Oliva Serie V Double Robusto

The Serie V line was introduced in 2007, with a soft launch in June and its formal debut at the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America trade show that August. Produced at Tabacalera Oliva de Nicaragua in Estelí, the original blend features an Ecuadorian Habano sun-grown wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and fillers that include ligero from the Jalapa Valley. The “V” references the Vuelta Abajo-seed tobacco used in the blend. Since its release, Serie V has expanded into multiple vitolas and related lines while remaining a core offering from the brand.

Stogie at a glance

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First Third

On the light: chocolate, nutty, and slight spice. Classic aroma. Great burn. First third opens with slight sweetness alongside cedar and chocolate, plus a little more pepper. Dry chocolate notes and some espresso appear on the finish. Any spice that may have been present at the beginning seems dialed back, possibly from two years in the humidor. Near the end of the first third, coffee and espresso notes become much more prominent. Nuttiness remains on the finish with slight pepper. Tightness of draw is unfortunate. Lots of espresso notes, chocolate, and sweetness on the finish. Not much pepper. Slight earthiness with the espresso and chocolate notes. Every once in a while the sweetness comes in on the finish. Long finish.

Oliva Serie V Double Robusto on the light.

Second Third

The second third brings more sweetness with earthy chocolate notes. A little more pepper and mineraliness show on the finish. Chocolate continues to build, joined by an aged tobacco note and plenty of nuttiness, with slight sweetness on the finish. Coffee and espresso notes return. As the second third continues, lots of sweet earth notes develop, and the pepper turns almost mint-like on the finish. The draw has been pretty tight most of the way, which is unfortunate, but plenty of notes are still present. Near the end of the second third, sweetness stays on the palate along with espresso and earthy chocolate notes. Cedar picks up, with consistent spice on the finish. The finish remains semi-sweet with some chocolate notes. Draw still very tight.

Final third

Every once in a while a savory note comes through, almost like steak—nice but unexpected. Peppery finish continues with espresso and black coffee. The draw starts to open. Lots of chocolate, cedar, and spice remain on the finish. Sweet chocolate, cedar, and spices sit on the palate. The finish carries notes of pepper and black coffee. Cedar and earth grow stronger, still with some nuttiness and spice. The final third is very earthy and peppery, a damp earth, with some cedar notes and black coffee and pepper. At the close of the final third: Christmas spices, cedar, and faint chocolate, with a good amount of pepper still on the finish.

Score

89/100