Cigar Review: Oliva Serie O

Toro, 6" x 50 ring gauge, approx. $6
Although they currently have a great reputation in the industry, the Oliva Cigar Company is really a new-comer. The Serie O was their original offering in 2001 and was not even called the Serie O until 2006. It was created by "growing the same Habano seed in diverse regions of Nicaragua," namely Esteli, Condega and the Jalapa Valley. The wrapper of today's sample stick is a sun-grown leaf, but Oliva also offers the O in a maduro.

The color of this cigar was a nice medium-brown with just a hint of red. There were a few medium-to-large veins visible and it was quite oily. The wrapper had some barnyard aromas of hay and manure, while the foot had more of the same, but was stronger on the hay and alfalfa, with perhaps a touch of cocoa, too. The prelight draw was excellent and there were flavors of dried fruit and cocoa along with a nice spicy tingle on the lips.

Initial puffs featured flavors of leather and black pepper, along with a strong pepper blast when I blew the smoke out of my nose. As I smoked the first third, I got a steady medium-roast coffee flavor with plenty of black pepper, especially on the finish. The smoke was mostly smooth with just a little harsh edge at the top of the throat. There were occasional hints of roasted nuts and the cigar parked itself in the high-end of the medium-bodied category.

The second third featured more coffee and plenty of pepper in the beginning; the pepper spice faded as the second third progressed and was replaced by a leathery/earthy flavor with just a touch of sweetness.

The final third was quite earthy, with leather and roasted nuts playing strong supporting roles. All in all, this is a fine cigar that does not bring any surprises to the party or break any new ground--it's a good solid, enjoyable smoked with great construction that required no touch-ups. It satisfies as a medium-bodied smoke with a relatively short finish. It has just enough flavor and personality to be a great middle of the afternoon cigar and Oliva's very reasonable pricing structure makes it easy to consider for purchase.

Body: 7/10
Strength: 6/10
Complexity: 6/10

AFP Scale:
Prelight: 2/2
Construction: 2/2
Flavor: 4/5
Value: 1/1
Total: 9/10