We have two highly rated cigars to review today. The first is the popular Oliva Serie V Torpedo. To wrap things up, we will take a look at the Rocky Patel Decade Lonsdale. Do they live up to their lofty reputations, or are they all hype? Let's see for ourselves.

Oliva Serie V Torpedo

The Serie V line from Oliva is one that is highly regarded by many cigar publications. Several of its sizes have received equally solid ratings, and it is one of the most popular lines offered by Oliva, thanks in part to the positive press it has garnered. Oliva Cigar Company released the Serie V as a bit of a change up in its brand. Although Oliva cigars have been regarded for their flavor, many were not known to be very strong or bold. With the Serie V, the company hoped to change their reputation and add some variety, and they were successful in doing so. The Torpedo format is rumored to be the best of the Serie V bunch.

The Oliva Serie V Torpedo measures 6 x 56. The line is also offered in six other sizes: the 5 x 54 Double Robusto, the 5 x 54 Belicoso, the 6 x 60 Double Toro, the 6 x 60 Special V Figurado, the 7 x 38 Lancero, and the 7 x 52 Churchill Extra. The cigar is a Nicaraguan puro and its filler is composed of Nicaraguan Jalapa Valley Ligero tobacco. The binder is also Nicaraguan, and it is completed with a Habano Sungrown wrapper. The Serie V is said to fall into the full-bodied category.

The Serie V Torpedo is quite an attractive cigar that seems to be constructed nicely. The wrapper has a rich color to it and plenty of oil. There are a few veins present throughout the wrapper. Patting it down reveals that it is firm and well-packed. The large band near the head adds a nice touch to its look. It has the Oliva name as well as the Serie V label stamped on it. The band's red, gold, and brown colors blend in perfectly with the cigar's rich wrapper color. Before lighting, there is a cold taste that is nutty and the cigar smells sweet and smooth.