This box-pressed Churchill sports a Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper that looks like melted dark chocolate. At 7" x 50 ring gauge, it delivers 90+ minutes of smoke time perfect for leisurely weekends. The $16 per stick price tag sits comfortably between daily drivers and special occasion smokes.
Core Specifications
- Brand: Oliva Cigars
- Price: $160.20/box (10-count)
- Size: Churchill (7" x 50)
- Strength: Medium-Full
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro
- Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan Jalapa Valley
Tasting Notes Breakdown
First Third
- Initial punch of black pepper that settles into roasted almonds
- Leather undertones with burnt sugar sweetness
- Thick smoke output requiring slow pacing (45-60 seconds between puffs)
Middle Third
- Transition to cocoa powder and espresso bean flavors
- Distinct mineral tang from the Jalapa tobacco emerges
- Smoke texture becomes creamier as oils activate
Final Third
- Charred cedar dominates with lingering baking spices
- Nicotine strength noticeably ramps up past band point
- Slight tar buildup requiring purges every 3-4 draws
Comparable Churchill Options
- My Father Le Bijou 1922: Same dimensions, higher nicotine kick with espresso bitterness
- Padrón 1964 Maduro: 1/2" shorter, smoother transition between flavor phases
- Ashton Aged Maduro: Connecticut broadleaf wrapper creates sweeter finish
Construction Notes
- Box-pressed shape maintains structural integrity in humidors
- Consistent burn line with 1-1.5" ash holds
- Needs 65% RH stabilization for optimal draw resistance
Additional Context
The San Andrés wrapper undergoes 18-month fermentation to develop its signature molasses-like sheen. Blenders combine ligero leaves from Estelí (for strength) and viso from Jalapa (for sweetness), creating the distinct flavor progression. While marketed as "medium-full", actual nicotine impact leans closer to full-bodied after the midpoint.
