Nub: 3) “a lump or small piece.”

Nub by Oliva: “Rather than wait for a cigar to develop and evolve, which typically occurs an inch to two inches in, the idea behind Oliva’s Nub was to specifically blend it to hit its sweet spot right off the bat and remain at its peak right through to the end. Each size is short and stout in stature.”

A few evenings ago I was working digitally at my favorite hangout of all time – Top Shelf Cigars.  In walks Mike Walters of the Oliva Company (Family).  Mike offered me my choice of delectable smokes, freebies from the great maker.  Note: Cigar Representatives always frequent good shops; they present their wares to regulars as a gesture of goodwill and as a research tool (another benefit of the hobby!).  Running short on time I chose a Nub, the little brand of which I have had some prior experience – all positive. The Nub: short, sweet and to the point.  This stick was in stark contrast to the excellent but enormous titan of a cigar I last reviewed.

(This may be larger than the actual cigar.)

(It’s a business card size smoke.  Visit, call or email Russell for details.)

The Camaroon or Maduro Nub delivers an excellent experience, rich with taste for those in a hurry.  Under normal conditions it is good for maybe 30 to 45 minutes of enjoyment.  It’s perfect for the lunch hour break.

Surprisingly, given its diminutive size, the little fellow packs a punch.  Born in Nicaragua this gem is (in those blends I noted) rich, earthy and, perhaps, a little woody.  I don’t write for Aficionado so I am unable to find notes of coffee, pencil eraser, or chocolate raspberry liquorice. None-the-less, the Nub is an outstanding choice.  A lighter blend makes an excellent first cigar as it is not overpowering nor bitter.

As the Oliva site says, it cuts to the chase of the smoke – straight to the good flavors that usually take a minute or two to develop.

Remember the Nub.  Just because you’re short on time doesn’t mean you must be short on smoke.