Monday, January 28, 2008

Oliva Serie V Ligero Especial Lancero

Vitola: Lancero
Size: 7" x 38
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Habano Sun Grown
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Jalapa Valley Ligero

I reviewed another vitola in this line, the Special V, in August. Well in lieu of my recent review, and commentary regarding how enjoyable that a lancero sized cigar can be, as a special occasion smoke, I thought I would revisit the lancero of this line as well, and give some impressions.

As was the case in other lancero cigars I have had the opportunity to smoke, the vitola cuts a unique and sophisticated visual. Long and thin and oily, without visible flaws, the cigar looked about as classy in its makeup as it did in shape. And thankfully, when it came to burn and draw, it lived up to my construction standards. The burn was slow and cool and the cigar lasted well past the ninety minutes. The draw had the tiniest bit of resistance but produced plenty of rich, flavorful smoke. The ash was very light grey and held admirably. This cigar, like the other lanceros I have had, really lived up to the luxuriant experience I expected. It really is a rather cool shape.
As for the flavors of this cigar, they were very much the same as the Special V. . .but different. Sure the cedar, notes, along with the coffee notes and rich earthiness were still there, but the shape of this cigar concentrated the strength of flavor of these notes across my palate. I clipped a rather decent sized cut into the head of my cigar the last time around. Over the last three inches of this cigar the flavor really amped up to a great spicy, woody tangy finish. With the caveat that this is a strong cigar and you should have a meal before smoking, I can RECOMMEND this cigar as another great vitola it what seems to be a very good line.

TomC