Oliva

Oliva stands as one of the most respected and sought-after premium cigar brands in the world, renowned for producing consistently exceptional Nicaraguan cigars that masterfully blend traditional Cuban techniques with the robust character of Nicaraguan tobacco. The brand is celebrated as "one of the most respected and sought after brands in the cigar industry" and "one of the most respected names in the cigar industry, known for producing some of the finest cigars in the world." Garnering continuous recognition, Oliva Cigars had at one point secured a spot on Cigar Aficionado's top 25 lists for nine consecutive years, solidifying their status as a premier brand. While other major brands are known for high prices or crazy themes, Oliva is simply known for making solid, reliable cigars. The brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship has earned them numerous accolades, including the coveted Cigar of the Year award from Cigar Aficionado Magazine.

Background

The Oliva legacy began in 1886 when Melanio Oliva started growing tobacco in Pinar del Río, Cuba. In 1964, in the aftermath of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, Melanio's grandson Gilberto Oliva emigrated with his family to Spain before eventually moving to Nicaragua and re-entering the tobacco business. In 1995, Gilberto and his son, Gilberto Jr., launched the Gilberto Oliva brand, which became Oliva Cigar Co. Gilberto Sr. was a man of vision and passion, dedicated to crafting cigars that reflected the heritage of Cuban cigar-making while also embracing the distinct flavor profiles of Nicaraguan tobacco. He combined his knowledge of Cuban techniques with the unique characteristics of Nicaraguan tobacco, creating a brand that quickly gained a reputation for excellence. In 2016, Oliva Cigars was acquired by J. Cortès, a Belgian company, but the family remains involved in the business, and J. Cortès has provided the resources necessary to expand Oliva's global reach without compromising the quality for which they are known.

History

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 Facundo Oliva took over the growing operations. Gilberto Senior left Nicaragua in 1979 as a result of the Sandinista revolution and spent the next six years growing tobacco in Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and the Philippines before returning to Nicaragua in 1995. Upon his return, Gilberto Senior also moved into the world of cigar manufacturing. The release of the Oliva Serie V in 2006 marked a turning point, grabbing enthusiasts' attention with its distinctive flavor, and this pinnacle was reached in 2015, recognized as the #1 cigar in the Top 25 Cigars of The Year award by Cigar Aficionado.

Reputation

The brand's flagship is the Oliva Serie V, a cigar launched in 2006, which was named to Cigar Aficionado magazine's list of the Best Cigars of 2008. The Serie V Melanio was acknowledged with the 'Cigar of the Year 2014' title, and Serie O was named the 'Best Cigars of the Year 2005' by Cigar Aficionado. By 2005, Oliva Cigar Co. was producing 6 million cigars a year and expanding its operations continually, and within four years, the company more than doubled its output, producing 13 million cigars for the market in 2009. Operating from their Nicaraguan facility, capable of producing over 50,000 cigars daily, Oliva Cigars has expanded its reach to 18+ countries, captivating cigar aficionados worldwide.