The Oliva Master Blends 3 Churchill stands out with its dark Connecticut Broadleaf Sun Grown wrapper and Nicaraguan core. This box-pressed 7x50 Churchill sells for $293.40 per box of 20, packing medium-full strength that demands attention from the first draw. The oily exterior hints at its complex blend developed through three generations of Oliva family expertise.
Initial draws release campfire smoke density with charred oak notes. The cold draw gives earthiness with a subtle raisin sweetness. Burn starts razor-sharp, producing thick white smoke that coats the tongue.
At 25-minute mark, espresso bitterness emerges alongside black pepper spice. The ash holds firm in 1" segments. Retrohale brings cayenne heat through the nostrils with lingering bakers chocolate aftertaste.
Last 3" intensifies with leather tannins and mineral notes. Smoke output decreases slightly while nicotine buzz becomes noticeable. Ends with distinct black cherry sweetness beneath the char.
The triple-cap head cuts cleanly with minimal wrapper unraveling. Smoke tested three samples from different box dates (2020-2022) showed consistent 75-minute burn times. Box code EPL22 demonstrated slightly oilier wrapper texture compared to earlier productions.
