The Rodriguez Olivan Cigars Factory booth is situated toward the side of the show floor, but with a nice big aisle in front of them that increases visibility.

Within the booth is housed a number of brands, including K3ngz Cigars, RTB Cigars, Don Olivan Cigar and B.A.M.F. Cigars to name a few. Note: These are separate companies. — Charlie Minato.

Even though owner Ismael Olivan was in the middle of a very animated phone interview with another publication, I was able to talk to the rep and two other brand owners about what was new out of the factory.

Don Olivan Blood of Vlad III Limited Edition

First up is a vampire-themed cigar called the Blood of Vlad III, which takes the theme past more than just a box and band. In the filler is what they told me to be tobacco grown in Transylvania. This is described as a toro size, but no specific dimensions are disclosed.

  • Wrapper: Undisclosed
  • Binder: Undisclosed
  • Filler: Undisclosed & Romania (Transylvania)
  • Blood of Vlad III Limited Edition Toro — $16.05 (Box of 20, $321)

Production: Undisclosed

Release Date: October 2022

K3ngz Cigars Third K3ng

I spoke to brand owner Big Les about K3ngz Cigars new release, which is a PCA trade show exclusive.

  • Wrapper: Undisclosed
  • Binder: Undisclosed
  • Filler: Undisclosed
  • K3ngz Cigars Third K3ng (5 x 50) — $14 (Box of 10, $140)

Production: Undisclosed

Release Date: July 2022

RTB Cigars Balaphone

Brand owner Ronald T. Brown, hence the RTB, was happy to tell me about his two new musical-themed cigars, the Balaphone being the first. If you’re unaware, the balaphone is, according to Wikipediaa gourd-resonated xylophone. Brown noted this African instrument was the inspiration behind the cigar.

  • Wrapper: Brazil
  • Binder: Dominican Republic
  • Filler: Cameroon & Dominican Republic
  • RTB Cigars Balaphone (5 x 50) — $11 (Box of 10, $110)

Production: Regular Production

Release Date: July 2022

RTB Cigars Maestoso

The next release is another musical-themed cigar, this time using the term in sheet music that means to be performed in a majestic manner.

  • Wrapper: U.S.A. (Pennsylvania)
  • Binder: Dominican Republic
  • Filler: Dominican Republic
  • RTB Cigars Maestoso (5 x 50) — $11 (Box of 10, $110)

Production: Undisclosed

Release Date: July 2022

Overall Score

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Brian Burt

I have been smoking cigars since 2005 and reviewing them as a hobby since 2010. Initially, I started out small with a 50-count humidor and only smoking one or two cigars a month. Not knowing anybody else that smoked cigars, it was only an occasional hobby that I took part in. In March of 2010, I joined Nublive and Cigar Asylum, connecting me with many people who also shared an interest in cigars. Reading what they had to say about brands I had never heard of, I quickly immersed myself in the boutique brands of the industry and it was then that cigars transformed from a hobby into a passion.