Kicking off our session with the Oliva Serie G Churchill - a 7" x 50 Nicaraguan puro wrapped in African Cameroon leaf. This box-pressed beauty comes at $178.20 for 25 sticks, showing medium strength through its double binder construction. Noticeable oil sheen on the wrapper suggests decent aging potential, though most smokers report optimal performance after 6-8 weeks in the humi.
Cold draw brings sweet cedar notes. Initial puffs reveal toasted cashew dominance with faint cinnamon undertones. Combustion starts razor-sharp, producing medium-volume smoke that carries baking spices aroma. Draw resistance minimal - about 2/10 on the tightness scale.
At 30-minute mark, transitions to black pepper kick (Nicaraguan filler signature). Coffee bean bitterness emerges without overwhelming, balanced by persistent nutmeg sweetness. Ash holds firm for 1.5-2" segments. Watch for wrapper fragility when ashing - multiple users report minor flaking.
Last third introduces leathery depth but maintains approachability. Retrohale showcases the Cameroon wrapper's dried fruit complexity. Nicotine buildup remains manageable (clocking in at ~85mg total), though beginners might feel slight head buzz past 60-minute mark.
The triple-seam cap requires precise cutting - V-cut users report better flavor delivery. Box-press shape maintains structural integrity even in 70% RH environments. Occasional tight roll specimens (≈1/5 per box) benefit from gentle dry-boxing.
Blend utilizes Jalapa-grown filler tobaccos aged 3 years, paired with 18-month fermented Cameroon wrappers. The dual Nicaraguan binders (Estelí and Condega regions) create the signature spice-sweetness balance. Oliva's proprietary fermentation pits help mellow the typically bold Nica leaf.
