Cigar Reviewed: Oliva Master Blends III

Smoked at: Minnesota

This is a very good blend. Plenty of the characteristic Nicaraguan zing balanced nicely by the sweet broadleaf wrapper. Construction is uncharacteristically rustic and veiny (rather sloppy cap) for Oliva and ash got pretty flaky after the first inch. Burn was a little wild with some canoeing that needed touching up. Received in a mixed-vitola sampler that seems to have come a little drier than it seemed. Rested in the humidor for a couple weeks, but I'll let the rest relax for a while longer. A nice amount of pepper that doesn't overwhelm, which I always appreciate. Earthy, but with a nice creamy, buttery overtone. Definitely endowed with the smoothness I expect from Oliva. Looking forward to getting into one with a more satisfying burn.