Last week I received a tweet from @czerbe asking if I was planning on attending a Studio Tobac event in the area. Initially I was on the fence about attending but decided to head out and make an evening out of it. I wound up having a great time and was handed a pre-release sample of the Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial 2011, courtesy of Dave Wagner.
From what I could gather at the event, the newest release of the Oliva Serie V Maduro contains the same wrapper and binder as the 2010 release with a change in the filler. Feeling a bit let down with the 2010 release, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the 2011 variety.
I decided to kick off my weekend with this cigar and a cup of coffee. Aside from the filler change, this years release was not a torpedo (which i was thrilled about) and it smoked like a dream, providing a great draw and plenty of dense smoke.
The flavor profile was made up, primarily, of wood and bitter chocolate with a nice spicy punch through the sinus. Unlike the 2010 release, I found the 2011 to have a bold flavor profile that was nice and rich.
Overall, I think that this release was a nice step up from te previous release. While not as good as the 2008 or 2009 varieties, I think the Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial 2011 was a very nice cigar and I look forward to smoking a few more to confirm my first impression.
Another great review Walt. although not a huge Oliva fan, this stick sounds like one I would like to try. I always appreciate your conversation style of reviews. Keep up the good work.
I am glad to see that they are getting away from the torpedo. I think they should just fully commit to a Lancero to let the wrapper really shine (the wrapper is what is making this a special annual edition cigar in the first place, right?). Even with this said, I am glad that Oliva has decided to mix it up a bit with the toro format. As you mentioned, if they can get back to what made the 2008/9 special, then they would have a home run on their hands.
When I jumped at the 2010, I felt pretty let down. I would have been much happier with the regular Series V line when compared to the special Maduro release (and could have gotten quite a few more of regular V line when compared to the Maduro from a price point).
Hearing good things about the 2011 is a good step in the right direction. I will definitely keep an eye out for these, but even if they are better than the 2010 (which isn’t saying a whole heck of a lot) I still won’t be jumping in with both feet with the 2011. With so much competition, when a special yearly cigar is released that doesn’t really wow or bring something new to the table, it is definitely a let down. Further more, once you get into the $9 and above “special release” category, the cigar has to bring something unique and the 2010 Oliva Series V 2010 Maduro Especial definitely didn’t do that.
Thanks for the awesome review – looking forward to getting my hands on one to give it a try myself!
Hey Walt Great review, I haven’t had a chance to try mine yet, but from what your sayiing it should be very good. I’m a big big fan of their regular V line so this should be very good. Thanks again to Dave for the hook up and look forward to getting together soon
Nice review Walt. Outside of their Connecticut and the newish Cain Daytona, I’m really not a fan of most things Oliva. Who knows though, this cigar sounds like I’d enjoy it and I’ll see if I can find them and give em a shot.
Jerry,
Let me know what you think. I m not an oliva guy and disliked the 2010 and was pissed I spent the money on them. Be my non oliva fan reviewer, because I know Walt likes their lines