The look, taste, and feel of a winner.
Cigar smoking is, like eating food, a subjective endeavor. People’s taste preferences determine which cigars we like or hate. But there are many variables that influence how we perceive the taste of a cigar. Conditioning, which greatly affects cigar flavor, is crucial. A dry cigar tastes like paper, while one that is too moist will seem bitter. Another taste factor is our mood. A good cigar can be disappointing if smoked in a non-conducive environment. But taking all things into consideration, sometimes smoking cigars critically can simply leave us bored…searching for something new. Such was the case recently. This led me to seek a cigar that was different than what I had been smoking. The recent article “The Unsung Cigar Hero” was the result of this search. But since writing that article, a new cigar has come along that has made me sit up and take notice: the Oliva Atlantic Cigar 15th Aniversario Diadema. Just as I was lamenting that strong cigars were only about power, here comes a stick so full of flavor that its strength takes on a supporting role.
Good breeding.
It is no surprise that this cigar is winner. The fact is I bought my first box sight-unseen. I took this leap of faith based on an assumption: that when a great cigar manufacturer (Oliva Cigars), collaborates with a great cigar vendor (Atlantic Cigar Co.), the sum can be greater than its parts. In the case of the OAC15, the sum was a solid 10!
The Oliva Cigar Family needs no introduction. For decades, smokers have relied on Oliva for cigars of perfect construction, consistent flavor, and a large variety of flavor profiles. You’ll not find a better drawing cigar than an Oliva. The other side of the OAC15 equation is the vendor, Atlantic Cigar. These guys really know cigars. A glance at their offerings reflects a refined taste and an experienced palate. With access to many boutique brands, Atlantic caters to the adventurous cigar smoker. I have learned to trust their reviews, and feel that their tastes are in sync with my own. So, when I heard that a new custom blend was being offered, my interest was piqued.
It’s all about balance.
Cigar aficionados can appreciate the wonderful flavor differences between cigars grown in the various cigar-producing countries. One country, relatively new to this handful of nations, is Nicaragua. Yet over the last couple of decades, it has grown into a cigar-making juggernaut. In fact, Nicaraguan tobacco has greatly influenced the cigar industry like no other. Its fertile volcanic soil produces tobacco with exceptionally peppery (or spicy) overtones; and this extra “kick” has become so popular, that manufacturers in other country are now emulating this flavor element. But too much spice can overpower the flavor of a cigar’s blend. To be considered great, a cigar needs to have balance. As a critical cigar smoker, balance is paramount, and difficult to achieve. In the case of the OAC15, the blend is exquisite, and is as good as any cigar I’ve smoked.
Love takes time to develop.
But my love for the OAC15 didn’t happen immediately. Like a great relationship, this love grew over time. The first OAC15 I smoked struck me as very spicy, with an almost cayenne type heat. Additionally, its strength seemed a bit overpowering. But I felt that this cigar had something special, and I was willing to put it down, and continue smoking after a short respite. Upon relighting, I found that the spice dropped off after the first inch, and the more subtle tones of leather, and cinnamon really started to emerge. The OAC15 has so much flavor and character that it demands your undivided attention. It’s not a casual smoke.
Size matters.
Each of us has our favorite vitola (size and shape). Years ago I was keen on the Robusto (that might be obvious by my moniker). Lately I’ve grown to prefer the Churchill size. The 48 ring size seems to best present the blend. The ratio of ligero to viso/seco allows for good strength AND a great burn. The OAC15, with its 6.75×48 dimensions seems like the perfect size for this blend. And the diadema shape gives it a unique look; like a thinner figurado. These dimensions allow the OAC15 to fit comfortably in the hand. Additionally, the ample length allows us to smoke down the length of the tobacco leaf. This produces that nice, yet subtle, flavor transition we look for in a great cigar.
Wrapper feels like soft leather.
The look of love.
Compared to the Cameroon wrapper, where being ugly is a sign of greatness, the OAC15 has a wrapper that truly is beautiful. Its Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is milk chocolate brown, with a sheen that would look great on an expensive mahogany desk. And with the feel of soft suede, this cigar looks as good as it tastes. Plus, the OAC15 burns perfectly, with that great Oliva draw. It is rolled tightly, but somehow manages to have only a slight resistance. It has good weight in the hand, has no soft spots, and the stick remains solid even when warm. The draw was consistently cool, even at the nub. This is a dream of a cigar.
I’m spoiled.
Now that I have smoked a handful of the OAC15 I can look back and see that my love for this great cigar really did grow over time. The more of them I smoked, the more I loved them. I’m now just about done with box #1, and have a second one on the way. I often resist the urge to buy a second box of a cigar I enjoy. I only have a finite amount of room to store cigars, and I need space for the cigar yet untried. But the OAC15 is a limited production run, and I wanted to make sure I had some for the future. Even though it is not an expensive cigar, I will need to be judicious about smoking the remainder. I want them to enjoy over the next year, and must resist the urge to binge. But like all things decadent, the Oliva Atlantic Cigar 15th Aniversario Diadema should be savored. Now I just have to find something else to smoke that I like equally well. This will be no easy task.
If you like strong cigars, with heady spice, I highly recommend the OAC15. But don’t wait too long. They may go fast.
The specs:
Brand: Oliva/Atlantic Cigars.
Vitola: Diadema (6.75×48).
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano.
Binder: Nicaraguan.
Filler: Nicaraguan.
Flavors: Pepper, leather, cinnamon.
Manufacturer: Oliva Cigar Family.
Blender: Oliva Cigars in collaboration with Atlantic Cigar Co.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua.
X Factor: 9.8
Finish: Pleasant, and light.
Strength: Full.
Thanks for listening, and as always, happy smokes.
Joe
