Are you ready to possibly add a couple different cigars to your to-do list? I hope so, because today we have two new reviews on tap, starting with the smooth Oliva Special S Torpedo, which will be followed by the solid Rocky Patel 1961 Toro.

Oliva Special S Torpedo

Oliva Cigars are no stranger to critical praise. Throughout the years, especially in recent times, many Oliva cigars have received high ratings from many publications. Their Serie O, G, and V selections in particular have been successful in this realm. The Special S, just by its name alone, would suggest to many cigar fans that it also deserves some praise of its own. It is unknown what makes this line so special, but if it is as good as some other offerings from Oliva, it should definitely be worth a try. The word is that this is one smooth smoke, so maybe the “S” in its moniker stands for smooth. We shall see...

The Oliva Special S measures 6x52 in its Torpedo size. Other sizes are available too, such as the 5 x 50 Robusto, the 6x50 Toro, and the 7x48 Diadema. The Special S' filler is composed of Nicaraguan Habano tobacco. The binder is Nicaraguan as well. Breaking the Nicaraguan theme is the cigar's wrapper, which is made of an Ecuadorian Sun Grown leaf that has been aged five years. The Special S is considered to be medium-bodied in strength.

Based on appearances alone, one would expect the Special S Torpedo to be a fantastic cigar. You can tell that Oliva took some time in tending to the Special S' appearance, as it comes in a cedar sheath that covers half of its body. At the bottom of the sheath there is a fancy, almost copper colored band. Another decorative band is near the head of the cigar, and it bears the Oliva name surrounded by beige, brown, red, and gold. The cigar itself has a beautiful, rich color to it, and with the exception of a couple veins, is extremely smooth. To the touch, the cigar feels firm and well packed. Prior to lighting, there is an arousing cocoa scent and an earthy flavor present.

Once in action, the Oliva Special S Torpedo burns like a champ. Hardly any touching up is required, as it burns evenly on its own. It also does not need any re-lighting. The ash is very long and light in color, and the draw is nearly perfect too.