Once lit, the Serie V is a solid performer. The burn stays even on its own without the need for touch-ups. The draw is good, and solid ash is produced. The only negative would be that it tends to go out after a while and needs some re-lighting revival from the lighter.

The flavor department is where this stick really shines. There are tons of flavors to be had, and they switch back and forth to eliminate any possibility of boredom setting in. A tobacco flavor starts things off, which shifts to one of wood. Some coffee and cedar come into the mix, as well as a tasty dark chocolate flavor. Some nuttiness is apparent, and there are also notes of earth and leather that kick in at times.

The Oliva Serie V Torpedo is a superb cigar. It definitely lives up to the hype. It's well-constructed, looks good, and smokes nicely, despite the occasional re-light. The flavors are outstanding and complex. It is a bit on the strong side, which is what Oliva intended with its release. You may not want to make it an everyday smoke, but enjoying it on special occasions seems ideal. Seasoned smokers should enjoy it, but beginners may find it to be too much to handle. Despite the quality and the high ratings and publicity, the Serie V Torpedo is reasonably priced at around $7 per single. Considering how good it is, a higher price would not be a deterrent to purchasing a few. The Serie V Torpedo also comes in boxes of 24 or packs of 5.

The Oliva Serie V Torpedo earns an excellent rating of 4 out of 4 stars, particularly for its complex flavors and value.

Rocky Patel Decade Lonsdale

Rocky Patel is one of the more popular boutique cigar manufacturers around. Patel released his Decade line to celebrate ten years of business in the industry. As with other releases from the brand, the Decade is highly rated and regarded as an excellent smoke.

The Decade measures 6 1/2x 44 in its Lonsdale vitola. There are various other sizes offered as well: the 4 1/2x 46 Fourty-Six, the 5 x 50 Robusto, the 6 1/2x 52 Toro, the 6 1/2x 52 Torpedo, the 6 x 60 Emperor, and the 7 x 38 Lancero. Patel's website lists the cigar's filler and binder as secrets, although they are believed to contain Nicaraguan tobaccos. The wrapper is of the Ecuadorian Sumatra variety. The Decade line is considered to be medium to full-bodied.