Tasting Notes
The history of Oliva Cigars traces back to the year 1886 in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba where the founder Melanio Oliva grew tobacco. Later, he took part in Cuba’s War of Independence which led to the closure of his otherwise growing factory. However, soon after returning from the war, he resumed his operations. In the beginning of the 1920’s, Hipolito Oliva, the son of Melanio, took over the operations and grew fine quality tobaccos for several decades. Hipolito’s son Gilberto Oliva later took over the growing operations and soon after started brokering tobaccos.
In the early 1960’s Gilberto's job took him to several countries including Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and the Philippines. In 1995, he settled in Nicaragua where he found the most fertile soil for growing tobacco and began manufacturing cigars. Gilberto believed that Nicaragua was the best place for growing tobacco as it has naturally perfect weather for growing Habano. In 1995 he launched a brand and christened it ‘Gilberto Oliva’. The cigars manufactured then were composed of Dominican fillers, binders, and wrappers, and Nicaraguan fillers. The very next year, the name of the brand was changed to ‘Oliva’.
In June 2016, J Cortes Cigars acquired the brand. At present, Oliva is the second largest grower of Cuban-seed tobacco in Nicaragua.
Lines of cigars offered by Oliva
Oliva offers a plethora of sub-brands under its name. Each cigar offers an exotic smoking experience and features the highest quality tobacco. Some of the best cigars offered by Oliva include:
Oliva Serie V
Oliva Serie V is the best offing by the brand. This line of cigars has consistently impressed Cigar critics and has been featured in the ’25 best cigars of the year’ list by Cigar Aficionado several times. Known as Ligero Especial, it is considered the most complex and full-bodied cigar available, offering well-balanced flavors and spices. Each stick offers a unique blend of coffee, dark chocolate, and premium tobaccos with an aftertaste of cinnamon and dark chocolate. Composed of a Nicaraguan binder and Ecuador sun-grown wrapper, the stogie is simply a masterpiece. These are available in all sizes including Corona, Robusto, and Torpedo. Serie V cigars are a must-have for every serious cigar smoker.
