Origin : Esteli, Nicaragua
Format : Belicoso/Torpedo
Size : 5 x 50
Composition : Esteli Ligero, Condega Ligero, Jalapa Ligero with “other tobaccos”
Hand-Made
Price : Unknown
More info about purchasing: Cain cigars

At this year’s IPCPR show in New Orleans, cigars smokers will be treated to another wave of exciting and new cigar releases. Some may be dog-rockets and others are sure to be gems. One of these highly anticipated and sure successes will be Cain by Oliva Cigar Co. Cain is the creation of Sam Leccia creator of NUb cigars. It was designed to be a “Straight Ligero” cigar but contains “other tobaccos for a true burn. The[se] other tobaccos make no significant contribution to flavor.” From what we all know of ligero it comes from the top of the tobacco plant and yields the thickest and smallest leaves of the plant, yet also the most flavorful. Because of these traits, special care must be taken from harvest to blending to bring balance in use of these tobaccos. And especially so in creating a straight ligero cigar. Well after having a chance to sample a pre-release Cain thanks to Sam, I would have to say he has another successful creation on his hands.

Read the full review of Cain Habano Belicoso…

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Torpedo
Size : 6.5 x 52
Price : ~$4.00
More info about purchasing El Cobre cigars...

As lovers of fine cigars, I’m sure that most of you are well aware of the Oliva family of cigars. With cigar lines such as the Serie V, Master Blends, and their newest smash-hit the NUb, Oliva has become a power player in the cigar industry. But, despite the overwhelming popularity of their cigars, Oliva still has some lesser known treats that you may not have heard much about. One such hidden gem is the El Cobre. The El Cobre is a full-bodied maduro cigar that packs a ton of flavour! When smoking an El Cobre, one can expect to taste complex flavours of coffee and nuts, mixed with hints of leather and chocolaty sweetness. A unique trait that sets the El Cobre apart from other cigars is the unique aroma of the resting smoke, which has a scent similar to that of burning sweet grass. If you’re a fan of full-bodied cigars, then the El Cobre by Oliva is a hidden gem that’s sure to please!

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Robusto
Size : 4.5 x 50
Price : ~$3.50-$4.00
More info about purchasing: Oliva Serie G Maduro cigars

This review comes courtesy of Charlie aka Labman from CigarOutcast forums.

The Oliva Serie G Maduro was one of the first maduro cigars I ever had the pleasure of smoking, and it has remained one of my favourites ever since. The Serie G sports a very dark, oily wrapper that for a first timer can be a little intimidating. But, once lit, all fears melt away as the Serie G delivers rich flavours of dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and hints of coffee. A light spice and sweet tanginess can be detected when retro-haling the Serie G’s creamy smoke through the sinuses. Even though I would classify the Oliva Serie G Maduro as medium-full in body, it’s a cigar that even the most inexperienced smoker can enjoy. So go out, give it a try, and be sure to let us know what you think!

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Torpedo
Size : 6 x 52
Ring : 52
Wrapper : Broadleaf Sun-Grown (Ecuador)
Filler : Nicaraguan Habano
Binder : Nicaraguan Ligero
Hand-Made
Price : $12 each
More info about purchasing: Oliva Master Blends cigars

The cigars for this review were kindly provided by CigarsDirect.com, your source for premium cigars.

Oliva Master Blends III (also known as Liga Maestra – “master blend” in Spanish) is the third release in Oliva’s limited Master Blend series. It uses an Ecuadorian sun-grown wrapper and Nicaraguan filler and binder which are all supposed to be grown in limited quantities, thus the supply is limited although no exact numbers can be found.

Read the full review of Oliva Master Blends 3 Torpedo…

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Toro
Size : 152 x 20 mm
Ring : 50
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : $6 each
More info about purchasing: Oliva Serie O cigars

Although less pleasant than the Serie V (IMO), I enjoyed the Oliva Serie O Toro, an attractive Nicaraguan puro. Beautifully constructed and with decent flavors, this stick is yet another excellent creation by Oliva Cigars.

Read the full review of Oliva Serie O Toro…

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Torpedo
Size : 152 x 22 mm
Ring : 56
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : $7 each
More info about purchasing: Oliva Serie V cigars

Oliva Serie V Torpedo was probably the cigar that I was expecting the most. Not only because it was rated 94 by Cigar Aficionado, but also due to the fact that it has received a lot of positive press among bloggers (you can check out this great review by lucky7) and it was described just like a cigar that I might fall in love with – something between medium- and full-bodied, with rich flavors of pepper, wood and coffee. And, indeed, I found this stick close to perfect.

Read the full review of Oliva Serie V Torpedo…