Stogie Reviews: Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial 2009

17 Feb 2010

OlivaSerieVMaduro For smokers who enjoy full-flavored smokes, the Oliva Serie V needs no introduction. The highly-rated smoke has appeared on Cigar Aficionado‘s Top 25 list every year since its release, including two top 5 showings.

Building on that success, Oliva released a maduro version of the Serie V in 2008 and 2009. Produced in only one size—a Torpedo (6.5 x 52)—only 5,000 boxes of 10 were made each year.

The Nicaraguan Habano wrapper is flawless and mouthwatering, reminiscent of a bar of dark chocolate. Inside, the Nicaraguan puro is made of “specially fermented Jalapa Valley ligero” filler tobacco. The torpedo has an extremely firm construction.

Once lit, I find a full-bodied combination of earth, chocolate, and espresso. There’s also a hint of pepper, particularly in the first third of the smoke. The finish is long with dry cocoa notes.

As it evolves, a rich and chewy roasted nut flavor evolves that reminds me of cashew. In the final third more leather emerges, occasionally showing some rare bitterness.

Construction is impressive with a solid gray ash and an even burn. Despite the tight feel, there is no resistance on the draw.

I realize this may put me in the minority, but I happen to think the Maduro is even better than the highly acclaimed original Oliva Serie V. While smoking samples for this review, I found myself comparing the Maduro Especial to another favorite maduro of mine, the Padrón Serie 1964 Maduro.

That makes the price of $10 per cigar or $90 for a box of 10 eminently fair. It also earns the Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial 2009 an impressive rating of four and a half stogies out of five.