- click on photographs (slideshow / EXIF)-
This week we are smoking and photographing Oliva Serie V Maduro 2011 prerelease courtesy of Ian Hummel – Oliva’s Regional Sales Manager. We have seen an annual release of Oliva Serie V since 2008 with slightly different torpedo size, then in 2010 with different wrapper and for 2011, we have a brand new vitola – a Toro ! I used to enjoy belicoso / torpedo shape but nowadays I gravitate more toward parejo shape cigars. Having much appreciation for Oliva Serie V Maduro, especially 2008 release, I was looking forward to this new release after learning of the new vitola. Since this is a prerelease, I have reached out to Ian with Why / What / When questions.
There has been an overwhelming request for a new size in the V Maduro. This year we are giving the customers what they want. The toro size was chosen because it still keeps the full bodiedness of the V, but the blending tweak into a 6×50 toro really helped the wrapper and filler ratio shine. It maintains a full bodied flavor, with a rich, chocolate flavor from the San Andreas Maduro wrapper. Serie V Maduro 2011 should be available ~October / November timeframe. Price point hasn’t been established yet. – Ian Hummel
On the outside, although a bit toothy as expected from the Mexican wrapper, one is welcomed to pristine, oily, well constructed with no visible veins nor seams cigar. I only hope that regular production will carry the same construction quality. Smell of barnyard off the wrapper. After clipping the cap, slightly misleading tight finish only to be transformed into perfectly flowing draw with time. Pleasing blast of spice immediately out of the gate. Earthy tones in the first third supplemented with chocolate and tiny hints of sweetness. Second & third screamed dark chocolate turning at times into an espresso flavors. Spice definitely cooled off toward the end of the cigar. The initial burn was near perfection however there was some waviness toward the end. Nothing major though ! Ash – tight, falling off in ~1″ chunks. If you enjoy noticeable and pleasant aroma, this cigar is a winner.
Did I enjoy Oliva Serie V Maduro 2011 ? Absolutely. Do I recommend a box purchase ? Personally, yes. Do I think vitola change made a difference ? I believe so ! I will take 2011 over 2010 any day. Sounds and looks like Studio Tobac with Bryan Scholle is in full force. Innovation is boiling in that team and I would like for them to experiment with V Maduros a bit more. Perhaps V Maduro 2008 in Corona Gorda ? (* hint, hint).
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: San Andreas Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6″
Ring: 50
Construction > Great
Burn > Good
Enjoy > Absolutely !
Recommend > Absolutely !
Buy > Yes
Please consider the following post:
* Oliva Serie V No4
Pingback: Oliva V Maduro 2011 - prelease
#1 by czerbe on September 1, 2011 - 11:31 am
My Favorite Stick at this moment. I love it its such a good cigar, great write up!!
#2 by admin on September 2, 2011 - 2:39 pm
Which one ? V maduro or V ? Thanks for your feedback.
#3 by Danny on September 1, 2011 - 10:12 pm
I’m with you man. The 08 blend in a CG or Lonsdale would be ridiculous.
#4 by admin on September 2, 2011 - 2:39 pm
Agree ! Hopefully Oliva or Studio Tobac will bite :)
#5 by czerbe on September 6, 2011 - 1:26 pm
Actually the V I didn’t even realize there was a Maduro, thanks for the heads up.
#6 by jjo on September 14, 2011 - 11:18 pm
A great job, as always. I love the color balance and saturation, and great composition. Why don’t my cigars look this good? ;)
#7 by admin on September 16, 2011 - 8:12 pm
Thanks !
In reference to your question, do you mean when you smoke them or when you photograph them ?
#8 by jjo on September 18, 2011 - 10:50 pm
I don’t photograph them, just smoke them. It was more or less a rhetorical question to myself, and a tip of the hat to your work. :)
#9 by Ruben Abreu on October 18, 2011 - 9:17 pm
Great review one of my favor stick from Oliva other than Master blend
Rubens Smoke Stack
#10 by admin on October 25, 2011 - 9:11 am
Thanks, Ruben !
Agree. V & Master Blends are top notch.