Oliva Series V Liga Especial Torpedo (?)

 January 4th 2021

I think this was the torpedo vitola, 6 x 54. I'm not sure because it was a gift. I had written off this brand after trying a Series O, a few years ago, which was rather bland. That could have been the result of storage, age or any manner of factors in the cigar shop from which I bought it. However, I was not inspired to try again. 

Then a friend gave me this cigar. I accepted it graciously and declined to smoke on the basis (excuse) that it was too moist. I tossed it in the humidor and forgot about it for a few months. When it emerged, it had transformed remarkably, from a squishy, soft, formless bundle to a very respectable, solid cigar. 

The first quality that I found remarkable was the construction: very solid. The cigar was very well packed. Draw was a little tight at times. But not too tight. Flavour was similar to that of the Rocky Patel Super Ligero, so I guess that this is a mainly ligero blend. As with the RP Super Ligero, this cigar lasted a good 80 minutes.  

Construction: Beautiful broadleaf wrapper and Jalapa Valley ligero filler. Solid, impressively packed, weighty cigar. But it developed a long crack in the wrapper. I wonder why that is. The cigar was not too dry. It was quite spongy pre-light. However, it might have still been moist inside and dryer outside, causing the wrapper to fracture. 

Draw: A bit tight but quite acceptable.

Flavour: Excellent, rich Nica Puro flavour with dark, bitter chocolate, quite close to the Rocky Patel Super Ligero, dissipating around the middle and returning at the end. The final inch was a little bitter; a little more ageing might benefit. 

Aroma: Wonderful, rich and complex

Consistency: Flavour started out full bodied, then mellowed out a bit, then strength and body built up towards the end.

Burn: One or two touch ups required. Nothing serious.

Finish: Good long finish. 

Body: Full to medium and full 

Strength: medium to full.

Time smoke: 80 minutes

Overall: Very satisfying.