The Oliva series
Melanio Oliva first grew tobacco in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba in 1886. His growing operations were suspended while he fought in Cuba’s War of Independence. After returning from war Melanio resumed his operations. In the early 1920’s Melanio’s son Hipolito Oliva took over the growing operations. Hipolito cultivated the Oliva family fields for several decades. As Cuba became over-run by communist the tobacco landscape changed. Hipolito’s son Gilberto Oliva shifted from growing to brokering tobacco. In the early 60’s the pressure became too great and Gilberto traveled from county to country in search of the distinct Cuban taste. His travels took him to Honduras, Panama, Mexico and even the Philippines. Gilberto finally found fertile ground in Nicaragua. Today Gilberto along with his family are Nicaragua’s second largest grower of Cuban-seed tobacco.
When you buy a cigar from The Cigar Club you are buying into over 50 years of trading experience. Everything we dispatch is checked for quality.
Frequently Asked Oliva Cigar Questions
Are Oliva cigars high-end?
Some Oliva cigars are high-end, but many releases are more affordable. At the top, Serie V and the Melanio releases compete with anything on the market and have the awards to prove it. At the other end, Flor de Oliva is a genuinely cheap handmade bundle cigar. Same family, same Nicaraguan tobacco, very different price points.
Which Oliva series is the best?
The Serie V is the Oliva series range that most smokers rate highest, known for itsfull-bodied, rich complexity. Serie G is the milder Cameroon-wrapped option and a better fit if you find full-strength cigars heavy going, while Flor de Oliva is the everyday choice. Best is really a question of how much strength you want.