Let's cut straight to this Nicaraguan puro - the Oliva Serie O Churchill comes in a hefty 7x50 churchill format, packing Nicaraguan double ligero filler into an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. At around $8.73 per stick in 20-count boxes, it's positioned as an affordable daily smoke for those wanting serious flavor without wallet guilt. The oily reddish-brown wrapper gives decent oil sheen straight from the box.
First Third: Immediate charred oak and bitter cocoa dominate, with faint white pepper tickling the throat. The draw starts snug - needs deliberate puffing to get that earthy core moving. Ash holds solid in 1-inch segments.
Middle Third: Coffee grounds and molasses sweetness emerges, though some find this caramel note gets cloying at higher humidity. Watch for mineral tang from Esteli's volcanic soil - a signature that divides enthusiasts.
Final Third: Transition to charred meat savoriness around the 60-minute mark. The retrohale throws cinnamon sparks while the Nicaraguan ligero pushes nicotine strength to 4/5. Not for empty stomachs.
This stick shines when you want earthy Nicaraguan character without the price premium of limited editions. While the mid-section sweetness can fluctuate with humidity, the core mineral/wood profile stays reliable. Pair with black coffee or bourbon to match its rustic charm.
