I picked this Oliva Serie O up at a local shop, pre-lockdown. As I was walking into the shop, who should I see but Alan Oliva, my local Oliva rep and one of the busiest guys I know in the sales biz.
Specifics
The Serie O’s blend consists of a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro and a Nicaraguan binder and filler. The vitola I chose was a robusto (5×50).
The Experience
Appearance
As advertised, the wrapper is Maduro in color with a few, thin veins and visible seams. There is a strong, rich smokey tobacco aroma coming from the wrapper.
The triple cap is smoothly applied and the finished foot has a barnyard scent.
The cigar had a similar weight to others in its size and was firm to the touch.
Pre-light
I gave the cap a straight cut and found a slightly firm pull on the cold draw. I found that rich, smokey tobacco flavor on the draw that matched the wrapper aroma. There was also a very savory taste coming from the wrapper.
1st Third
I get the cigar started with a quad lighter and immediately settle in with mellow, mild tobacco notes on my palate and a medium, sharp sensation on the retrohale. Right away, there is also a medium lingering finish after each puff.
2nd Third
Moving along, there was a slight bitterness that tinged the tobacco flavor. The finish stayed the same. The retrohale became stronger in intensity and lingered for quite a bit.
Final Third
This cigar finished the way it started. A nice, mellow, mild tobacco with a medium lingering finish. The retrohale was also the same strength as in the second third.
Combustion
The burn characteristics of this cigar are quite good. The cigar burned evenly with a thin carbon ring. The white ash was firm with a slight flake on the edges. The ash would last for an average of an inch or so before dropping off. The cigar also produced a good amount of smoke with each puff.
[su_box title=”Summary” style=”glass” box_color=”#e1dddd”]The Oliva Serie O has always been a solid performer for me. It is one of my favorite Oliva blends. Overall, I consider this a medium bodied, medium strength cigar.
I give this cigar an overall rating of 90.[/su_box]
Have you smoked the Oliva Serie O before? If so, what are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!