The Oliva Master Blend 2 series is now out. These limited edition sticks come in 3 sizes; churchill, torpedo (6x52) and robusto (5x50). Apparently 120,000 cigars of each size are being produced. The master blend 1, released in 2004, were nic pruos; I am not sure of the blending with the 2's and cannot comment.
The robusto has a very mild box press, with the cigar almost taking on an oval shape. Presentation is very nice; beautiful bands and boxes with some type of etching on the wrapper leafd itself (I still can't figure how to post photos or I would do some from my digi camera). On to the smoke.
Construction: Flawless. A real beauty. The wrapper is among the smoothest I have seen. Oily and silken. Prelit, the stick is firm but not brittle and gives a little when squeezed. I punched the end and sparked the foot and she lite beautifully. I smoked the stick to within 3/4 inches if its life and the burn was razor the entire length. The ash was solid, tight, light grey and held for the first half of the stick. It kept its shape when it hit the ground.
Taste/aroma: Prelight aroma was nothing spectacular. The stick started slowly and I was afraid it was too mild through the first 1/4. It then began to pick up and gained in strength. Midway, she was showing a little more character and strength, though this is not a complex smoke. Dominant flavors were tobacco, very mild herbal-like spice at the front and middle of the tongue. The last third of the stick was teh most enjoyable. While the flavor did not change the finish became longer, a bit more refreshing and pleasent.
Overall: This is a very well made smoke that is a nice daytime diversion from the ordinary. Not very complex, which I found to be a bit disappointing, but with a nice finish. I would call it mild-to-medium in flavor and strength.
Score: 88
I'll review the torpedo later this week.
The robusto has a very mild box press, with the cigar almost taking on an oval shape. Presentation is very nice; beautiful bands and boxes with some type of etching on the wrapper leafd itself (I still can't figure how to post photos or I would do some from my digi camera). On to the smoke.
Construction: Flawless. A real beauty. The wrapper is among the smoothest I have seen. Oily and silken. Prelit, the stick is firm but not brittle and gives a little when squeezed. I punched the end and sparked the foot and she lite beautifully. I smoked the stick to within 3/4 inches if its life and the burn was razor the entire length. The ash was solid, tight, light grey and held for the first half of the stick. It kept its shape when it hit the ground.
Taste/aroma: Prelight aroma was nothing spectacular. The stick started slowly and I was afraid it was too mild through the first 1/4. It then began to pick up and gained in strength. Midway, she was showing a little more character and strength, though this is not a complex smoke. Dominant flavors were tobacco, very mild herbal-like spice at the front and middle of the tongue. The last third of the stick was teh most enjoyable. While the flavor did not change the finish became longer, a bit more refreshing and pleasent.
Overall: This is a very well made smoke that is a nice daytime diversion from the ordinary. Not very complex, which I found to be a bit disappointing, but with a nice finish. I would call it mild-to-medium in flavor and strength.
Score: 88
I'll review the torpedo later this week.
