Today’s review was suggested by our friend Kruk on Facebook, who noted the historical significance of the cigar. When The Cigar Authority first launched, the first guest was Victor Vitale. With the Ora Vivo he has teamed up with actor Armand Assante who has starred in such moves as Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn (my hometown), Gotti, Hoffa and countless others.
According to Mr. Jonathan of Two Guys Smoke Shop, the cigar which was started by Armand Assante began when 50 blends were solicited from various manufactures. Out of these 50 that he smoked with Victor Vitale, 2 blends made the cut. One of them being the white label, that we are reviewing today and is available only at Two Guys Smoke Shop and retailers throughout Europe. The other is the black label which is available at select retailers throughout the USA.
Cigar: Ora Vivo White
Size: 5 x 44 (Colon)
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Distributor: Legacy Brands
At first look the chocolate looking wrapper has a nice oily sheen to it and the white band with purple and gold accents provides a nice contrast to the look of the cigar itself. The flat cap of the cigar gives it a nice Cubanesque appearance.
Once the cap is removed there is a nice sweet fruity note on the cold draw while the foot of the Oro Vivo is earthy with some similar sweetness of the pre-light pull off of the cigar.
On the initial light there is a nice amount of subtle spices through the nose and a wonderful sweetness on the palate.
One the cigar is lit, there is some continued sweetness, that slowly fades as the cigar progresses into the heart of the first third. Around the second third of the cigar a nice wood note develops over a canvas of earth and some subtleties of leather. On the final third of the cigar the wood notes really shine while some of the sweetness returns on the short finish of this very tasty cigar.
The cigar burned exceptionally well, with a nice ash that held on for well past the first third before it was rolled into the ash tray. The burn was true, with the thinest of carbon lines denoting a well aged and fermented cigar.
Rating: 90
Price: $8.59
While currently not available on their website, you can call 2 Guys at 1-888-2CIGAR2 to order these. They are expected to be throughout the states after the IPCPR trade show in the final quarter of 2014.
Oro Vivo White
Ora Vivo White
Ora Vivo White
