Brand: Oliva
Line: Flor de Oliva
Vitola: Torpedo 6 x 52
Origin: Nicaraguan
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Body: Medium
Strength: Medium
Box Price: $42.00 (Bundle of 25)
Several weeks ago, I reviewed the Occidental Reserve, a bundle offering from Dania, Fla. based Alec Bradley. Since then, I’ve smoked some fairly expensive stogies.
But it’s time to get back to reality. So for this installment, I give you the Flor de Oliva.
If you’re looking for a go-to cigar that’s easy on the wallet, this may be it. The Flor de Oliva is Oliva’s bundle offering, but instead of hitting up the rest of the line (gotta love that Serie O maduro…mmm), you may be happy with this as your everyday smoke.
It’s not the smoothest-looking cigar. Walt over at Stogie Review recently checked out the FO Corojo and described its toothy texture. You’ll see some of that with this cigar, but against its red, white and blue band, it’s not bad-looking — it’s just a bit rough around the edges.
Instead, you’ll have to kiss this frog to see it become a prince, or in this case, a princess.
Taste-wise, the Flor de Oliva is extremely complex for a cigar of its price. It’s earthy, cedary and tangy. One warning, however: the cigars seem to be dipped in some sweet substance before they’re shrink-wrapped. (If any of you can figure out what it is, I’ll give you a shiny new nickel.) It’s not overpowering, and there’s not too much of it. Personally, I think it actually adds a layer of complexity, but I certainly didn’t expect this when I bought the damn things. If you don’t like your smokes a touch sweet, I’d think about staying away; however, I sure as hell think it’s worth a test drive.
And then there’s its construction. For a cheap-o cigar, I got some of the best construction I think I’ve ever had. (See photo…and note the comfy chair; I recommend all cigar smokers get one!) The burn was even, the ash was white, and, as you can see, it stayed on. What more could you want from this killer two-hour smoke?
Verdict: If my humidor weren’t full, I’d order more of these babies right now. It’s one of the best value cigars I’ve ever smoked.
Similar cigars: Can’t really think of anything quite like it, but I’ll keep you posted.
Popularity: 37% [?]
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
I just got a 5-pack from CBid, off your and others’ recommendations. Should I let them chill for a month or two before diving in, or do they smoke well right off the truck?
Never ordered anything from cBid, but since these are cheapo cigars, depending on how you prioritize the contents of your humidor, I’d recommend you try one; they’re good either way.
I smoke one off the truck as part of my ritual. Also I’m an impatient bastard that thinks aging takes too long.
Yeah, I like to punch the cap before the ink’s dry on the invoice too. But, once in a while, I smoke one that begs the question of waiting.
Its not dipped in a brandy or amaretto is it?
One of my favorite cigars I’ve ever picked up was a Maker’s Mark cigar. I just couldn’t justify the price for more than two of them….
I love Flor de Olivia! A friend of mine gave me one back in October to smoke with him before it got too cold out, and it was great. I’ve been meaning to get some for my humidor, and now that I’ve been reminded of them I may have to go do that now.
Alright, I broke down and smoked one…
No willpower whatsoever.
I don’t need willpower. What I needed was to empty a bit of humidor space for a Gurkha instead ;-)
Mission accomplished.
this oliva is wonderful. better than the punch’s ive smoked in a while. what happened?. buy the 6.5 x 52 torpedo natural best by around unless you buy from cigars international.montecristo #2 is still my favorite
So I picked up for cigars today and this one was the cheapest by far. can’t wait to smoke it though… :)
Anyone have a good recommendation for an after smoke mint to get rid of the cigar mouth? My wife won’t kiss me after I smoke one…
I’m actually going to do a post on that mcangeli. Tongue Scraper, Brush your teeth and a good non-alcoholic mouthwash. That’s what it will take to get rid of it for the most part.
Ok, it turns out I picked up the Corojo and not this one. It was a good smoke, a little stronger than I’m used to, but I’d smoke it again.
Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Just picked a few of these up to try. I have been looking for a cigar I could afford to smoke regularly and still enjoy. Looks like I have found it.
Nice Smoke. Picked up a couple with my usual weekly purchase. I killed it in three ashes, down to the label. Better than a yard gar, and may deserve a place in my humidor. Ha
Eat an apple after smoking a cigar. It reduces the aftertaste/breath
these flor de oliva’s are still wonderful. don’t know how long the price will last. been on a gurhka bienge for a while. but has room for these oliva’s good mix with a few monticristo#2′s originals. white labels are not the same, and romeo and julietta #4 habano in the mix. still far better than the cohiba habanos, not as old when sold i think is the problem.
any one smoke a danali?
We just started carrying these, why it took us so long I don’t know. They are now available at TexCigars.
These are great bundle sticks. I am willing to bet the sweet substance was just excess pectin or vegetable glue used in the construction. Sometimes this is done with the bundle sticks or short filler cigars (not that this cigar is short filler) to mask the harshness of the cigar and to appeal to some people that chew their cigars.
The Natural (Sumatra), reviewed here, have a sweetened tip by design. Don’t let that stop you from buying a bundle (The Petite Torpedo is a mainstay in my humidor). As noted above, they are good right off the truck, but it’s best to let them rest in your humidor a couple months.
I bought one of these in a robusto size about a year ago for like $1 on a closeout deal…just smoked it tonight, and it was great! Nice flavor that I’d rate as medium…maybe a little mild. I kind of enjoyed the sweet tip, while it lasted (wasn’t long)and then got to really enjoy the smooth flavor of this cigar. I found myself wanting to concentrate on the smoke to do it justice. I paired it with a nice iced Latte and really enjoyed my time arond the grill. I’ll definately be bying more of these when I have room.
Very good inexpensive smoke. the sweetness at the tip is a ground liquid made from sugar cane and water. Some rollers use it to “close” the roll at the end before lapping the tip.
I also liked these a great deal, but I wouldn’t say they’re anywhere near the “best I’ve ever smoked”. For a cheap smoke though, these beat a vast majority of the competition. Very different from what you’ll normally get.
I just recived two bndles after being offered one by a friend. Great great great smoke for the price. I think im going to buy a couple more bundles. yummy.
Here’s the skinny: One of the best long-filler bargain basement smokes. Well, it would be a disappointment if anything with the Oliva name on it was not a least smokable, this stick certainly is an over-achiever so I’d definitely say it doesn’t tarnish the reputation of Oliva. What I question, however, is why? I’m referring to the flavored cap. I pick up a cigar and unless I’m purposely smoking a flavored stick I simply do not like to be surprised by tastes other than tobacco. The sweetened tip of the FdO is definitely a bit strong right at first, and at least for me, fortunately the sweetness settles quite a bit while I got aclimated to the effect. The tobocco starts out quite mild, but it builds while the volume of the sweetness gets turned down. After the first inch, or thereabouts, the taste is basically a lot nicer. Speaking of the first inch, the construction of this stick is excellent and the beautiful light grey ash will go past that on to the two inch mark and still hold. The burn is absolutely top notch and razor sharp. The draw is effortless providing volumes of smoke. The taste is caramel followed by recessed cedar and just a small amount of spice that I only felt in my nostrils and not much on the tongue or back of the mouth. When the sweetness gets to the point you don’t notice it as much there are hints of saltiness with that caramel at times. The body gets to a point where it approaches medium, but it’s a milder medium to be sure.
This cigar is pleasant and burns right around an hour and a half. It would make a good golfing cigar to pass around at this price. You know a stick that is pretty decent, but a newbie can suck on and not choke and you can afford to pass out till your heart’s content. Absolutely one of the finest bargain basement sticks out there if you can deal with the sweetened cap.
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