Wrapper: Dominican ’99 Corojo
Binder: Dominican Ligero
Filler: Dominican Ligero
Size: 6 x 54 “Infamous”
Body: Medium/Full
Price: $8.60

Oliveros Cigars took their Swag cigar one step further by introducing the Limitado ’99. Another Dominican puro. All of the tobacco is this cigar comes from a single farm. And the cigar was made in just one size.

The release was limited to 2000 boxes.

The presentation is stunning. The wax paper sleeve and the double banding is trick. Obviously, the idea is to stand out in a crowd and appeal to the smoker who is swayed by fancy schmancy bling.

Construction is solid, but not hard. The wrapper is a medium brown with a slight reddish hue. Some of the seams are visible and there are a few noticeable veins. The triple cap is a tad bit sloppy. I compared all four cigars I have and they are the same. There is some oiliness to add to its alluring qualities. And the cigar feels a little toothy.
The foot band and the sleeve are removed easily.

I clip the cap and smell lots of tobacco sweetness. The aroma is so strong that when I put the cigar down, I can still smell it. It has spice, leather, very prominent raisin, and a citrus component. There is some wood hiding in there beneath the other aromas.
I light up.

I should note here that I’ve had these cigars marinating in my humidor for over two months. I tried one a week after I got them and they were not very good. Spongy and without flavor.
The draw is fantastic. A blast of red pepper hits my palate like a sledge hammer. The sweet aroma becomes a flavor. As well as the raisin and the wood and leather. The citrus provides a zesty tang to the whole profile. So, it is obvious, a couple months minimum is all it took to turn this cigar into a cigar.

Usually, I wouldn’t buy a cigar this large. Mainly, due to the fact that they take longer to age properly than smaller cigars.

Now, from what I’ve read in other reviews and advertisements, they all agree on the same flavor profile. Basically, what I’ve smelled and tasted so far.

The key to the success of this cigar for me is that it uses what it has to make a solid impression by its blender. A cigar doesn’t have to have a dozen flavors to please me, but it should make darn sure that what it does present to the smoker makes them want more.

The char line is dead nuts. I’m impressed. The spiciness has ratcheted down a few notches. And at the end of the first inch, some creaminess appears. Good ol’ creaminess. No one described this. Why? And here is my bitch one more time…everyone is in a big hurry to be the first on their block with the review and smoke ‘em while they are green instead of waiting, thereby, doing a disservice to the cigar smoker looking for some solid advice.

This cigar is definitely a horse of another color based on what I smoked the first week. I had all but given up hope from that encounter.

The sweetness and creaminess and working in tandem providing a delicious profile. The body is classic medium at this point.

I end the first third completely surprised and delighted with this cigar. I can’t believe how razor sharp the foot is. Truly impressive. Take a look.

The second third begins with some of the early flavors returning en masse. The raisin, citrus and the wood are pumping out flavor. The creaminess and sweetness are very strong. I have three left that I haven’t touched. I must have bought a 5 pack.

Except for the first inch of ash I knocked off while transporting the cigar and ashtray to the dining room window for a photo, the rest of the ash is hanging tough.
I’ve smoked the original Swag and enjoyed it but this version is a big step up. It is not cheap but it isn’t expensive for this quality. Shop around, go to Cbid, and I guarantee you will find it cheaper than the CI price I used for this review.

In fact, I just visited Cbid and saw a 5 pack with a buy it now price of $16. Big difference from the retail $8. So this is quite the affordable treat.
At the halfway point, the flavors are singing to me. The entire profile has dug its heels in and has become quite complex. The spiciness is right where I like it. Noticeable, but not in your face doing harm to the other flavors.

The lemon-citrus flavor has moved closer to the front. The tang from this is quite enjoyable. I’ve smoked a lot of cigars, as you have, that have a citrus component; but this cigar has the most prominent of any I’ve tried.

The body remains at medium at the end of the second third. The last third begins with a real flavor bomb approach. I really like this cigar. When I began this review, I was hesitant that I had not let it rest enough, but I was wrong. Since I haven’t smoked one for almost two months, I’m really not sure when the cigar matured to this point.

Oliveros makes another of my fave cigars; the Aging Room. And their web site shows that a new blend has come to market: Sun Grown Reserve. I am putting this on my list to try. There are four sizes and range in the $6-$7 price points. On Cbid, they have a 5 pack of robustos with a buy it now price of $9…you can’t beat that. I bid on a few 5 packs.

The char line remains razor sharp throughout the duration of this review. So far, the ash seems to hang in there til about the 1-1/2” point. And then gently jettisons itself.
I plan to have another sometime today.

The strength is increasing now and has hit the full body mark. It’s been a nice transition.

So, folks, it turns out that all the fancy accoutrement wrappings on this cigar was not just a marketing ploy. The cigar has the right stuff to back it up.
Oliveros also makes the Black Knight and the King Havano. Both excellent cigars and the price points are akin to the Swag.

As of late, I’ve smoked and reviewed a lot of Nicaraguan based cigars. It’s nice that this Dominican has no cocoa element in it. While I love cocoa, a changeup is welcome.

The last third winds down and has proven to be a very good cigar that I highly recommend. With the price point being so affordable, there is no reason to get your hands on some.

Categories: CIGAR REVIEWS