolds, I think I sent you one (an orange band Oliva). They aren't to my taste so much, but regardless, I can appreciate them for what they are. I generally enjoy the blue bands a lot more. They're kinda like Grands but a lot fuller, richer, and thicker. Kinda the difference between a chocolate chip cookie and a brownie.
I believe these were from around '04 and they were discontinued sometime around '05 or '06, maybe earlier. It's a shame they're gone, but the Special G maduro is a lot like it after it gets about a year on it.
If you haven't tried a special g maddie with some time on it, I know a guy that can fix you up. :-)
Thanks for the excellent review!!! :-)
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Thanks again, Scott. It's a shame these are discontinued. 2004?! No wonder this was a perfect lady!

Now I'm eager to get to one of the silk bands. :-)
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Thanks for the review.
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nice review...sweet pics too :-)
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