The Oliva family fled Cuba and like many others, they found their fortune in Nicaragua. In 2007 they released what would be their flagship and most popular cigar, the Serie V. Grown in the Jalapa valley and rolled in the Oliva owned Tabolisa 1 factory in Esteli, it perfectly represents the modern Nicaraguan cigar experience. Fifteen years since it’s introduction it continues to be regarded for it’s excellent construction and flavor at a competitive price.
The Serie V is offered in many vitolas including: Churchill, Lancero, Figurado, Double Toro, Torpedo, Belicoso, Double Robusto, and this No.4 Corona as the smallest vitola in the line.
The Stats
- Origin Country: Nicaragua
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Sun Grown
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaraguan
- Dimensions: 4 x 43
- Smoke duration: About 1 hour and 15 Minutes
- Rarity: Regular production
The Verdict
- Appearance & Construction: 14 / 15
- Flavor of First Third: 7 / 10
- Flavor of Second Third: 8 / 10
- Flavor of Final Third: 7 / 10
- Smoking Experience: 18 / 20
- Overall Experience: 32 / 35
OVERALL RATING: 86
The best feature of the Oliva Serie V is it’s construction and quality control. It appears to have four caps, it is firm throughout, but has an excellent open draw with just a slight resistance. The wrapper is dry, and toothy with a milk chocolate color.
The cold draw is cocoa, hay and lightly sweet. The first light affirms those flavors with a sweet cocoa, cedar, coffee, earth and vegetal straw. The first third introduces white pepper, leather, the skin of a pepper, and a sweet short bread biscuit. The ash forms neat coins and hang around for about an inch and a half. The second third continues with coffee, leather, espresso and a dry soda cracker. The sweetness comes and goes, and leaves notes of pencil shavings and a baker’s chocolate. The final third leaves me with short bread, leather cocoa, pepper spice, and herb.
The Serie V is a reliable cigar. The flavors are often pleasing, the burn consistent, and it has a strength that is just enough to leave you satisfied. The only critique I have on such a well constructed cigar is that it is not always full flavored. The notes can drift away, or never materialize in abundance. I recommend this cigar. It is easily a box purchase for the right price. It finds itself high on the mid-tier, just on the edge of greatness.