Uploaded July 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this video, Charles-Philippe reviews the Oliva Connecticut Reserve, a delectable cigar with a creamy Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper! Watch to learn all about its tasting notes and properties with our detailed review.
Buy Now:
Boveda Acrylic Humidor: amzn.to/3deJ2I8
Boveda 69% RH Packs: amzn.to/2RLCJ4W
Boveda Butler: amzn.to/35IdGX8
Check out the Oliva Connecticut Reserve Formula & Read The Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/cigars/oliva-connecticut-reserve
Learn about the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula:
bespokeunit.com/cigars/formula
This Video's Wardrobe:
Shirt: pntrs.com/t/TUJGRUlLRUJGSUtMR0dCRkhFRkhJ
Suit: click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=84gKhJ8XAxE&mid=41221&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indochino.com%2F
Cufflinks: Vintage
Tie: Vintage
Video Summary:
00:00 Introduction
The Oliva Connecticut Reserve was reviewed using the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula, a quantifiable review matrix. Rather than a Boveda acrylic humidor, we used a Boveda bag with 69% Boveda packs for a period of three weeks to ensure that they were properly acclimated and ready to be evaluated.
00:14 Cigar Overview
Developed in 2007, it was shelved in favour of creating the Oliva Serie V. It's produced at the Tabolisa factory in Nicaragua using an accordion binding style. The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Connecticut while the fillers and binders are Nicaraguan.
01:28 Look & Feel
The Connecticut Reserve has a straight roll with a firm spring. There are no clear soft spots and the construction is excellent overall. Its colour is reminiscent of fino sherry and it has a moderate sheen of oils. There are a few subtle white veins and the aromas of the foot reveal straw, cinnamon, and caramel.
02:07 Prelight
The draw is ideal but it can be a touch tight. Massaging the head of the cigar will easily open it up. The flavours are rich and consist of milk chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon.
02:49 Tasting Notes
The first third first delivers notes of salted pistachio, brown toast, and grilled almond. The second third reveals coffee grounds, brazil nuts, and brown toast. The last third consists of rye bread, pepper, and liquorice.
While not overly complex, the Oliva Connecticut Reserve is easy to smoke. The mouthfeel isn't coarse, but it isn't silky smooth either. Consider pairing it with a beverage as it may be somewhat dry.
08:00 Burn
The draw loosens up nicely if it begins a little tight. Otherwise, the burn is impeccable with an excellent burn line and solid ash.
08:30 Overall Experience
The band is white and has a clean presentation. It's reminiscent of the Serie V but being a Connecticut, the colour scheme is lighter and brighter. The box is conventional and elegant as it's made from branded solid wood.
Expect to pay around $7 for a single whereas buying an entire box will offer a small discount on the individual cigars. It's a very affordable cigar that's ideal for occasions like weddings.
10:05 Pairings
The cigar would pair well with snacks. For a savoury option, consider pretzels. Meanwhile, a good sweet choice would be Liquorice Allsorts. Milk chocolate will impart additional creaminess.
As for beverages, we recommend long drinks like an IPA beer. You could also enjoy it with a Coca-Cola or caffè latte.
Already tried the Oliva Connecticut Reserve cigar or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
CONNECT:
Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter
In this video, Charles-Philippe reviews the Oliva Connecticut Reserve, a delectable cigar with a creamy Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper! Watch to learn all about its tasting notes and properties with our detailed review.
Buy Now:
Boveda Acrylic Humidor: amzn.to/3deJ2I8
Boveda 69% RH Packs: amzn.to/2RLCJ4W
Boveda Butler: amzn.to/35IdGX8
Check out the Oliva Connecticut Reserve Formula & Read The Review:
bespokeunit.com/articles/cigars/oliva-connecticut-reserve
Learn about the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula:
bespokeunit.com/cigars/formula
This Video's Wardrobe:
Shirt: pntrs.com/t/TUJGRUlLRUJGSUtMR0dCRkhFRkhJ
Suit: click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=84gKhJ8XAxE&mid=41221&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indochino.com%2F
Cufflinks: Vintage
Tie: Vintage
Video Summary:
00:00 Introduction
The Oliva Connecticut Reserve was reviewed using the Bespoke Unit Cigar Formula, a quantifiable review matrix. Rather than a Boveda acrylic humidor, we used a Boveda bag with 69% Boveda packs for a period of three weeks to ensure that they were properly acclimated and ready to be evaluated.
00:14 Cigar Overview
Developed in 2007, it was shelved in favour of creating the Oliva Serie V. It's produced at the Tabolisa factory in Nicaragua using an accordion binding style. The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Connecticut while the fillers and binders are Nicaraguan.
01:28 Look & Feel
The Connecticut Reserve has a straight roll with a firm spring. There are no clear soft spots and the construction is excellent overall. Its colour is reminiscent of fino sherry and it has a moderate sheen of oils. There are a few subtle white veins and the aromas of the foot reveal straw, cinnamon, and caramel.
02:07 Prelight
The draw is ideal but it can be a touch tight. Massaging the head of the cigar will easily open it up. The flavours are rich and consist of milk chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon.
02:49 Tasting Notes
The first third first delivers notes of salted pistachio, brown toast, and grilled almond. The second third reveals coffee grounds, brazil nuts, and brown toast. The last third consists of rye bread, pepper, and liquorice.
While not overly complex, the Oliva Connecticut Reserve is easy to smoke. The mouthfeel isn't coarse, but it isn't silky smooth either. Consider pairing it with a beverage as it may be somewhat dry.
08:00 Burn
The draw loosens up nicely if it begins a little tight. Otherwise, the burn is impeccable with an excellent burn line and solid ash.
08:30 Overall Experience
The band is white and has a clean presentation. It's reminiscent of the Serie V but being a Connecticut, the colour scheme is lighter and brighter. The box is conventional and elegant as it's made from branded solid wood.
Expect to pay around $7 for a single whereas buying an entire box will offer a small discount on the individual cigars. It's a very affordable cigar that's ideal for occasions like weddings.
10:05 Pairings
The cigar would pair well with snacks. For a savoury option, consider pretzels. Meanwhile, a good sweet choice would be Liquorice Allsorts. Milk chocolate will impart additional creaminess.
As for beverages, we recommend long drinks like an IPA beer. You could also enjoy it with a Coca-Cola or caffè latte.
Already tried the Oliva Connecticut Reserve cigar or have any questions? Leave us a comment to let us know your thoughts!
CONNECT:
Web: BespokeUnit.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/BespokeUnit
Facebook: Facebook.com/BespokeUnit
Twitter: Twitter.com/BespokeUnit
Subscribe to Newsletter: BespokeUnit.com/newsletter
