Brand: Oliva
Line: Serie O
Length x Ring Gauge: Perfecto 5 x 55
Country of Origin: Nicaragua (filler, binder AND wrapper)
Strength: Medium
Date: March 18, 2011
Notes: Another beautiful day in Queens, NY and another beautiful cigar. the Oliva Serie O stands for "original blend". The aroma is great (as in a typical Nicaraguan puro) and I would consider this cigar to have a well-rounded body and aroma. The wrapper was silky smooth. My one and only gripe with this cigar was the finish. It was very hot (and not in a sexy way), which did put a damper on the overall smoke.
I read that Cigar Aficionado gave this brand a "92". I would be wary of cigar rankings from that magazine. It is known that the more money a company spends on advertising, the higher they rate their cigar. I would read that magazine to see what is new and also compare some notes. I admit that sometimes I do not taste hints of cocoa, or pepper or raw cow hide (read: leathers) in cigars, but I love their feature articles and sometimes they peak my curiosity to check out new brands.
I tried this cigar with a nice Spanish Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon (2008 Volteo). Surprisingly the cigar brought out the nuances of the wine. I know my friends will make fun of me for saying this, but the cigar brought out an almost berry taste in the wine.
As far as cigars go, its a decent cigar. I would definitely smoke it again, but given the choice, I would go for an Joya de Nicaragua instead (again, due to the very hot last third of the cigar).
Overall: 7 out of 10 (gets uncomfortably hot towards the end).
"A berry taste". Homo.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andrew. That comment is berry gay. But I'm liking your reviews in general. I enjoy the focus on other stuff than just the cigar taste itself, like what to pair it with and commentaries on cigar related stuff. Might have to take some cues from you're style.
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