Olivia Special V Figurado Review

[ca21455]

[SIZE=3]Box arrived on Friday. It was a hot humid day. I was a little too anxious to light these up so the cigar was probably still a little too moist to smoke. Purchased from Taboo, as usual packaging was perfect and they arrived three days after ordering. I usually list the price but these were purchased through a club member special so you will have to join up to see what you are missing![/SIZE]

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[SIZE=3]Wrapper: Habano Sun Grown[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Binder: Nicaraguan[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Filler: Jalapa Valley Ligero[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Size: 6 x 60[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Initially disappointed in the draw, it was a little strong and smoke volume was low. Burn was uneven and took some effort to get it going.[/SIZE]

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[SIZE=3]Once the burn got into the main body of the cigar it leveled out some. The draw improved along with the smoke volume. Very nice flavors of pepper and some caramel. Starting to enjoy this smoke! [/SIZE]

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[SIZE=3]Burn is still somewhat of an issue. This is a very strong cigar, but pretty smooth. Carmel is building in, fantastic tasting smoke![/SIZE]

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[SIZE=3]The tobacco is packed pretty tight. All my slobbering tended to plug up the end so an additional cut was required. After that the draw was perfect and the cigar settled down to a terrific smoke.[/SIZE]

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[SIZE=3]This is one of the stronger smokes I’ve had. It is not very complex but the flavors are very smooth and satisfying.[/SIZE]

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[SIZE=3]Can’t wait to dry these out some and give it another try. This one has the potential to be my favorite of the Serie V line.[/SIZE]

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[dunng]

Thanks for the review on one of my favorite cigars!

[Thumper2672]

I know I'm going to catch hell for this, but I also have one of these in my humidor, but haven't lit it yet because, oh jeez, because I'm not sure how to. Do I just lite the very tip and and keep drawing on it? Or do I lite the entire foot? How do you toast the foot when it seems only a toe is showing? (Runs and hides in anticipation of ribbing to come)

[Thumper2672]

Oh, and great review and pics!

[hk3]

Originally Posted by Thumper2672

I know I'm going to catch hell for this, but I also have one of these in my humidor, but haven't lit it yet because, oh jeez, because I'm not sure how to. Do I just lite the very tip and and keep drawing on it? Or do I lite the entire foot? How do you toast the foot when it seems only a two is showing? (Runs and hides in anticipation of ribbing to come)

Some people cut both ends to avoid sucking their head inside out to get it lit.

[Thumper2672]

I thought about that, but I didn't know if I'd ruin the cigar or not. I'll give it a shot tomorrow evening. Thanks for the advice!

[roughrider]

Great review. The Oliva V is at the top of my "must try" list.

[sonic_mike]

thank you for the review, some olivia V's are on my wish list.

[ca21455]

Originally Posted by Thumper2672

I know I'm going to catch hell for this, but I also have one of these in my humidor, but haven't lit it yet because, oh jeez, because I'm not sure how to. Do I just lite the very tip and and keep drawing on it? Or do I lite the entire foot? How do you toast the foot when it seems only a toe is showing? (Runs and hides in anticipation of ribbing to come)

Just light the small exposed end. The Pepin 601 Habano Oscuro La Punta lights and draws like a champ. The Serie V gave me some trouble at the start but I think it was still damp. Will have to see what happens next time around.

[Mullet]

the Oliva V is "okay." It's spicy, strong, and otherwise not that great.

It's a good cigar, but not something to call home about.

[andrewk]

thanks for the great review (nice pics too!)

I agree with most of what you said- a bit peppery and wood to start (with a too-stiff draw) but once the burn hits the "bulge" it opens up really nicely! Then you get the great caramel flavors!
Tip - I like to cut alot more off these compared to most torps...

Also, once I switched to 65% the smoke improved infinitely!

[ca21455]

Smoking #2 right now. After drying out the burn is perfect. Draw is still a little tricky. If you get the end a little wet the draw gets tough, but a quick snip takes care of that.

This is a great smoke, and my favorite Serie V.

[BengalMan]

Glad you enjoyed it ca! The Figurado is a great size in the V line. The V Maduro is being released soon in the torpedo size, if you a big fan of the current V, you'll LOVE the maduro!

[scottw]

Originally Posted by hk3

Some people cut both ends to avoid sucking their head inside out to get it lit.

A buddy of mine smokes these constantly (although i think he might be switching his everydaycigar now that he just had a baby). I asked him the same question about lighting and he insists that all you have to do is light the "toe" and not the whole foot. I would imagine though that there is a benefit to clipping the "toe" prior to ignition. Enjoy them, I have a few coming my way from a friend and cannot wait.

[ca21455]

Originally Posted by BengalMan

Glad you enjoyed it ca! The Figurado is a great size in the V line. The V Maduro is being released soon in the torpedo size, if you a big fan of the current V, you'll LOVE the maduro!

Looking forward to giving the maduro a try.