Up for review today is another cigar that can be found in the Studio Tobac Tour Sampler (Cain F Lancero, Cain FF, Nub San Andreas Maduro, Cain Daytona, and ST/DS-001), in the ST/DS-001. Like previos cigars in this series of reviews, I recieved these sticks as a member of the Studio Tobac Advisroy Board.
When I first opened my letter and began reading over the listed cigars, I was torn when it came to the ST/DS-001. The concept of an all maduro blend appealed to me but at the same time it felt kind of tired. With the success of the CAO MX3 and Camacho Triple Maduro, and the release of the A. Turret Tripple Play, the idea of a new all maduro didn’t exactly cause a stir of excitement. For this reason, I left the ST/DS-001 as the last cigar to smoke from my sampler.
Crossing my fingers and hoping for a save the best for last scenario, I sat down and began the review process. Upon inspection, the wrapper appeared dry with a toothy texture, giving the cigar a very rugged appearance. The seam spiraling down the cigar was pronounced and medium sized veins were present. The cap appeared to be lifting in one spot and did not extend much past the shoulder. When handled, the cigar had a good bit of heft to it and appeared to be well packed.
After a quick clip with my Palio, I set flame to foot and got smoking. I was impressed by the smoke density and volume. The body was a solid medium throughout and the finish was smooth. The aroma on the retrohale was the single most impressive aspect of this cigar. I was able to pick out a wood and peaty tone with a bit of black peppercorn. Unfortunately, these aromas did not translate to flavor across the palate and left the taste being rather flat.
Even with my fingers crossed, I set the cigar down disappointed. While the aromas were interesting, the cigar didn’t really do anything for me. I’m not even sure that I enjoyed this stick as much as the Nub San Andreas Maduro, which was my least favorite of the earlier samples.
I know Oliva as an original and high quality cigar maker. This stick sounds like they should not go down this alley. Of course, I did not taste it myself, so hoe can I be sure?
Frank,
You could get your hands on one if the Studio Tobac Tour rolls through your area. I think any box purchase will net you a sampler.
Thinking back, I haven’t really cared for a new Oliva Maduro release since the 2009 Serie V Maduro. I wasn’t fond of last years V Maduro, didn’t like the Nub San Andreas Maduro, and didn’t care for the latest ST/DS-001.
Thanks for the comment
Hi Walt, thanks for the reply. I heard that Oliva will be doing a world tour, perhaps they will visit the Netherlands as well… Since their biggest importer for Europe is in the Netherlands, there is a big chance they will visit my country. If so, I’ll be looking to get my hands on a Sudio Tobac sampler for sure!
Frank,
When I last talked to someone from Oliva, they made mention that there was a European leg of the tour planned.
Great! Looking forward to it, love Oliva products!!!
And.,….There you have it.
fwiw I didn’t enjoy the Camacho Triple Maduro…Just eh.
I’ve been hearing that fairly often since I posted this review. I almost feel like I’m in the minority for enjoying it. LOL
Thanks for the comment.
Seems to me the new moniker “Studio Tobac” is jamming to many cigars down our throat for the first year under the umbrella. Even if the reg Joe blow can’t try all of them the fact that they are all being reported on is just to much at one time.
Because the cigars aren’t contained within one line (Like Nub Habano, Maduro, Cameroon, Connecticut, and Cain Nub), it seems like a lot. I suppose 5 sticks can be a bit much, but then again they are only available in a sampler.
In any case, I’m not bothered by the number of cigars released. I am curious if they will continue this pace or hold off on more concept blends until after the trade show.
Thanks for the comment
Walt, thanks for another review!
This stick sounds pretty boring, like a giant cigarette lol. At least it was free! Hope you smoked somthing way more delicious later in the day!
I’m sure I smoked a second cigar that day, but I don’t remember what it was. In any case, I am pretty sure that I enjoyed it more than this one. The ST/DS-001 performed great, it just didn’t deliver in the flavor department.
Thanks for the comment
The camacho triple maduro and MX3 are both terrible in my opinion. As much as I love maduro’s I’ve yet to find a all maduro blend that works. Studio Tabak in general is too gimmicky for me. They should stick to the cain f, (and from what i hear the cain daytona) and chill with the rest.
Dave,
I think this is precisely what Studio Tobac is for. While the core Oliva brand remains conservative and sticks to a more traditional cigar, Studio Tobac is given the freedom to frolic in the proverbial garden of creativity.
The Studio Tobac sampler wound up going 3 for 5, in my opinion, with this sampler. Neither of the Maduro sticks did anything for me.
Thanks for review, Walt !
What’s up with 6am early reviews ? Don’t think you that this could be a little too early in a day to concentrate on flavors ? I would have half asleep smoking a cigar at 6am.
Keep up the good work.
Jay,
I am an early riser. My normal routine is to get out of bed at 4:30am and be at my desk by 6:00am. While it may seem early to review a cigar, under normal circumstances I’ve already cleaned up, had breakfast, and am sitting at my desk sipping coffee. Coincidentally, that is exactly where I am right now and it is 6:05 as I type this.
Thanks for the comment