STUDIO TOBAC CTP-013

In 2011, Oliva’s STUDIO TOBAC began a yearly series of events that was accompanied by a roller making custom cigars and a sampler that they gave out to customers who purchased boxes at the event. With that, the yearly sampler of unreleased or limited production cigars has also gone away. As the last cigar left in my 2013 sampler, I thought it was an appropriate time to revisit the STUDIO TOBAC CTP-013, which was one of two different Connecticut wrapper test blends that they included in the 2012 and 2013 samplers.

Here’s what I originally had to say about the cigar:

Let’s start out with the good news – this is an enjoyable cigar and if you can get your hands on a sampler then I’m going to guess you’ll enjoy it. Unfortunately, the bad news is that right now the only way to get these is in the sampler. The construction of the cigar was fantastic, which isn’t a surprise given Oliva and STUDIO TOBAC’s track record. The flavor profile of the cigar was not only full of specifically good flavors, but they all meshed together nicely as well. I can’t say this is cigar of the year, but it’s definitely a good one and if I could get my hands on more I would smoke this fairly regularly. So, if you have a STUDIO TOBAC event coming up in your area, drop by, pick up your favorite box of cigars and try the sampler out for yourself.

At the end of 2013 it was announced that there wouldn’t be a 2014 tour, and since then no plans have been announced for any future tours.

• Cigar Reviewed: STUDIO TOBAC CTP-013
• Country of Origin: Nicaragua
• Factory: Tabacalera Oliva de Nicaragua S.A.
• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Size: 6 Inches
• Ring Gauge: 50
• Vitola: Toro
• MSRP: n/a
• Date Released: April 4, 2013
• Number of Cigars Released: n/a
• Number of Cigars Smoked for Redux: 1

The CTP-013 is much as I remember it, with a golden brown wrapper that has a smooth and soft feel to it. The cigar has firmed up just a bit, though there is still a slight give to it when squeezed. The fresh and inviting aroma coming off the wrapper hasn’t changed, with sweet grassy notes complemented by light floral notes. Likewise, the cold draw remains the same, being made up of sweet vanilla, grass and a light bit of white pepper.

Starting into the cigar, notes of aromatic tobacco, fresh grass, a little pepper and some vanilla mesh together well. The fresh grassy note dominates the profile for the majority of the first third with the black pepper and vanilla keeping to themselves in the background. As the cigar moves into the second third the grass continues to be a dominant flavor, though a caramel flavor adds itself to the mix. The final third sees a bit of a change in the feel of the profile, moving from a bright and fresh profile to a more sweet and toasty one. Coffee, vanilla, caramel and some pepper give the cigar a much different profile, though one that I’m enjoying and wish that there could be just a little bit more cigar.

The construction of Oliva products is almost always spot on, and the CTP-013 doesn’t deviate from that fact too much. The draw on the cigar is perfect from start to end. A tight, light gray ash holds on to around an inch with no issues. The only minor mark against the construction is that the burn isn’t as even as I would prefer. The first third is a little uneven, needing a couple of touch ups along the way. The second third evens up significantly, not needing any intervention from me along the way. Unfortunately the final third sees parts of the cigar seriously lagging behind the rest and needing some significant touch ups.

Disclosure: Cigars for this reviewer were almost certainly provided by Oliva/STUDIO TOBAC.