Cigar Review: Oliva Cain

Cain, a new creation from the mind of Sam Leccia, creator of one of my favorite cigars, Nubs. This Nicarguan Habano promotes not only the seed, and growing region, but how they care for it after it has been harvested. Using what Sam calls a “Triple Fermentation” process, the tobacco is carefully handled individually and brought up to temperature three times. Since the ligero part of the leaf is the most flavorful and the most thick, this is the emphasis of the process. Other manufactures add more ligero, i.e. Camacho and Ghurka, Sam focuses on the one and meticulously draws out its full flavor.

All this being said, one still needs to try it. After a particularly long couple weeks, I needed a cigar that would help wipe away the sorrows and woes. I was given this beast of a cigar (6” x 60 ring gauge) for my birthday and this is what I reached for. Being a fan of Nubs, I was excited to try another new concept.

Without question, Sam has another great hit! The aged ligero tobacco from Esteli, Condega, and the Jalapa Valley in Nicaragua was a mouth watering mix. Having the Oliva name on it aw well, you know that the wrapper (Maduro from San Andreas Mexico) would be paid great attention to. It was dark brown with no large veins. Large ring gauged cigars usually give a great draw and this 60 gauge did not disappoint. Very smooth, especially since I smoked a Litto’s Chisel the night before, and the smoke was very plentiful. No punch, no spice, almost too mild for my liking but great cigar nonetheless. Well done Mr. Leccia. Come up with more and I’ll try them all.