It’s no secret. Anything that starts with passion, no matter how rough and long the journey is, will eventually reach the finish line of success. Speaking of which, stories like this never fail to win my admiration, just like how this particular cigar company earned my respect. While many are more engrossed in the product itself, I have never forgotten the excellent makers behind the most reputable cigar brands of today. The underlying mystery of how they brought a fine cigar to life has always sparked my interest in exploring the wonders of the tobacco industry. Along my quest, I have found the gateway to the rich history of Oliva Cigars.

Under the comforting warmth of the sun, in the deep, verdant green tobacco fields of Cuba, is where the humble beginnings of the Oliva Cigar Co. can be traced. It was pioneered by Melanio Oliva, who has always been passionate about tobacco cultivation. As the torch was passed, the successor from each generation has continued to empower the Oliva Cigar Co., ensuring it’s thriving amid any adversity. Today, the company has every right to be proud as they produced about 15 million to 16 million handmade cigars annually. As such, an art piece like the Oliva Baptiste Robusto Maduro seems to please even the most discerning aficionados as it offers a quality that of a skillfully constructed premium cigar. Thanks to a fellow enthusiast, I was able to try this gem; suffice to say, it was worth it.

Oliva Baptiste Maduro
Wrapper Origin: ConnecticutShape: Robusto
Length: 5Ring: 50
Wrapper: BroadleafList Price: $27.50 (Pack of 5)
Origin: NicaraguaStrength: Full

Pull of Cigar

Dark, rugged, yet undeniably hot — these are the distinctive features of the Oliva Baptiste Robusto Maduro. The surface emanates a solid and intimidating front, which made me paused for a moment, wondering if this cigar is too harsh for my liking. But as I gradually penetrated its secrets, I realized that it had a fair share of finesse that lies in its wrapper. A finely matured USA Connecticut Broadleaf offers a shelter to a master blend of Nicaraguan filler and binder. The Broadleaf is among the prized wrapper leaves used to make many Maduro cigars for those who may not know. Therefore, expect this full-bodied cigar to surround your palate with a luscious sweetness concealed in a smoke-filled with black pepper spice.

From the shaft, I can smell the faint aromas of earth, cedar, and roasted nuts. After carefully examining its shaved cap, this cigar has then brushed my nose with lovely scents of cinnamon, coffee, and leather. The white pepper and dark chocolate on the cold draw also heightened my anticipation to taste the Oliva Baptiste Robusto Maduro.

Taste

The onset of the smoke immediately supplies a full-blast strength, giving away an earthiness that reminds me of that fragrant scent after a spring rain. It was accompanied by cedar flavor, exuding a fresher and savory aroma, and expresses a resinous and slightly spicy character. But then, just when I thought that the entourage of flavors was over, this cigar has unleashed the king of spices — the black pepper. Way to go, Oliva!

Towards the second half, the smoke segues into a medium-bodied blend, with the flavors from earlier still lingering. A nice and rich sweetness subtly sneaks into the background, touching the palate with utmost gentleness. As the Oliva Baptiste Robusto Maduro settles into an exceptionally balanced smoke, the caramel-like sweetness harmoniously danced with the bitter espresso. The char line needs some minor touch-ups from time to time, but I couldn’t care less; this cigar has gone way beyond my expectations.

Savoring the last inches, this Oliva Baptiste Robusto Maduro did justice to its description as ‘full-bodied.’ The flavors are bold and exciting. Yet, at the same time, the transitioning is lightning in pace, with the dark chocolate and pepper conquering the finish.

Overall Review of Oliva Baptiste Robusto Maduro

The excellent thought process behind this tobacco manifested in its spot-on draw, flawless construction, and intense smoke output. Carving itself on the list of my go-to cigars from Nicaragua, the Oliva Baptiste Robusto Maduro is a league of its own that merits a 92-point score. Overall, this is another Nicaraguan bomb offered at a very affordable price. The choice is yours, and you’ll be doing yourself a favor once you decide to have this in your humidor. This cigar has once again proved that the Oliva Cigars is among the best in flavor, texture, and aroma.

Other Cigars Reviews

Other Oliva Cigar Reviews

Oliva Serie V Melanio

Oliva Serie V Melanio is one of the top choices of Oliva cigar enthusiasts. It coveted a 96 rating, making it Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of the Year for 2014. Every cigar piece features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper leaf, Nicaraguan binder, and filler tobaccos. These tobaccos are box-pressed, and they come in several classic shapes. It is a medium to full-bodied cigar, showcasing peppery notes of caramel and wood. Oliva Serie V Melanio stands out from the rest of the Oliva family due to its construction, rich flavors, and mesmerizing aroma.

Oliva Connecticut Toro

The Oliva Connecticut Toro is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, distinguished by its golden brown Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper encasing premium Nicaraguan tobaccos. This cigar delights with a flavor profile that begins with toasted almonds and espresso, evolves into a creamy, buttery taste, and ends with hints of sweet spice and black coffee, appealing to both connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Although it burns somewhat quickly towards the end, its intricate balance of subtle flavors and a remarkable 92-point rating overshadow this minor flaw, making the review of Oliva Connecticut Toro essential reading for enthusiasts eager to experience its unique qualities.

Other Nicaraguan Cigar Reviews

CAO L’Anniversaire Cameroon Robusto

After a long day or to commemorate special moments, indulging in a cigar like the CAO L’Anniversaire Cameroon Robusto can be incredibly satisfying. This handcrafted, medium-strength cigar, originating from Nicaragua, features an African Cameroon wrapper and a Nicaraguan binder and filler, creating a rich blend of nutty, coffee, and earthy flavors. Its robusto shape, defined chocolate-colored hue, and intriguing leathery texture speak to its quality, while the double banding with shimmering green, red, and white accents adds a touch of elegance. Pre-light, the cigar offers a unique chocolate and raisin aroma, while the lit experience starts with notes of citrus and earth, evolving into a smooth, medium-bodied smoke with hints of nuts, coffee, cedar, and spice, with a notable absence of peppery heat in the retro-hale. As the smoking session progresses, the cigar maintains its excellent construction, the ash remains firm, and the flavors deepen, particularly in the final third. In conclusion, the CAO L’Anniversaire Cameroon Robusto offers a complex, enjoyable experience, especially for those who prefer medium-bodied cigars with premium Cameroon wrappers, making it a must-try in any review of CAO L’Anniversaire Cameroon Robusto.

Liga Privada Unico Serie Nasty Fritas

The Liga Privada Unico Serie Nasty Fritas, renowned for its unique shape and intense flavors, stands out in the market with its full-bodied profile, rich in dark coffee, leather, and subtle spice notes. Handmade by Drew Estate’s artisans, its peculiar appearance belies a complex, well-balanced flavor spectrum, underscored by a sweet undertone that harmonizes the robust primary tastes. Despite initial skepticism due to its unconventional look, the cigar impresses with consistent flavor, excellent construction, and abundant smoke, proving to be a valuable choice for aficionados seeking a potent yet nuanced experience. This detailed analysis paves the way for further exploration in the realm of premium cigars, such as a review of CAO L’Anniversaire Cameroon Robusto.

For more information about the best cigars and other ways to relax make sure to come back to Scotch & Cigars here.

Glyn Caddell

Glyn Caddell