Additional review of another Oilva "O"size

[2chairs]

(This is a copy of the review I posted in the "World Lounge")
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Earlier, I reviewed the Oliva "O" Orion (7x54 torpdeo) at the world debut of the cigar here in Atlanta this week. In first review, I said the double corona (the Ovation) was 7x52; sorry it was a 7x50. I smoked the 7x50 Ovation today.

You can see the previous review/comments (this forum and in non-Cuban reviews) on the Orion so I won't reiterate the whole schtick in reviewing this dc.

This stick (Oliva calls it the "Ovation') was a good smoke; not great but better than good. Peppery, spicy but not nearly like the Orion (7x54 torp). Draw was lot tighter and I had to "draw poker" the stick in order not to give myself a slight hernia. Once I did this, it drawed much better. Started out somewhat bland but did build after the first inch or so into a nice flavor; hints of chocolate. First third not as good as the Orion torp but the second third was a very good, great burn. Last third had a slightly uneven burn with taste of metal. Like the Orion, the last third started to burn a bit hot. It also went out after leaving it sit for about 2 minutes (not a problem with the Orion.)

I think the smaller ring gauge had a lot to do with the difference in this stick and the Orion. The Orion and the Ovation are the same length (7) but the 54 versus 50 ring gauge seems to make a world of difference in terms of draw, flavor and burning. This dc felt a lot harder to the initial touch and that was reflected in the draw.

Price ($6.75) of the Ovation dc and the Orion torp is the same and for my money, the Orion is a far better value and a far better smoke. Oliva has a little bit of work to do on the quality control on the Ovation. Tight is good in some things (rim shot) but not in a double corona that has to compete with the Fuentes, CAOs, HDM Excaliburs of the non-ISOM world. Knowing the passion Gilberto Oliva has for his product, I'm sure he will make the necessary correction in his production process.

In short, buy the Orion (7x54 torp) in as many quantities as you can get...try the Ovation (7x50 dc) and let the rest of the LLGs hear what you have to say about both.

Cheers!
Flipflop

[Justso]