Oliva Master Blends 1

[jerseyjay]

Additional photography, check cigarphoto.net

This week we are reviewing another one of those ‘hard to find’ cigars – Oliva Master Blends in churchill size. This gem came and went many moons ago but I was able to purchase a five pack back in JAN2011 for $50 back. Every time I smoke Oliva Master Blends 3, there is at least one fellow smoker who will ask the same question “Did you ever try MB1 ?” Six months later I decided to pull them out and give them a try. I’m glad I did.


As stated in my Oliva Serie V No4 review, I have a soft spot when it comes to Oliva cigars but the original Master Blends, in my personal opinion, is the creme of the crop, full stop. Cigar’s construction was close to flawless. No visible seams with one not too obtrusive vein. After snipping carefully applied cap, I was introduced to perfect draw. Not too loose, not too tight, just how the doctor prescribed. Right off the bet, insane amount of smoke that made my photography session that much more enjoyable. Burn line was excellent with zero touch-ups throughout churchill 1:45min experience. Ash was nice and tight and would detach in 1.5″ chunks. In flavor department, this cigar shined like Chicago’s bean on a sunny day – that good ! Cigar kicked off with noticeable sweetness on the tip and subsequently turned into enjoyable nuttiness, chocolate and well balanced spice. Core flavors were present throughout the entire experience with chocolate turning into dark / bitter, but still enjoyable, chocolate. Interestingly enough, the amount of chocolate / sweetness reminded me of Cohiba Genios review. Whether that is another compliment or not, you be the judge.


Clearly, an enjoyable experience. I’m confident to take this even further and say that this is one of the best cigars I have smoked in 2011 and probably in my Top5 of cigars I have EVER smoked. I was trying to impress Dave Wagner – Oliva’s VP of Sales at a local Studio Tobac event with my Oliva Master Blends possession only to be told that Oliva has a substantial MB 1 /2 cushion. So much for my 5pack collection . I have been told about ongoing Oliva Master Blends 1 / 2 resurrection plans. Let’s hope those come to fruition. When so, make sure you track a box, if not more.

 

[danthebugman]

Damn you...my desire to find these just went up a notch. Thanks for the review :thumbsup:.

Dan

 

[Soundwave13]

Great pics & review as always Jay! I still have one kicking around somewhere, but my preference was definitely for the MB#2 - just a little more depth of flavor to it. Honestly, the #3 is very good too - can't really go wrong with any of the Master Blends!

There was rumor that Oliva would release a #4 with a limited set of all four in it - not sure if that's still in the works or if it faded into cigar legend...

Either way, I've always thought the laser tattoo on the leaf is way cool!

 

[scottYDucati]

The laser tattoo is definitely an eye catcher. I've very much enjoyed mb2 robustos and have yet to spark my mb1 Churchills. Thanks for the review, will have to spark one now for the weekend.

 

[blacklabel]

Man your pictures are magnificent! Your review was fantastic as well....I hope to one day come across a MB 1....The MB3 is one of my personal favs right now!

 

[elderboy02]

Thanks for the review. These are great!

 

[torin]

Thanks for the review brother.

 

[jerseyjay]

Thanks for your feedback guys !!!

Damn you...my desire to find these just went up a notch. Thanks for the review :thumbsup:.Dan

Keep looking. They pop out once in a while.

Great pics & review as always Jay! I still have one kicking around somewhere, but my preference was definitely for the MB#2 - just a little more depth of flavor to it. Honestly, the #3 is very good too - can't really go wrong with any of the Master Blends!

There was rumor that Oliva would release a #4 with a limited set of all four in it - not sure if that's still in the works or if it faded into cigar legend...

Either way, I've always thought the laser tattoo on the leaf is way cool!

Interesting. I did hear about potential re-release and your rumor sounds promising. I have MB-2 5er (robusto). Looking forward to trying those as well. MB-3 is obviously a delivious stick.

The laser tattoo is definitely an eye catcher. I've very much enjoyed mb2 robustos and have yet to spark my mb1 Churchills. Thanks for the review, will have to spark one now for the weekend.

So ... how was that MB-1 ?

Man your pictures are magnificent! Your review was fantastic as well....I hope to one day come across a MB 1....The MB3 is one of my personal favs right now!

Thanks ! Glad you enjoy it.

 

[Fourtotheflush]

Anyone have a line on where I can get some mb-1?

Or should I just put this in the iso thread?

 

[The EVP]

I have 1 MB1. I can't bring myself to smoke it because I know I'll never see another one in my humi.

 

[jerseyjay]

Anyone have a line on where I can get some mb-1?

Or should I just put this in the iso thread?

ISO would probably work best. Having said that, if you do find a box, let me know where you live ... LOLOL !!! I will be knocking on your door.

 

[cmhicksusmc]

Delicious...I've been sea4ching for these monsters.

 

[thegoldenmackid]

There was rumor that Oliva would release a #4 with a limited set of all four in it - not sure if that's still in the works or if it faded into cigar legend...

Would have to mean that they have a stockpile of MB1s, as the laser machine is broken and the cost of fixing it is either $50k or $75k, can't remember the exact number.

 

[jerseyjay]

Would have to mean that they have a stockpile of MB1s, as the laser machine is broken and the cost of fixing it is either $50k or $75k, can't remember the exact number.

They have a pile of MB1s. That is confirmed. Whether laser'ed or not, I'm not sure. I was presented with a picture of a NUB with tattoo'ed logo on another forum. Didn't follow up on whether that was done by individual w/ access to $$$ tools or perhaps tools are not as expensive as we think.

 

[Jonathan Drew]

JerseyJay.

... Just as you wrote, the MB1's were an incredibly exceptional cigar. I used to get them by the box from Abe at Smoke Inn, and was extremely dissapointed when they ended. I remember vividly when these cigars came out, and the dynamics that were going on at the time in Esteli, Nicaragua, as well as with Oliva Cigars at the time, who I have tremendous respect for BTW.

When the MB1 dropped, this was the very beginnings of the saga of Ecuador Habano wrapper, which has become a very impressive and important wrapper of today. Back then, it was in its infantancy stage, as the very first manufacturer to use it in Nica was Esteli Cigars, Kiki Berger, and it was used on the Savinelli Nicaraguan Reserve. After that, Oliva Cigars fell in love with it, and tried to purchase the majority of the wrapper that Oliva Growing Family could produce at the time. Remember, back then the important wrappers of Ecuador were the Sumatra, which was always a Oliva Growing Family product, and the Ecuador Ct. Shade, which was A.S.P. (Of course, there was Candela that both grew and continue to grow). WHen the Habano hit, however, everything was right - the burn, the flavor, the yield, the color, everything. A perfect wrapper and a thing of taste and visual beauty. Although not overly strong, it let the filler and binder really come thru and added a smooth leather to the taste.

Years went by, and many farmers and manufacturers continued to work this Ecuador Habano. Many great brands followed in its use, including My Father, Oliva Cain, and others. The farm origin continues to come from Oliva Growing Family, A.S.P. and a few smaller guys. (Of course, this is how I remember things, and it is possible that a fact or two may be somewhat incorrect, but should be on the money).

While it is definitely hard to find MB1, you may find it easier to find the "X" brand that Eric Espinosa had come out with about 5 years ago (It came in a black box). This brand was made by Oliva Cigars but had come off the market rather quickly due to TM disputes.

Anyway, didn't mean to ramble, but sometimes I ramble ... LOL

Best,
JDrew

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

Stunning review JJ, I got me a box of robusto's and a few churchills and torpedo's just aging away for that special day/moment! :cbig:

 

[podman28]

I stumbled across a box of MB1 Torps last spring so they will definately pop up from time to time. I smoke them very sparingly but they are excellent and always a treat.

 

[jerseyjay]

Jonathan,
You can continue to ramble my friend. Valuable information that folks should read up on.

Larry,
All those are MB1s ? WoW ! Enjoy brother !

Podman,
Have you tried churchills ? How do they compare to torpedos ?

 

[Baddevildog82]

I had my last Churchill about a month ago and it was a sad moment. When these first came out I was working at a small cigar shop and I thought they were a complete gimmick. Then I smoked one! LOL! Great cigar!

 

[ciggy]

Damn that cigar looked pretty!!!
I really enjoyed the Oliva II MB but not the III.
I've never been fortunate enough to find a No. I. Anyways, I loved the review and the pics were awsome. I must find one of these somewhere.