The Oliva Serie V 135th Aniversario hits like a chocolate-coated freight train in perfecto form. This 5.5"x54 figurado comes packed 12 to a box at $108, sporting a dark Ecuador Habano wrapper that glistens with fermentation oils. Nicaraguan puro guts promise full-bodied strength - think espresso shots with a nicotine kick that'll sneak up on rookies.
The tapered foot lights easily, revealing:
Black pepper immediately coats the tongue, mellowing into bittersweet cocoa within three puffs. Retrohale brings baking spices - think nutmeg and burnt cinnamon. Smoke output remains moderate despite the ring gauge.
Leather and espresso notes emerge as the burn line passes the shoulder. Slight tar buildup requires a straight cut refresh at midpoint. The sweet spot lasts 15 minutes with perfect draw resistance.
Earthiness dominates with charred oak undertones. The last inch gets hot quickly - better to quit at 50-minute mark unless you're chasing that nicotine rush. Leaves lingering licorice aftertaste.
The triple cap holds firm through multiple relights. Box-pressed shape creates flaky ash that holds 1.5" before dropping. Requires rotation to prevent canoeing - common in figurados. Best smoked after 65% humidity rest for 30+ days.
Caters to full-bodied loyalists needing their Nicaraguan fix. Not quite a daily driver at $9/stick, but justifies its price in limited edition cachet. Skip if you prefer Connecticut shade smoothness, embrace if maduro depth is your holy grail.
