Oliva Serie 'G' Belicoso

As the second largest grower of tobacco in Nicaragua, the Oliva family's generations of experience in the industry has served them well. They grow some of the finest crops in the world and are known for using the most skilled rollers and blenders in the country to create legendary cigars. With a firm, leathery African-Cameroon wrapper atop a Nicaraguan binder leaf, the well constructed Serie G is a good-looking stick. Nicaraguan Habano long-fillers are blended to produce a flavor rich in character with hints of coffee, nuts and wood. The aftertaste is both peppery and sweet. Our panel found the cigar smoked smooth and creamy down to the nub. The Serie G received a stellar "91" rating from Cigar Aficionado and ranked 11th on their yearly "Top 25 Cigars" list in 2006. As one of our panelists summed it up: "Overall, a satisfying, fuller-bodied cigar worthy of its makers." Try pairing it with a Tawny Port, such as Taylor Fladgate 20 Year Tawny Port.

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.