The Oliva Connecticut Reserve features an Ecuadorian Connecticut-seed wrapper surrounding aged Nicaraguan long-filler and binder tobaccos, handcrafted in Estelí, Nicaragua at the Tabacalera Oliva de Estelí factory. This mild to medium-bodied cigar starts mild in strength but transitions into the mild to medium category throughout the smoke, offering creamy and mellow tasting notes of almond, white pepper, cedar, coffee bean, and spice. Building on the Oliva family's five-generation heritage that began in 1886 when Melanio Oliva first grew tobacco in Pinar del Río, Cuba, this brand has been blending exceptional tobacco since 1886, with founder Melanio Oliva's grandson Gilberto finding a new home in Nicaragua's fertile lands after three generations and two revolutions. The Connecticut Reserve has garnered industry recognition, with Cigar Snob awarding it a 91-point rating in both 2013 and 2014, and Cigar Aficionado rating it 92 points. This mellow cigar is so pleasant that it is perfect for any time of day, making it ideal for both morning coffee companions and novice smokers seeking a flavorful yet not overpowering experience. The wrapper and cap are very smooth and assembled flawlessly, described as "smooth as silk," reflecting in the overall cigar experience.