This is the fourth and final tasting of the Olivia Classic Ole’. It is the original “Cuban” blend used by Oliva until progressing over to the “Bold” blend several years ago. The line has since been re-banded, but continues to be a popular seller. It possesses a reddish-brown Nicaraguan wrapper displaying predominantly small veins, though a medium-sized vein is noted running the length of the body. The wrapper glistens from the oils emanating from the surface and is smooth to the touch. A delicate woody aroma is noted when “nasally interrogated.”

After clipping the cap with my Palió cutter, I take a pre-light draw to see what is in store for me on this final review. The light, but distinct flavor of walnuts accompanies the firm draw, initially confusing my expectations. This had not been noted in the three prior reviews, but I was still intrigued by the surprise. Not wanting to wait any further, I toast and light the foot, obtaining an even coal in short time.

The smoke began with a light nutty flavor and pleasing aroma. Shortly after, the flavors sweeten and are accompanied by ”nuttiness” in the aftertaste. Occasionally, a light, tangy citrus nuance is noted, but it’s not a consistent feature throughout the smoke. The citrus notes accompany the aftertaste, but are not evident on every draw.

A light spiciness develops after the halfway point and builds to the finish, but always remaining a nuance in the smoke. A light woodiness in the flavor is also noted past the halfway point, developing into very light coffee flavor. The finish is medium-full with light, sweet coffee flavors and a dash of pepper spice in the aftertaste.

This cigar produced a pearl gray ash that was well constructed and stubborn at being removed at the one inch point. The ash was well defined, but contained cracks along the circumference. The burn was almost perfect, needing no rotation of the cigar to remain even. A burn tube was observed when the ash was removed initially, and remained for the entire time.

This cigar was truly a surprise to my expectations. It's interesting to note the changes in the flavor profile over multiple reviews and over the course of nearly two years. It was if I was smoking a completely different cigar than previously reviewed. Aging has “opened-up” the unique flavors within the tobacco leaves, transforming what was once a one-dimensional cigar into a cigar with a rich, complex character. I believe that over more time, this cigar would continue to be an exceptional cigar.

AGING POTENTIAL SCORE: B = this cigar should age well over the next 5 years and is likely to develop further complexity and nuances

~Blake