Oliva Connecticut Reserve Petit Corona Review

Size: 4x38
Filler: Nicaraguan
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Rest time: 10 days at 65%
MSRP: $4.50~

I've taken a recent liking to Connecticut wrapped sticks lately, and this little cigar was on the radar. So while my better half was out with her girlfriends shopping, I took a moment to fire this one up.

This cigar is wrapped in a milk-coffee coloured Connecticut wrapper which is delicate but smooth at the same time. It has a matte sheen to it and only one vein of any significance. The cigar is a nice density throughout, with an evenly packed foot and a neatly capped head. The cold aromas are of hay, milk chocolate, caramel, with touches of barnyard and sweet spice. After punching the cap the cold draw is a mild version of the above but with a tiny tingle on the tongue from the slight spice.

The initial light brings on a thick, creamy smoke with a sweetness to it and a rich tobacco note. Smoke production is ample and smooth. The profile mellows out in the first third and adds a hint of toastiness. There is a hint of butteryness that comes and goes, while the typical Nicaraguan peppery spice tingles the sinuses on the retrohale.

By the time the second third arrives the profile has settled into a mix of tobacco, cream and toast. There is a distinct sweet note off the wrapper which you get through the nose whenever a draw is taken.

As the stick burns down, there is a consistent transition of the cream fading away and being replaced with a drier, toastier texture. While not harsh, the mouth feel changes. There is little in the way of complexity besides this transition, but the smoke is pleasant throughout. I found the body to dance around the mild-medium range, edging closer towards the milder side, while the strength was negligible; I got the slightest of nicotine tinglings for only a few minutes after having this cigar and heading inside.

The burn remained straight and in the couple of occasions where it was slightly wonky it self corrected easily without the need for any touch ups. The ash is solid and holds for about an inch before being gently tapped off. Total time from sparking of the lighter to laying it to rest in the ash tray is about 35 minutes.

If you're in the market for a milder smoke that still gives you something to taste, or are looking for a nice stick for a buddy who is new to the hobby, then give this one a look. At $4.50 it's getting up there for a petit corona in price, but isn't a wallet breaker. These can often be had for around the $3 mark using discounts and other promotions with online sellers, which is about bang-on value for money to me. I would be very interested to try this blend in a robusto size because of my experience with this one.


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