Gilberto Oliva Reserva Noir 652T

Melanio Oliva first started growing tobacco in 1886 in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba. His son, Facundo Oliva, took over operations in the early 1920s and continued to cultivate the fields. In the 1960s, the tobacco landscape was changing due to communism, and Facundo’s son, Gilberto, shifted from growing to brokering. With the pressure in Cuba becoming too much, Gilberto searched high and low, traveling to countries all over the world to find that distinct Cuban taste. His travels included places like Panama, Mexico, Honduras, and even the Philippines, but he eventually settled in Nicaragua. Today they are known for growing some of the finest tobacco crops in the world as well as being the second largest grower of Cuban-seed tobacco in the world. They also have some of the most skilled rollers and blenders to create their top of the line cigars.

Hailing from Nicaragua, the Gilberto Oliva Reserva Noir 652T (torpedo) is the fuller side of the Reserva line. Expertly handmade, this stogie comes dressed in a stunning, dark Honduran Jamastran wrapper that is dripping with oils. Underneath is an Honduran binder and a bevy of Nicaraguan long-fillers that are only of the highest quality. Full in body, expect rich notes of dark chocolate and roasted nuts with hints of sweetness. With a superb draw, you’re going to want to smoke this baby to the nub and we recommend a Chilean red wine, such as a Carmenère, while you do!

The Nicaraguan cigar industry originated when Cuban cigar makers escaped the revolution and re-established their livelihood in Nicaragua with Cuban-seed tobacco. Blessed with dark, rich soil, their new home was ideal for tobacco cultivation and Nicaragua quickly became known for cigars that rivaled Cuban quality. Unfortunately, revolution and war came to Nicaragua in the 1980s and devastated the industry, but it’s rebounded dramatically and is once again producing tobacco considered by many to be the finest in the world.

The Esteli Valley is in many ways the heart of Nicaraguan production and is known for its very powerful and spicy tobacco. The Jalapa Valley produces arguably the finest tobacco in the country: somewhat sweeter and less intense than Esteli, but extremely complex. The tobacco of the Condega Valley is often described as a blend of the other two regions.