It’s been a few weeks since I reviewed a cigar so I thought today would be a great time to debut something new we picked up at IPCPR 2014. The Nub Café Espresso isn’t just new to us at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, but it is also new to the cigar world. If the past successes of Oliva Cigar Company’s new releases are any indication, this new cigar will be a major hit. It is their first step into the waters of infused cigars, and let me say their rookie status is not noticeable on the palate.

As most of you who have followed me for any period of time know that infused cigars, or those with extra “non-tobacco flavors” embedded in the stick, aren’t usually ones that I ordinarily smoke. I enjoy them as a change of pace and I always keep a few in my humidor for others, but they just aren’t "go to" sticks for me. I learned a long time ago that if I only stock cigars I enjoy smoking then I will most often be smoking alone.

I gave one a few puffs in Vegas but the show is no intense, with so many cigars, it is hard to really appreciate them. It is when I get home and go through all the samples and new releases that I am able to form a better opinion. Let me begin by saying that this cigar is very enjoyable.

As I puff on this dark leaf beauty, the sun is rising behind me ushering another hot and humid Florida August day. I usually have just a few hours of early morning coolness before it becomes too unbearable to enjoy coffee and cigars on my back patio. My coffee of choice is a Dominican espresso and let me say that the two work quite nicely together. The wrapper leaf is Sumatran, while the other components are not listed.

The cigar is full of rich cacao flavors right from the start. Although the chocolate notes are deep and rich, there is a lovely sweetness (caramel flavor) that lingers on the lips and palate after every puff. Of course there is the coffee flavor, but here it is the dark chocolate that shines through. I venture to say that if I were smoking a larger ring gauge the sweetness would probably be a little more muted.

I “occasionally” will enjoy a caramel-mocha frappuccino from Starbucks. For those not familiar, order it next time and make sure they drizzle it with both chocolate and caramel. It’s about 97,000 calories, but so worth it. That is what the finish on this cigar reminds me of, a tobacco version of that coffee drink. It’s a perfect blend of the chocolate, caramel and coffee flavors, with, of course, sweetness lingering on the palate after every sip.

I highly recommend this cigar for everyone as it was a very enjoyable breakfast smoke for me today. As far as strength goes, this is a medium to full bodied experience but don’t let that scare you away if you prefer milder smokes. It is masked very well and the jolt will get you moving early in the morning. I predict that Oliva will sell many of these cigars and you can look for them in the near future at an ABC store near you.

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits North Florida regional manager, Certified Tobacconist and Cicerone Beer Server

Follow me on Twitter @abccigarchris.