Cigar Info

Oliva | Saison Toro is a Cigars International exclusive from Oliva. This cigar is blended using only tobacco from the same year.

This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed.

The blend uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper was over filler from Oliva’s farms in Somoto, Esteli, and Condega, Nicaragua.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro

Length: 6″

Ring Gauge: 50

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Factory: Oliva

Blender: Undisclosed

Number of reviewers: 6—–Ron (shuckins) Brian (B-daddy) Gregg (McGreggor57) Emmett (rhetorik) Sandeep (Djangos) Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Price: $7.50

Age: 4 Months

Release Date: 2013

Contributed by: Meier & Dutch

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 92

“This wrapper leaf is pretty unique. The veins are distinctly lighter than the rest of the leaf which kind of gives it a spider web effect. Seams are very tight and there’s a nicely applied double cap. The wrapper leaf feels soft to the touch, almost fuzzy.” –Brian (B-daddy)

Aroma: 93

“Sweet cocoa, with nutmeg and a light cedar smell.” –Ron (shuckins)

“The aroma coming from the wrapper and foot is mostly leather. The pre-light draw has the addition of caramel.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

First Third

Flavor: 90

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium

“Spicy nutmeg with dry cedar flavors on light up. Shortly after, a taste of cocoa slipped in and took the edge off. Naturally, that smoothed things out, giving some sweetness to the cedar and a bit of creaminess to the nutmeg.” –Ron (shuckins)

“The initial third starts off mild with some hay and cedar. There is some leather in the background as well. After the first quarter inch or so, some black pepper appears and ramps up rapidly over the next inch or so. The pepper is quite strong and leaves a tingling on the tongue and lips that persists between puffs. Towards the end of the third, the predominant flavor is that of leather and tobacco. The burn and draw are close to perfect in this third. The ash is light gray and holds for an inch and half before falling off. The smoke is thick and creamy.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

Second Third

Flavor: 90

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“Some leather is smoothing out the flavors with a nice woody char on the finish. Straight up tobacco adds a sweetness that really balances this third. The fullness and strength are still on the bold side leaving me a bit light headed.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“The draw was a little tight to begin with and now seems to be tightening more which is concerning. The flavors haven’t changed much, but they have mellowed and balanced a little. Towards the end, the spices start picking up a little, this time in the form of baking spices.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

Final Third

Flavor: 89

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“In the final third, the coffee flavor picks up a little and the savory spice returns. Interesting combination. The coffee hangs on during the finish. The woodiness has subsided and I only get hints of the bitterness in the finish. The pepper only appears in the retrohale and just faintly. Overall, a pretty nice flavor profile. Nothing really dominant, just a nice blending of flavors. A little strength kick toward the end.” –Brian (B-daddy)

“The final third had a smokiness that was to die for. It was like a cross between mesquite and smoked bacon. I know, how do I get those flavors? I dunno but I did and it was delicious. The spice was still present with a small bit of nuttiness but the smokiness was the dominant flavor. It was great!” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 96

“This was one of those cigars with a “Goldilocks” draw. Not too tight, not too loose, just right.” –Ron (shuckins)

“This stogie’s draw was perfect.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Burn: 94

“A somewhat flaky ash that dropped on its own often. The burn line never needed correcting, but was not especially sharp.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Construction: 92

“The cigar is well built with a firm feel to the entire length. No soft spots can be identified. The surface is quite uneven to the feel. Two well applied caps are visible.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

Experience Overall: 90

“An enjoyable cigar with entertaining flavors that I would like to enjoy again.” –Ron (shuckins)

“I enjoyed the cigar. Usually, I can’t really enjoy a cigar with a tight draw but this one worked out pretty nicely. Good flavor profile. Good performance overall. Something that I could enjoy any time of the day. I’d definietly smoke this again.” –Brian (B-daddy)

“In this case, the whole exceeded the sum of the parts. This is definitely not a cigar for the faint at heart and would be best enjoyed after a hearty meal. I really enjoyed the rustic flavors it offered and was glad the final third allowed me a breather. Definitely one to keep on hand for those times I crave something stronger.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“The first two thirds were alright with some nice “classic” flavors, but the last third became bitter with a tight draw. I would certainly try this again, maybe with a little more age, but I couldn’t really recommend it based on this one sample.” –Emmett (rhetorik)

“This cigar definitely did not fit in my repertoire. I am sure fans of pepper will love this one. Also, the lack of complexity was a downer. Overall, it was good but not great.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

“This cigar was a flavor bomb throughout. It kept me puffing almost to the point where it began burning hotter than normal. It’s not the absolute best I’ve had, but it’s one that’s definitely in my wheelhouse. I’d more than happy to enjoy another one (or three) of these!” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 75

Total Score: 91 (Very Good)

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To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

Blind Cigar Review: Oliva | Saison Toro