Oliva Cain F Nub Review

Cigar: Oliva Cain F Nub 460
Origin: Nicaragua wrapper, binder, and filler.
Year: Unknown.
Vitola: Rothschild 4 X 60
Stored: 63-65 RH
Time in humi/cooler: 2 years, 5 months.
Paired with: Coffee
My system: Under 70: Not worth smoking. 70: Solid cigar. 80: Good cigar. 90: Excellent 100: As good as it gets.
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...psfiyuugwp.jpg
Intro: Oliva produces the Cain and the Nub lines. For this cigar, they decided to mix the two. I’m not a fan of the Nubs; however, I like Cain Daytonas and from what I understand the Cain F is pretty good in the lancero size. I picked this box up a couple of years ago on Cbid at a great price.

Construction: Due to its large ring gauge it takes a bit of time to get burning. The cigar required a few touch ups along the way, but nothing major. The draw is good. This stogie is a slow smoker. Like others from this box, it took about 1 hour and 45 minutes to smoke.

Pre light: The habano wrapper on this cigar is oily with few veins. It looks slick, and is very nice looking. The red and gold band contrasts nicely with the dark wrapper. It feels good in hand. The cigar doesn't have much smell before being lit. Pre draw is a bit firm, but not bad. From the pre draw, I don't get much flavor.
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...psx4idqczu.jpg
Opens: It opens with smooth earth and peppercorn on the palate. This cigar is deceiving because you’ll think you’re in for a super strong smoke; however, I know from experience, that’s not the case. There is a slight sweetness and bitterness present also.
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...psbdnwwb99.jpg
1st: The first thing I taste is heavy roasted nuts. It’s weird how cigars morph and change, as do our palates. Case in point, I don’t remember this cigar being so nutty. Along with the nuts, there is earth, slightly sweet tobacco, and spice. The cigar isn’t super strong, but it’s “heavy”. That heaviness mutes the notes. Later some leather, bitter chocolate, and weak pepper comes in. This cigar is super smooth.
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...pscglpc7zn.jpg
2nd: Earth and bitter chocolate take the lead as this third begins. There is also a tangy fruit note in the background. When I retrohale, I get leather, oak, and a lively spice. It’s a nice profile that buried behind the heavy body of the cigar. Strength is at medium, it’s not super strong. But the heaviness of the body, makes you work to look for nuance.
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...pswitw1gqz.jpg
3rd: The nuts are back. Later in the third, I get oak, leather, and bitter chocolate. The strength is at full now, but I don’t feel a nicotine hit. There is more pepper in this third. Also, there is a slightly meaty taste that is present throughout this third. To the last puff, the smoke stays cool.
http://i1159.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3e1tz3tf.jpg
Overall: This cigar is a slow smoker. It clocked in at 1 hour and 45 minutes of smoking time. If you’re looking for a creamy or a complex flavor bomb, this cigar isn’t for you. If you enjoy Diesel UCs, you may want to give this cigar a try. I would try other vitolas such as the robusto or lancero to see if the body doesn't mask the flavor as much in smaller ring gauges. Overall, a good smoke, but nothing special. 80/100