Cigar Review: Oliva Master Blends 3 Torpedo
A Study in Broadleaf Balance
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a spontaneous lounge visit — a quiet moment between work and family where you slip into a leather chair, let the noise of the day fade, and light up something new. Today, that “something new” was the Oliva Master Blends 3 Torpedo — a cigar I’d long been curious about, but never formally explored.
The Master Blends 3 is a bit of a quiet legend in Oliva’s portfolio. While the Serie V and Melanio often take center stage, the MB3 stands slightly off to the side, reserved for those looking for something darker, richer, and a little more rustic. It pairs a Nicaraguan core with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper — a combination that immediately grabbed my attention. Broadleaf always carries a distinct character, and I was eager to see how Oliva’s take would unfold.
The vitola itself is intriguing: technically listed as a 6x52 Torpedo, but with a soft-pressed, almost oval feel in the hand. It’s lighter than expected, with a rustic, rough-textured wrapper that perfectly embodies Broadleaf’s imperfect beauty. Despite the rugged appearance, construction proved flawless. The draw was open and effortless from the start.
Pre-Light Impressions
Aroma off the foot carried a sweet, dark, maple syrup quality — a classic Broadleaf marker — paired with subtle earth and spice. The wrapper’s visual texture promised richness before a single puff was taken.
First Third
The cigar opened beautifully, producing thick, chewy smoke right from the start. Initial flavors centered around cocoa nib and light dry spice, with a mild coffee note hiding underneath. The maple syrup aroma continued to hang softly in the air, offering a sweet counterpoint to the darker palate flavors. Retrohales delivered a smooth but assertive pepper warmth — not overwhelming, but present enough to stay engaging. The draw was absolutely perfect, requiring no touch-ups or adjustments.
Second Third
As the burn progressed, the profile shifted subtly but meaningfully. Wood notes emerged — dry cedar and toasted oak — layered with roasted coffee grounds. The cocoa note evolved from powdery nibs toward a deeper dark chocolate. Retrohale spice remained steady, warm, and lingering — my palate adjusted to its sharpness, but I continued to feel the spice trail off at the back of each exhale. Around this point, I also began picking up a savory, salty sensation that added dimension and kept the profile interesting.
Final Third
The dark chocolate deepened further, settling into a rich semi-sweet tone that carried the cigar into its final stretch. The savory saltiness remained, keeping the balance from tipping too far into bitterness. Construction continued to be excellent, though the Broadleaf’s natural thickness produced a somewhat flaky ash — purely cosmetic, as combustion and performance remained excellent throughout. The smoke production stayed dense and full to the very end.
The Price Conversation
While the smoking experience itself delivered depth, refinement, and strong Broadleaf character, I found myself wrestling with the price point. At $20+ in the lounge, the MB3 competes with powerhouse blends like the Padron 1926 Maduro and Feral Flying Pig — cigars I personally would reach for first at equal pricing.
However, broader market research quickly reframes this equation. Bundles of Master Blends 3 frequently appear online at dramatically discounted prices, often between $85-100 for a pack of 20. At that $5 each price point, this cigar becomes a true Broadleaf value standout — offering deep richness, excellent construction, and aging potential well worth the investment.
Conclusion
The Oliva Master Blends 3 Torpedo delivers a classically rich Broadleaf experience — maple sweetness, evolving cocoa, coffee, wood, savory salt, and balanced spice — all executed with Oliva’s consistent build quality. While price-sensitive at full MSRP, this cigar transforms into one of the more compelling Broadleaf values when sourced smartly. It’s a richly satisfying counterbalance to the creamier Connecticuts and lighter blends in my humidor, and absolutely earns a place in my ongoing value conversation.
The Retrohale Score: A– (90)
Rich Broadleaf sweetness with evolving cocoa, coffee, and spice; beautifully balanced and expertly constructed. Price-sensitive but highly rewarding when purchased wisely.