Writing cigar reviews for PCA The Magazine is a pretty good gig. We get to sample and report on some of the best cigars available in the US and international markets. Inevitably, some samples will be better than others, but I can’t say I ever had to review a cigar that I didn’t find enjoyable in some way. And then there are some that just excel, rising above the others like the crema on a cup of espresso. One such example is the Oliva Serie V Double Robusto smoked for this review.
When the Serie V burst onto the cigar scene in 2007, it was the year of the Nicaraguan cigar. Not officially, of course, but at least three other big-name cigar makers released beautiful, full-bodied, ligero-based Nicaraguan cigars that year. And the Oliva Serie V smoked ’em all! (Pun intended.) In a clever and unique-for-its-time marketing ploy, retailers were required to buy a pre-selected, minimum number of boxes covering all the vitolas, and it was suggested that the cigars be debuted during an in-store consumer event. And it worked. The Serie V racked up big-time sales and continued to fly off the shelves for months afterward. Further, they still sell great on today’s market, and consistently appear in the top cigars-of-the-year ratings from cigar publications, both in print and online. Let’s examine why.
Appearance: The Serie V Double Robusto is a sight to behold: a tawny brown, stocky 5” column of glossy Ecuador Habano wrapper over well-packed all-Nicaraguan fillers. Light reflects off the sheen of the oily wrapper, which appears to be devoid of veins, and whose seams are nearly invisible, lending a look of smooth continuity from foot to head. The richly hued Oliva cigar band is a palette of red, gold, and ivory, with an oval background for the Oliva logo that so closely matches the cigar’s color that it appears to be a cut-out. A well-formed multi-seam cap adorns the cigar’s head. The Robusto is firm from top to bottom, with just enough give.
Cold aroma: Wow! This puppy is pungent—pepper, spice, cocoa, and incense leap off the wrapper, while the foot gives off a deep and earthy core.
Cold draw: Just right. A full flow of air with just a hint of resistance. The initial taste sensations are sweet and spicy—chocolate mousse laced with cayenne pepper. And it’s not lit yet.
Light-up: This baby really puts out! As the flavors intensify, the chocolate mousse is morphing into dark chocolate and espresso. There’s an undertone of cedar and the occasional lick of pepper on the palate and in the nose, particularly on the retrohale. Let the buyer beware: This Robusto, while perfectly civilized, is not for the faint of heart. Novice cigar smokers may want to work their way up the Oliva portfolio before taking on this brawny bullet.
First third: It should be noted that for a cigar with such an oily wrapper, the burn is quite good. The char line is slightly wavy but mostly straight. The ash builds up in densely textured, mottled charcoal gray. When it looks like the ash is ready to drop, it instead holds on, like Grandma gripping her purse during an attempted mugging.
Second third: As the red pepper recedes somewhat, the sweetness resurfaces. It’s not a cloying, creamy sweetness but more of bittersweet dark chocolate. There is an ever-present, cedar-like woodsiness, a nice complement to the alternating sweet and spicy sensations. The burn line stays straight and true as the inch-plus ash thuds into the crystal bowl beneath it.
Final third: The dark chocolate takes on more of a cocoa powder quality, lighter and drier but still flavorful. The tingling of pepper never really goes away and contributes to the increased strength of this cigar. The thought that occurs to me is: “This is getting quite heady.” It’s also cruising along beautifully, and to be fair, the only time it started to go out was when I put it down to record my impressions. But like the champ, it is; a few short puffs brought the Serie V Robusto back to life. After three solid ashes fell off the cigar, the final couple of inches continued to offer cool temperatures and somewhat diminished but still present complex flavors. In addition, the Double Robusto remained firm, and even for the duration of the smoke, it never softened or heated up. When I set the cigar down, the head was as firm as when I first picked it up.
Final thoughts: I am admittedly a big puffer and a somewhat fast smoker, so I was stunned to find this 5 x 54 cigar lasted for more than an hour and a half. It’s a testament to the bulletproof construction but also to the nature of the blend, which encourages you to sip rather than gulp the smoke. I also found I was pausing to admire the appearance as well as the flavor and aromas coming from this paragon of the cigar roller’s craft. If I sound like a fanboy gushing over the latest K-pop hit, it’s because this Oliva Serie V Double Robusto gave me absolutely everything I look for in a great cigar: flavor, aroma, strength, balance, and esthetic appeal. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that if you’re fortunate enough to have a Serie V box on hand, the interior aroma is that of a well-crafted walk-in cigar humidor. The scent of tobacco-laced cedar is nearly as satisfying as the cigar itself.
Oliva Serie V Double Robusto
- 5 x 54
- Wrapper: Ecuador Sun Grown Habano
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaraguan Jalapa Valley ligero
- Country of Manufacture: Nicaragua
- Original release date: 2007
- MSRP: $11.25 each / $270.00 box of 24
- Smoking Time: 1 hour 51 minutes
– Samples courtesy of Oliva Cigars. Review by Larry Wagner.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 2, 2024. To receive a copy of this magazine you must be a current member of PCA. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.