Smoking the Oliva Monticello - Blanton's Bourbon Review

Two expert tobacconists enjoy a cigar tasting of the Oliva Monticello, pairing it with Blanton's Bourbon. Find out what this blend brings to the table, from its strength and body to tasting notes the Holt's guys pick up from it.
Which blend should we review next? Let us know in the comments!
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[@Boushhhhh]

Shout out Holts COTM club! This cigar was in the September line up. I had never had it and would have probably never picked it up but now, thanks to Holts, it’s one of my favorites! Side note: Mazz loves the color orange and Faccia loves purple. 😂

[@TexasRed59]

The lighting of the cigars, at the beginning of each video, makes one's mouth water. I am a longtime Oliva fan (the V, G, O, V Melanio, G and my personal favorite for many years, the MB3!! Great cigars at a great price point. The Monticello is a fine cigar but, for my taste's, the Master Blends III is my go to, but then I love the fullest bodied smokes. Also, Holt's has a great sale on different vitolas of the Monticello and the Master Blends III every month so I can always get a good deal on those smokes.

[@rosswalker63]

Picked up these cigars last Christmas. Bout time y’all did a review

[@Justin.Stanfill]

I've copped two 6x60 boxes from you guys in the last year, LOVE these!!

[@holtscigars]

Thank you for the support Justin 🙏

[@angelalveras101]

Thankful a video was finally made on this specific Oliva. Hardly any info out there before this video came along.

[@ashergee6717]

@@angelalveras101 as a huge oliva fan I have never even heard of this one!!

[@kidontheway]

It's a collaboration cigar only made for Holts. This is sorta self advertisement but they follow the youtube rules of not telling you where to buy it (which is only from them)

[@ashergee6717]

@ good info to know

[@mattneumann7883]

I’ve been waiting for this one I got a box of the robusto size at an absolute steal from you guys not to long ago fantastic smoke

[@Venkmn]

How much fun would it be to hang around with you two! Always enjoyed the finer things, but this is next level. Appreciate you taking us along with you on this experience.

[@holtscigars]

Appreciate you joining us for the video!

[@franks5042]

I’ve been to Esteli Nicaragua. Seeing the tobacco fields and the farms was an interesting experience.

[@N-V-ME_313]

Tried the Melanio Figurado last week. What a smoke this was! Can't thank Holts enough for this content that goes down easy. At the end of the Cigar it got way better with a cherry note that hit the palate hot but was super suave. It goes without saying that I nubbed it!

[@holtscigars]

Glad you loved it as much as we did 👊❤️

[@EJGentleman]

Excellent cigar and one of my Oliva favorites.

[@johnrossitto659]

Just bought a box of Churchills for the holidays from you guys. Absolute steal. You guys are the best. Happy holidays mazz and facc. 🌲❄️❤️

[@holtscigars]

Thank you John, Happy Holidays!

[@EnvironmentalServices]

Definitely on my list to try.

[@joecantrell8516]

Mazz mentioned " unadulterated black coffee " . Good strong coffee , good full flavor cigars . For me these things go hand in hand . Oliva M's and V's are great choices . Great video guys .

[@jonahb2149]

Love the color coordination fellas

[@Crimson_0071]

I just picked up the Oliva Sampler box off your website last week, and it just arrived yesterday! I can’t wait to try them out, Cheers Gentlemen 🥃

[@holtscigars]

Thank you for the support, enjoy!

[@billburbank4314]

Had this with a port last week. Solid combo. Also had with Eagle Rare. Easy to pair.

[@Wavychula]

Going to my first cigar lounge this weekend. Corona Cigar in Orlando! I want to smoke the Mi Amor or Olivia Melanio

[@rickyhawkins7407]

I have never had the latter. But the former will not disappoint. 👍🏽

[@holtscigars]

Hope you enjoy, have a great time!

[@klientastic]

Love my first melanio!! Mi amor is next!!

[@SPnSQ]

Corona Cigars in Orlando is very nice but for sheer location and atmosphere try Executive Cigar Lounge in nearby Sanford FL

[@Wavychula]

@ thanks and I’ll try them next.

[@PATRIOTNN-ee5zd]

My fav color is purple as well love it

[@mattcannon6879]

Just picked up a box of churchills from your website the other day, one of my favorite cigars

[@holtscigars]

Thank you for the support, hope you enjoy 👊

[@innovationgroupofsouthflor4744]

Great video guys!

[@leatherneckprepper4477]

Smoking a Perdomo Sungro 12 year anniversary sipping on some delicious seven horses tequila while enjoying your video. Since I had to go back to work, I don’t get to smoke nearly as many a day, but I’m enjoying it when I can. It truly is a stress reliever.

[@chucktaylor7091]

Siete leguas is one my favorite tequilas, cheers

[@baba-vh7hb]

finally monticello is here, a long promised video ❤❤❤❤❤❤ the crown jewel thanks

[@baba-vh7hb]

what a great pairing, Jesus, emjoy life, luckily, blanton are easier to find in Asia

[@AngeloGiles]

Y’all got the best cigar b roll I’ve seen lol, I’m jealous, great video!

[@holtscigars]

Thanks Angelo!

[@scottp8475]

Box sale prices are crazy on these, can't wait to try them

[@avdmustang]

You guys do a great job at presenting cigars to us. Being sharply dressed essential IMO.

[@holtscigars]

🙏

[@southernkingtv3674]

Good morning fellas from the great state of Mississippi. Love yal products!

[@upasaka259]

Hard to find these in Europe 😑

[@Alexius01]

Indeed.. they look wonderful

[@lukasalbert1542]

Feel the pain…

[@AMZNFBA]

Oh no worries you send me cohiba siglo IV I’ll send you Olivia

[@dw-qh2fr]

These are fantastic. Consistent in rolling, burning, flavour.

[@hippiedwellness9459]

awesome video. Great way to make the holidays special.

[@maxstress8427]

You can't go wrong with Oliva cigars, they are my favorite cigars to smoke. There is a lot in the Oliva cigar portfolio that i haven't smoked. It is on my bucket list to try as many as i can before i kick the bucket.

[@chriswright5050]

Another great video gents!

[@SomeGuyFromOK]

This is SUCH a good stick. I had no idea it was a Holt’s exclusive, makes sense now. I wish they were priced a little better, but I get them in bundles so it makes it worth it. The pricing is weird, a double toro box is $100 more than a regular toro, I didn’t even know there was a torpedo option. Such a good stick that gets a little overshadowed by the price.

[@viperocco]

The trick with the Cognac is to rest the snifter on a cup of hot water. Worth a try. Great video gents! Thank you

[@jbreamsiii]

My go to Oliva!! I'm on my 3rd box of Torpedo's from Holt's over the past few years. And always a v-cut....... Sorry Facc Come on down to the Ville and we'll hit the track!!

[@bikerdude6119]

Outfits are always fresh!

[@JoshLathrop-b5g]

Oliva is great, many options for smokers of all preferences. You guys should give Mayflower Cigars a review, they’re made at the Oliva factory, they make what is probably my favorite Connecticut wrapper cigar at the moment.

[@NathanDodson]

One of these was in my first COTM club box from y'all. I remember seeing it and thinking, "Oh this must be a variation of the Melania." Now that I've had both, I know better. But I did fall in love with the Monticello over the Melania. That driving cinnamon note with the coffee? Top notch. I often drink cinnamon in my coffee and that cigar is the perfect match for a morning cup.

[@holtscigars]

sounds like an amazing pairing 🤤

[@langben7736]

Those look fantastic. I am a big fan of all of the Oliva blends that I've tried so far, so I hope that I can get my hands on those here in Sweden. Enjoy!

[@rickcoffey5309]

I just got a box of the Monticello torpedos from Holts. Had to smoke one as soon as i got it. AWESOME cigar, very tasty, love the hit of cinnamon. It went very well with my favorite brandy. Had another with some cognac. Every bit as good with that too. Now i need to order another box probably gordo. Fantastic smoke

[@holtscigars]

Glad you enjoyed Rick, thank you for the support!

[@williamcole8729]

The V series is one of my favorites, Guess ill have find the Monti at my local shop.

[@birdie1497]

Hey guys I’ve been watching your videos for quite sometime now and I must say I love your videos but one thing I never see you guys do is pair cigars with beer. I’m not a hard alcohol drinker, if I do it’s mixed like either in a margarita or vodka soda. I would love to see you pair some cigars with beer in the future and I don’t mean that select hard to find local craft beer no one can find but only in a specific region but something we all can find in our local stores across the country. Keep up the good work men!

[@holtscigars]

Noted, thanks for the comment!

[@tshiamomaele5059]

Y'all look amazing today. Like the Rose Of Sharon. Ever since Y'all showed us a sneak peak of Carlito Fuente in the Studio I can't sleep. I'm up on my feet asking myself everyday if today is finally the day.

[@holtscigars]

😂 it'll be up ASAP don't worry

[@deleon_bbq_and_salsa]

Still have mine ready to try from the month club.. thanks Holts! 🙏🏼🔥

[@The.ControversialChristian]

A whole lot of “that’s what she said” jokes in here haha 😂 real question are y’all hiring and can I sleep on the couch in the lounge until I find a place? Haha I love these videos and Holts. I learn a lot, laugh a lot, and always want to go spend on these cigars (thankful for a wife who reminds me of our budget haha)

[@ShotgunGuenni]

Friday night steak and potato’s Now dark chocolate , red wine and my Davidoff robusto intenso while watching this gem of a video Happy weekend guys!

[@holtscigars]

Same to you, cheers!

[@jculp1]

Oliva nocturnal sampler has a good selection for the price on holts cigar. Definitely worth it

[@mikelembo6657]

Maybe your favorite morning cigars next? I would love to know what Facc smokes in the morning since he likes stronger stuff (like me).

[@AllenSimpson-nf4bd]

I love these!

[@darrin114]

Please do a video paring Zacapa Rum, as this is where my wife is from and her/my family as put me on to this BEAUTIFUL sprit.

[@ethanharris1223]

I'm still new to cigars, I've had 4 in total. But I tried the v cut first, and I didn't like it that much, then I saw the rose cut. I tried that quickly and realized I would like the straight cut a lot better.

[@Daniel-m4s4g]

Love Oliva products. This is an awesome blend. I agree with Mazz and prefer V cut with all shaped Vitola. The Torcedor on Figurados are the best.

[@holtscigars]

💯💯

[@mpyle27]

i think the fellas had a little buzz simmering prior to taping. 😁 Love your shows. Cheers!

[@keithjohnson9233]

I purchased a box from Holts. My comments below. Monticello 50x6 Toro Oval press. Lightly packed box of 20. Long filler but a few ash flakes. Almost mimics a mixed choppy filler but I know it’s long fillers. Ash stacks fairly good. Open and free draw. Just right. Initial flavor deep dark dry chocolate. Smooth, thick smoke. You can tell it’s aged. Subtle pepper in the front while it’s warming up. Lingers on the palate. Thick wrapper. Subtle sweetness in the backdrop. Creamy smoke. Thick and creamy. medium to full strength so far. Nicaraguan puro with Maduro wrapper. Scratchy on the throat. Interesting. Still in first third. Dry chocolate is dominate. 2nd third much better on the throat. Closer to the full side but not LFD cigar full. Burning nicely but the smoke is not as thick. Residue of sweetness over the lips coming off that Maduro wrapper. Complex strength. Complex blend/flavors. The constant flavor is still deep chocolate. Pepper is still prominent. Burnline is 360 real nice. Burning temperature is good. Back third heavy aroma. Good amount of ligero leaf, no relights. Thick smoke is back. The strength dialed back to medium at this point. Seems to mellow out a bit. Straight chocolate cigar. Pepper and cinnamon flavors throughout. Mellow for sure in back third. Triple cap. Great construction. Not a flavor bomb or maybe so for deep dark chocolate lovers. Not Padron or Opus X smooth but relatively smooth for Oliva. For sure. Can’t say enough about the draw. Kind of delicate leaf. Some black char. I’m probably stepping on it but the cigar is not hot to the touch. I recommend a match or single flame lighter to control the heat on the initial light. I will let these sit for many months before I toast another one. 1 hr 15 min smoke time. Overall good cigar. I recommend it for sure.

[@davidmcright232]

I just stopped the video to order a box.

[@holtscigars]

Thank you for your support David! Hope you enjoy it as much as us

[@Shiyx_x]

This is a harder to find stick no matter the shape. Even in Scottsdale Az. One of the largest markets in the west coast. Forget about finding it in California. Las Vegas at the higher end lounges may have a limited supply.

[@ronaldmintz]

One of the best cigars on the market

[@brookminx5837]

Bache Gabrielsen Hors d’Age. Try it. Fantastic. It’s a grand champagne cognac. Reasonably priced for the blended 30-50 year old cognac!

[@holtscigars]

We just might! Thank you for the suggestion 👊

[@JimJones762x39]

I love these vids

[@lovequeen_4014]

Can you do a video on the top 7 cinnamon forward cigars

[@holtscigars]

Sure can 😉 In the meantime some suggestions to hold you over would be Ashton Symmetry and Plasencia Alma del Campo

[@yusufsayed1583]

Fantastic 👌🏽

[@MIAthe305]

I'd love to see a video where you guys review some of these cigar&bourbon company collaborative cigars. Like the Pappy or BuffaloTrace cigars. Always wonder if there good or just marketing hype

[@danr8502]

I have a supply of Vs I believe it have a creamy taste! A+ cigar!

[@kahuhipajae4088]

I always go with the V.

[@SilentKiller-fx1qj]

I live 5min from the distillery it’s like tap water here

[@holtscigars]

😳

[@MrTorreyL]

Great Cigar

[@robertcromeenes4177]

I do like this Smoke

[@ryanmdunn]

2nd view!! Love these fellas.

[@aldemirbaldbeardiful8635]

Mazz love the suit and socks 🤙🏼

[@RyanGazling]

PUMPED 😎

[@elicrews1469]

I straight cut shaped cigars too

[@EasyMac308]

Has anyone smoked both the Oliva Monticello and the Oliva Black Swan? I'm curious how they compare.

[@JeffWalters-f5i]

Huge fan of the Oliva Serie V and all of it's variations. One of my favorites...but I have to admit the Monticello I rec'd in the Sept COTM club mailing was one of the worst cigars I've smoked. Not good. Maybe just a dud, haven't given it a second chance just yet. Great videos always!

[@deepspell1]

we need a mint julep cigar pairing vid now😂

[@ashergee6717]

I will order some also wanted to ask is the prices on the website the prices normally? It’s cheaper by the box of 20 then the 5 pack

[@holtscigars]

On sale 👀

[@revolvermaster4939]

Ok it worked, not hard to find on your website so I HAD to try a box🙄, but what the hell, it’s hard to go wrong with Oliva!

[@holtscigars]

👊

[@revolvermaster4939]

The Churchill is definitely boxworthy at it’s current price.

[@jbachmann6386]

Do you guys have these in stock at your Townsend Rd store?

[@holtscigars]

Pretty much always 😉

[@yaakovzalman8923]

Apparently these cigars are made exclusively for Holt's?! I asked for one out here on Long Island, that is what I was told.

[@Still.will215]

Which Blanton is that ?

[@Badgolfer88]

What about a nice Brandy with this cigar?

[@noyeahforsuredude]

LETS GOOOOOOOOOO

[@taylorharmon680]

Mazz’s favorite color is awrange.

[@NonSophisticated]

How do these compare to their V Melanio ?

[@illestk24civic]

Do you guys ever just take a tobacco leaf and put it in your mouth and chew it for a while, when i lived in Cuba i grew up in a tobacco farm and I remember my grandpa either be smoking a nice cigar or chewing the tobacco leafs

[@tonyding8465]

我浏览了你们的商店，很多不错的雪茄都有货。目前只能邮寄到北美，以后有可能邮寄到中国么？

[@mikek2876]

Anthony's favorite color is either blue (navy) or grey. I think it's blue!

[@Boushhhhh]

@@mikek2876 I believe he says it’s orange in a prior video.

[@mikek2876]

@Boushhhhh damnnn. Super off on my end

[@MrTorreyL]

I usually use a double v cut

[@nelboogie6642]

I taste the whiskey first before lighting the cigar it opens the pallet up and all th cigar flavors hit quickly.

[@chuckd.6315]

Do you only smoke to the band, or do you remove them and continue smoking?

[@holtscigars]

In most cases you remove the band and continue smoking, unless you don't want to finish the cigar

[@WHBJr]

Licorice

[@fordskool]

Bro what's the music at the start?

[@NonSophisticated]

You guys need more Blantons? I can hook you up 😃

[@JS-.-]

Is this a “better” cigar than the melanio?

[@holtscigars]

"better" is subjective because taste is personal. It may be better in one smoker's opinion and worse in another's. Best way to know for sure is try it for yourself!

[@gailsack2635]

If you haven’t subscribed please do!! Need to get them over 200k

[@holtscigars]

🙏🙏

[@81Treez]

Every time I have done a v cut it has ruined the experience. I think there is a reason the blenders don’t use that cut as well.

[@Shank_187]

The best part of Blantons was finding it. Maybe if it wasn't being hyped so much.

[@aaronroth6309]

I think Green is Mazz's favorite color.

[@Boushhhhh]

@@aaronroth6309 I believe he says it’s orange in a prior video. However, I can’t find the video to reference so I could be mistaken.

[@aaronroth6309]

@Boushhhhh it might be. I was taking a random shot with just videos I could remember in my head. Thanks for sharing.

[@holtscigars]

🤔👀

[@barrystephens900]

As a long time bourbon guy, Blantons is not bad, but it’s far from as good as the hype. I currently have 3 bottles, I’m trying to get all the letters.

[@Jimboslice0420]

I get a strong licorice on the cold draw

[@holtscigars]

Nice! You've got a good palate 👏

[@angrymushrooms11]

Should of paired it with pappy or some e t lee

[@angrymushrooms11]

#1,blantons is NOT hard to find. Sometimes hard to find at a decent price tho. Now the Oliva m is new to mm blantons however is a regular pour for me