The Oliva Serie V, in my opinion, is probably one of the best selling and most publicized premium cigars on the market.  Now, I usually have seen them in the Torpedo or Belicoso size and by the box (a lot of my friends swear by them).  I have also seen the V in Cigar Aficionado’s top lists for as long as I can remember reading about cigars.  Amazingly though, I have never smoked one! With all of my curiosity and high expectations building, I couldn’t wait to give it my own honest review.

This is a 5X54, and I’ve been aging this stick for about 7 months.

At first sight, I see superb construction.  Probably the best looking cigar that I have ever owned…especially at this price! The first thing I spotted was what I believed to be a quadruple cap (which I have never heard of) so correct me if I am wrong but it look fabulous.  The pack was perfect, and the shade of the Habano Sun Grown wrapper was a textbook example of what a Habano Sun Grown wrapper should look like.  Oily, dark, almost reddish hue, and with some small veins.

The wrapper, binder, and filler are all from Nicaragua.   The Serie V is blended with the famous, specially fermented, Jalapa Valley Ligero leaf.  In short, it is a Nicaraguan beauty with strength to match.

The pre-light smell was that of a sweet, musty, barn-yard-like scent.

The first draw brings in tastes of deep earth and coffee.  Its everything I love about full-bodied smokes.  What really surprised me was the long finish, even for just lighting it up. The draw, needless to say, was perfect.

A couple of minutes into the smoke I get more coffee and earth and now dark cocoa sweetness.  Also, I think I picked up a hint of leather.  I could tell the smoke was going to get even more complex.  I love that anticipation.

A third of the way done and the burn was pretty sharp (basically stays that way).  The ash is bent slightly but holding nicely (no problems throughout); with the finish just getting longer and longer.  This time, I am left a little dry…hardly noted.

I am starting to see why people buy boxes of these.  I am trying to find flaws but struggling.

Half-way done and the smoke is performing a balancing act.  It has some spice now and it teeters between that and the dark cocoa. You know, I was thinking that since it was a double Ligero it would be very spicy and strong but I am not getting anything harsh or unpleasant.  The nicotine levels are spot-on for a well-seasoned smoker.  Its just a very complex and well-rounded smoke.

A few minutes pass and I am getting that classic musty tobacco note in the mix.

Right about then, I start to consider buying a box of Robustos or Torpedoes myself.  This is a rarity for my college budget.

click on pics for close-ups

With the second third approaching I put it down for awhile to go and prepare a bratwurst and a minute and a half later it was still lit.  I love that ability and I prize it highly in a smoke.

The complexity was still growing and I was loving the musty tobacco, deep espresso and earthy sweetness coming from it.  Then, the climax hits and all I can say is that I am satisfied.  Its strength is controlled and balanced throughout, only this time with a little more spice.

The last third hits and I go and prepare another brat.  Unfortunately, during this second stunt, the V went out.  I had trouble keeping it lit after that point.  There was about a little less than an inch left and the heat was still very bearable as I was finishing.

Overall, a more than great smoke!  It held up to my expectations (truly in a “special league”) and it is one that I would definitely consider buying a box for (even on my college budget).  I rate this cigar a 9.2.  At $5.50 – $6.50 a stick…it has a lot of bang for the buck.  Another perk is that you kind find the Serie V almost anywhere.  So go get some and enjoy!

honestly, James