Puff Cigar Discussion Forums

goyankees · 01-03-2009, 10:40 PM

I haven't been around the board much as I am getting closer to opening my cigar store in the bronx, NY. It has taken longer then I thought it would, but I am coming down the home stretch...

Cigar: Oliva V
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 7 x 38 (Lancero)
Wrapper: Habano Sun Grown
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Jalapa Valley Ligero

Appearance & Construction (19/20): The Oliva V Lancero sports a veiny wrapper, that while showing some oils it had a little bit of a coarse feel to it. The roll was flawless, however about a 1/2 inch below the cap there was a slight patch job that did not effect how the cigar smoked. The cap was nicely done, and well centered. If not for the patch job on this particular stick I would of scored it a perfect 20.

Flavor & Notes (30/30): On the pre-light I was a little concerned about the flavors of this smoke as the notes I got were a little bit barnyard like. Thankfully once it was lit that was not the case. The first third of the smoke was lacking in definition and I had to really concentrate to get notes of subtle pepper and wood. It wasn’t til the second third of the smoke that the cigar came alive. There were notes of pepper joined by wood notes that were very well defined. The notes reminded me of a fireplace burning somewhere in the neighborhood on a cold winter day.In my mind I had the vision that was reminiscent of a post card. A sled pulled by horses across a snow covered field while the smokestack from the homestead showed the effects of wood burning in the fireplace. It is amazing when a cigar can trigger such vivid images. The final third of the cigar the strong wood notes remained and the only trace of pepper was through the nose.

Burn/Ash/Draw (21/25): The draw was nice but at the same time it felt hollow which is typical of every lancero I’ve smoked. It plays a huge part in why I do not consider myself a fan of the vitola. The ash was very light gray bordering on white. It was however very flaky and did not hold well. The high point however is the burn as it was perfect. Almost too perfect, if that is possible.

Overall (24/25): As I stated earlier I was never a big fan of the lancero but since they are “in” I find myself trying them from time to time. Of all the lancero’s I smoked this one so far has been the most enjoyable but it is still my least favorite size. Even with that I believe this smoke could become a staple in my repertoire.

Rating: 94
Price: 8.00