This 5x43 petit corona from Oliva's Serie O line punches above its price point with Nicaraguan guts wrapped in Ecuadorian sun-grown habano. At under $10/stick in 20-count boxes, it's the definition of "daily driver" material. The rustic wrapper glistens with visible oils - mine rested at 65% RH for three weeks before lighting.
First third: Immediate black pepper zing through the nose, settling into roasted almonds and wet cedar. Smoke production surprised me - thick plumes despite the slender ring gauge. Draw needed two initial puffs to open up.
Middle third: Earthiness dominates as Nicaraguan ligero kicks in. Bakers chocolate bitterness balances the residual sweetness. Burn line stays razor-sharp without touch-ups.
Final third: Leather and charred oak emerge at the 45-minute mark. Nicotine buildup creeps in subtly - not overwhelming, but tells you it's time to put it down with about 1.5" remaining.
The Ecuadorian sun-grown wrapper develops thicker oils than typical habano leaf, while Estelí-grown filler provides that signature Nicaraguan pepper. Condegas tobacco in the blend adds earthy undertones - you can practically taste the mineral-rich soil.
