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Oliva Cigars vs. My Father Cigars in Sampler Packs: A Battle of Flavor, Craft, and Value

  • Writer: Edgar H.
    Edgar H.
  • Jun 9
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jun 22

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Let’s be real — when it comes to sampler packs, most brands just throw together a few cigars, slap a band on the box, and hope you bite. But then you’ve got Oliva and My Father — two titans of premium cigars — who treat sampler packs like a gateway to greatness.


So which one’s better?


The short answer: it depends on your vibe.

The long answer? Keep reading.



A Quick Note on Both Brands


Oliva is a master of balance. Their blends walk the line between smooth and bold, sweet and spicy. Their samplers usually lean more beginner-friendly, but don’t confuse that with “basic.” Cigars like the Serie V and Master Blends 3 are anything but basic.


My Father, on the other hand, is pure Nicaraguan intensity — big spice, rich flavors, and that unmistakable Don Pepin backbone. The García family brings old-school Cuban technique to every stick, and their samplers are more of a deep-dive for experienced palates.



What You’ll Usually Find


Oliva Sampler (what you might see):


  • Serie O – classic Nicaraguan profile

  • Serie G – woody, nutty, super approachable

  • Connecticut Reserve – smooth and creamy

  • Serie V – bold, oily, dark chocolate and spice

  • Melanio or Melanio Maduro – box-pressed, rich, and refined

  • (Bonus if you get a Master Blends 3 in there — that’s the crown jewel)



My Father Sampler (likely inclusions):


  • Don Pepin Garcia Original – Cuban-style power

  • My Father – signature blend, leathery and bold

  • Le Bijou 1922 – rich, strong, and luxurious

  • Flor de Las Antillas – creamy and elegant

  • La Antiguedad – earthy and savory

  • El Centurion – unique spice with a sweet edge



Again, sampler contents vary — but that’s the general flavor map.



Side-by-Side Breakdown


Category

Oliva Sampler

My Father Sampler

Flavor Profile

Balanced, sweet-spicy, smooth to bold

Bold, spicy, earthy, deeply complex

Strength Range

Mild to Full

Medium to Full (leans heavy)

Construction

Consistently excellent

Elite level, razor-sharp burns

Ideal Smoker

Beginner to Intermediate

Intermediate to Veteran

Heritage

Cuban-Nicaraguan, elegant and clean

Cuban-Nicaraguan, intense and bold

Sampler Value

High quality for the price

More premium, but worth every dollar

Highlight Stick

Master Blends 3 or Serie V

Le Bijou 1922 or Flor de Las Antillas


So… Which One Should You Get?



  • Want to explore a wide flavor spectrum without blowing your palate out?

    → Go with the Oliva Sampler. Great variety, approachable, and includes serious heavy hitters like the Serie V and (sometimes) Master Blends 3.


  • Looking for bold, rich, complex smokes that challenge your tastebuds?

    → Reach for the My Father Sampler. It’s a graduate-level course in Nicaraguan flavor, Cuban tradition, and masterful construction.


  • Want both?

    I mean… yeah. Get both. Smoke them side by side. Learn what your palate really loves.




Final Thoughts



There’s no wrong answer here — just different roads to greatness.

Oliva teaches balance, elegance, and approachability.

My Father showcases power, depth, and boldness with refinement.


Both are legacy brands with real tobacco roots. Both make fantastic samplers.

And either one will make you a better smoker — more informed, more tuned-in, and more appreciative of the craft.


Final Verdict? I would buy both.


  • Oliva Sampler: 93/100 – Fantastic for everyday smoking and discovering flavor preference

  • My Father Sampler: 94/100 – A deep, rich dive into Nicaraguan power and legacy

    Common My Father Sampler
    Common Oliva Sampler
 
 
 

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