Back in 2003, Oliva Cigar Co. introduced a special limited edition cigar known as the Master Blends. The idea was to use some of the finest tobacco cultivated and do an annual release showcasing what can be done with the best you have. The company followed up with a Masters Blends 2 in 2005 and then the Master Blends 3 in 2006.
Of course, in 2007 the company introduced the Oliva V and then eventually the awesome Oliva V Melanio. Over the the last decade and half, the Master Blend has been sitting quietly at the party just waiting for another enthusiast to pick it up and take it for a journey. Today it was my turn, and I can honestly say, this is the first time I ever smoked this blend. As is the case now and then, I had to ask myself – What rock have I been smoking my cigars under?
The Oliva Master Blends 3 has a bold and flavorful blend which is described as:
- Wrapper – United States (Connecticut) Sun-Grown Broadleaf
- Binder – Nicaraguan Habano
- Filler – Nicaraguan Ligero
Packaged in finely dressed 20-count boxes, the Oliva Master Blends 3 is expressed in 3 vitolas:
- Robusto (5 x 50) MSRP $11.40
- Torpedo (6.5 x 52) MSRP $14.90
- Churchill (7 x 50) MSRP $13.70
I recently was gifted an Oliva Masters Blend 3 Torpedo from a great BOTL, Mike Collins. I can’t thank you enough for turning me onto this gem of a cigar.
Pre-Light Examination
The Oliva Master Blends 3 is an absolutely gorgeous cigar. When I first opened the gift I received from my friend Mike and took out the Oliva, my eyes widened as I gazed upon its beauty. Dark reddish brown in color, with a light marbling, and a toothy texture, the Oliva Masters Blend 3 has a fine oily sheen. It is a well constructed box pressed torpedo with a pencil-point cap.
The single band that adorns the cigar is just as stunning. It depicts a green tropical field with palm trees on the top of the custom die-cut band along with the script letters “MB” which signify it as a Master Blends series. A golden number 3 is embossed on the bottom. The decorations continue throughout the band. The year 2006 is printed in gold on both the left and right side – signifying the year it was introduced.
As I ran the cigar across the nasals, I picked up earthy and fruit notes off the foot along with a damp hay note along the barrel.
I sliced the tip of the head, straight with my double blade cutter, taking off about 3/8 of an inch from the point. Proceeding with some cold puffs, I noted that the draw was spot on with restriction and offered a salt and pepper set of notes with a mild cocoa sensation after a few more draws.
Well, I was ready to fire this one up. Having had smoked plenty of the V Melanios, I was ready for what this earlier Oliva blend had to offer. I reached for my triple flame torch to warm the foot to an even orange glow and drew in the first puffs of what I would describe as spicy cocoa. Follow along as I burn this gem to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- First light delivered spice and cocoa with a mild nasal burn on the retro-hale
- First few puffs offered a medium volume of smoke that quickly evolved into full and chewy smoke
- Beautiful white ash grows on a fairly crisp char line
- Butter cream enters along with a spicy aroma
- Mild citrus brightens the profile
- Dark cocoa notes add to the pleasure
- Smooth easy draw with a delectable a natural tobacco sweetness mixing with the cocoa
- Nice ash fall revealing an excellent burn cone
- Malt adds to the chocolate
- Scrumpdillyicious light citrus finish
- Touch of sea salt with and a mild mint note
- Final third brings a rare peanut note down to the nub
- Medium to Full in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 40 minutes
Overall, the Oliva Master Blends 3 Torpedo was a spectacular cigar from pre-light down to the nub. Complex and balanced with well transitioning flavors and aromas, the Master Blends 3 treated the palate on every puff. I especially enjoyed the mint and peanut notes which I don’t always get. The burn was all but pristine until the final third where it had a slight wave. This is one true cigar enthusiasts would love. This is most defiantly box worthy and I rate this a solid 95.
Point Deductions: (-1) Slight wave in final third
Bonus Points: (+1) Buy a Box; (+1) Extremely complex in flavor and aroma
