The KC/DW Review Series

[DeeDubya]

Ashauler sent me a special cigar. I don't know where these are still available except in some private humidors. It is the first of Oliva's Master Blends. They have since produced the Master Blends 2 (2006, a few are still available) and now the Master Blends 3 which have already been on the market for nearly a year. Note: this cigar might have been classed a "Double Robusto" instead of a Toro.

Ashauler if you accidentally sent me one that you intended to keep, well it's too late. It has gone up in smoke.

This cigar has a nice-looking wrapper, evenly colored in a milk-chocolate hue, and delicately branded with a laser engraved insignia beneath the band. Somewhat veiny, which is not unusual with Sumatra wrapper, but with an oily sheen and a virtually seamless roll. Well-packed and slightly pressed, but more oval than square. I used my v-cutter so as not to remove the cap. The pre-lit draw was somewhat earthy, typical of Nicaraguan tobacco.

It toasted and lit evenly with an effortless draw and collecting a light grey ash. It started very smooth and spicy. I detected a little white pepper bite on the finish along with an earthiness that remained on my palate. You might say the taste of excellence. Balance and consistancy were perfect throughout the first half.

At midpoint the flavors began to stack up but not to a point of becomming to strong or harsh. Just really robust goodness. It continued to smoke smoothly maintaining the full-bodied clouds of thick creamy smoke. Definately an afternoon or evening cigar. Perfect to help relax a full stomach.

I really enjoyed this cigar that Ashuler sent me. I'll bet he's wishing he had smoked it himself. Now I feel indebted to him and a little guilty for smoking this rare beauty. Just kidding, I would smoke it again in a heartbeat.

I have now smoked all 3 of the Master Blends in reverse order beginning with the Master Blends 3 which I reviewed early on in this thread. Just knowing that the original Master Blends is no longer available made it better, or was it the aging in Ashauler's humi or was it that Oliva's first effort hit on perfection. Their claim is that the Master Blends are made from surplus tobaccos that were intended for family consumption. All rolled to perfection by their best rollers.

Since these were made in very limited edition, I suggest the collectors among you reading this, take note. I'm certain it will become a quite valuable cigar down the road. I would like to have another if I can talk (buy, beg, steal) Ashauler out of one more.

On a scale of 1-10 I rate this cigar 9.5.

A reminder for readers. KC diligently keeps the posts in this series indexed on the 1st page.