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Cigar Review: Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial 2012

28 Mar 2013

Oliva-VDisappointed is about the only word I can use to describe my feelings about Oliva’s 2012 version of its limited release maduro. I didn’t find a bad cigar, more like Gertrude Stein’s reaction upon returning to her Oakland home.

Start with the pre-light aroma. It was barely noticeable. Move to the opening puffs, where there was a bite and a sharp finish for much of the first third. Then the remaining four inches or so: not much of anything in the way of taste. None of the typical maduro tobacco sweetness or characteristic coffee, cocoa, or chocolate. Nothing else really apparent, either.

My disappointment comes not so much from the stick not making much of an impression. No, it’s more because I’d read and heard so much positive reaction from smokers whose opinions I respect. I’d be less than honest if I didn’t confess that it does make me wonder about my own reactions.

Construction was flawless in the three I smoked. The six-inch, 50 ring gauge smoke retails for about $9.50 and comes in boxes of 10. The Oliva web site appears hopelessly out of date, apparently describing the 2009 version. According to most reports, the 2012 sports the popular Mexican San Andrés wrapper and Nicaraguan filler and binder, as has been the case for several years, with 50,000 sticks rolled.

Two things I can point to for my lack of enthusiasm are that wrapper and maduros in general. It’s been years since I smoked maduros with any regularity and rarely find them more than passable. The same holds for that Mexican wrapper; it’s a rare smoke that utilizes it and suits my taste.

All that being said, I would urge you to consider your own tastes in thinking about purchasing the Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial 2012. For me, though, I can only award it three stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

George E

photo credit: Stogie Guys

8 Responses to “Cigar Review: Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial 2012”

  1. Dave Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 7:53 am #

    I thought this was a very good cigar. I'm not a big maduro fan in general, but this was rich and full flavored. I would not be dissuaded by this review.

  2. George E Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 8:39 am #

    Dave – You're obviously not alone. As I wrote, many, many smokers really like this cigar.

    • Dave Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 9:17 am #

      As you say, tastes are subjective. My only issue is the size, which like many LEs is too big. I would have bought a ten count box if these were an inch shorter.

  3. Eric Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 11:22 am #

    Sorry you didn't get much joy out of it. Personally, I really liked the one I smoked, and I planned to buy some more before they are sold out from my local shop. Still though, I enjoy your reviews. Keep em coming.

  4. mighty Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 3:15 pm #

    This year's release was just flat. I absolutely have loved the last 3 years of this cigar, but this year's for some reason just wasn't up to the usual flavor.

    I went from buying 10-12 each year when they were released, to buying 1 this year. Very unfortunate as it was a great cigar in the past.

  5. Ernesto Bolivar Monday, November 18, 2013 at 10:16 pm #

    Usually I think your reviews are moderately accurate sometimes.
    Personally I thought this cigar was great – by chance were you pairing this with something from Taco Bell again?

    • George E. Monday, November 18, 2013 at 11:42 pm #

      Ernesto – As I noted in the review, there were many positive comments and reviews on this cigar. It just wasn't one I cared for.

Trackbacks and Pingbacks

  1. The Oliva Serie V Maduro - Saturday, May 4, 2013

    […] Cigar Review: Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial 2012 | The Stogie Guys Disappointed is about the only word I can use to describe my feelings about Oliva's 2012 version of its limited release maduro. I didn't find a bad cigar, more like Gertrude Stein's reaction upon returning to her Oakland home. […]