Oliva Serie O Robusto

Score: 8.0

By Craig Nelson

I love this cigar. If I were limited to using three words to describe it, the words would be dreamy rustic candy.

This Nicaraguan puro made entirely of Cuban seed tobacco features a beautiful, sun-grown wrapper that looks like it was stained by hand with an oil-based chestnut wood stain. On closer inspection, you’ll see that a super-fine tooth completely covers the surface, which I’m guessing adds to the great taste and aroma of this cigar.

Earthy and woody throughout, it started off with a blaze of cedar that made my sinuses dance with joy and sweet spicy undertones that made my mouth water.

About an inch or so into it, the sweetness and spiciness become even more prevalent, reminding of a sweet molasses and spice cookie baked by an old-country grandmother. A bit further down, that sweet spiciness remains but rounds out to become exquisitely smooth and mellow, like creamy toffee.

At this point I’m on Cloud 9 because of the flavor and character, and because the experience for me is on par with cigars (often with the word Vintage in their names) that cost several times more.

The construction was equally amazing. It consistently provided an easy draw and even burn.

I’ve smoked a wide variety of cigars for about 12 years. For my money, the Oliva Serie O Robusto is the best 3-buck cigar I’ve found. I discovered them by trying a 5-pack sampler from Famous Smoke Shop and haven’t looked back.

Thank you Oliva. Thank you Famous.

Scores:
Appearance: 8
Construction: 7
Draw: 8
Burn: 7
Flavor: 9
Balance: 8
Aroma: 9
Total: 8.0