Origin : Esteli, Nicaragua
Format: Belicoso/Torpedo
Size : 5 x 50
Ring : 50
Composition: Esteli Ligero, Condega Ligero, Jalapa Ligero with "other tobaccos"
Size : 5 x 50
Ring : 50
Composition: Esteli Ligero, Condega Ligero, Jalapa Ligero with "other tobaccos"
Hand-Rolled
Price : Unknown
Price : Unknown
At this year's IPCPR show in New Orleans, cigars smokers will be treated to another wave of exciting and new cigar releases. Some may be dog-rockets and others are sure to be gems. One of these highly anticipated and sure successes will be Cain by Oliva Cigar Co. Cain is the creation of Sam Leccia creator of NUb cigars. It was designed to be a "Straight Ligero" cigar but contains "other tobaccos for a true burn. The[se] other tobaccos make no significant contribution to flavor." From what we all know of ligero it comes from the top of the tobacco plant and yields the thickest and smallest leaves of the plant, yet also the most flavorful. Because of these traits, special care must be taken from harvest to blending to bring balance in use of these tobaccos. And especially so in creating a straight ligero cigar. Well after having a chance to sample a pre-release Cain thanks to Sam, I would have to say he has another successful creation on his hands.
Here are my thoughts and impressions:
Appearance : 
The Cain Habano sports a beautiful dark brown habano wrapper. It had a nice sheen from the oils and was fairly smooth with minimal tooth and veining. The band is simple and yet distinct. Placed at the foot it has a black background with dual gold bands at the top & bottom and 'Cain Straight Ligero' text.
Construction : 
The cigar was well constructed from head to foot. No hard or soft spots and a very even wrapper color. The cap was well placed and came off effortlessly with my trusty cutter. The cigar took the flame from my lighter very well and lit without any issues. The burn stayed fairly straight except during the final third. This surprised me since ligero is the slowest tobacco to burn and I wouldn't have been surprised by more burn issues. The ash was white and some what flakey but again I think this is due to all the ligero. The draw was a bit loose in the beginning but did come around to a more medium draw as I progressed through it.
The cigar was well constructed from head to foot. No hard or soft spots and a very even wrapper color. The cap was well placed and came off effortlessly with my trusty cutter. The cigar took the flame from my lighter very well and lit without any issues. The burn stayed fairly straight except during the final third. This surprised me since ligero is the slowest tobacco to burn and I wouldn't have been surprised by more burn issues. The ash was white and some what flakey but again I think this is due to all the ligero. The draw was a bit loose in the beginning but did come around to a more medium draw as I progressed through it.
Flavor :
Cain was a bit of a flavor enigma for me. I was so taken aback by the power and intensity of the smoke, yet surprised at how very smooth and enjoyable the taste was. Mostly there is a rich tobacco flavor with smoky wood. As the cigar progressed it had an intense burst of spice which was on the front of the tongue. The retrohale was anything but smooth. Like the resting smoke, the retrohale was intense and almost brought me to tears. The body seemed mostly medium to medium-full at the end.
Cain was a bit of a flavor enigma for me. I was so taken aback by the power and intensity of the smoke, yet surprised at how very smooth and enjoyable the taste was. Mostly there is a rich tobacco flavor with smoky wood. As the cigar progressed it had an intense burst of spice which was on the front of the tongue. The retrohale was anything but smooth. Like the resting smoke, the retrohale was intense and almost brought me to tears. The body seemed mostly medium to medium-full at the end.
Value : ? (probably )
)Not yet knowing the MSRP I can't speak to their value, but in all honesty if the price point follows other Oliva Cigar Co. cigars, Cain will be a tremendous value. It will certainly pack the punch if that's what your seeking.
Overall Rating :
I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar. I started the day with it, so when I was done I could feel it in my gut. Next time it will follow a meal. Cain is a definite powerhouse and probably shouldn't be tried by anyone with a weak stomach. It grabs you and takes charge. It is a unique smoking experience and I will be anxiously waiting for the full release so I can grab a box.
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