Oliva V Maduro 2011 - prerelease

[jerseyjay]

Additional photography, check cigarphoto.net

This week we are smoking and photographing Oliva Serie V Maduro 2011 prerelease courtesy of Ian Hummel – Oliva’s Regional Sales Manager. We have seen an annual release of Oliva Serie V since 2008 with slightly different torpedo size, then in 2010 with different wrapper and for 2011, we have a brand new vitola – a Toro ! I used to enjoy belicoso / torpedo shape but nowadays I gravitate more toward parejo shape cigars. Having much appreciation for Oliva Serie V Maduro, especially 2008 release, I was looking forward to this new release after learning of the new vitola. Since this is a prerelease, I have reached out to Ian with Why / What / When questions.


There has been an overwhelming request for a new size in the V Maduro. This year we are giving the customers what they want. The toro size was chosen because it still keeps the full bodiedness of the V, but the blending tweak into a 6×50 toro really helped the wrapper and filler ratio shine. It maintains a full bodied flavor, with a rich, chocolate flavor from the San Andreas Maduro wrapper. Serie V Maduro 2011 should be available ~October / November timeframe. Price point hasn’t been established yet. – Ian Hummel

On the outside, although a bit toothy as expected from the Mexican wrapper, one is welcomed to pristine, oily, well constructed with no visible veins nor seams cigar. I only hope that regular production will carry the same construction quality. Smell of barnyard off the wrapper. After clipping the cap, slightly misleading tight finish only to be transformed into perfectly flowing draw with time. Pleasing blast of spice immediately out of the gate. Earthy tones in the first third supplemented with chocolate and tiny hints of sweetness. Second & third screamed dark chocolate turning at times into an espresso flavors. Spice definitely cooled off toward the end of the cigar. The initial burn was near perfection however there was some waviness toward the end. Nothing major though ! Ash – tight, falling off in ~1″ chunks. If you enjoy noticeable and pleasant aroma, this cigar is a winner.

Did I enjoy Oliva Serie V Maduro 2011 ? Absolutely. Do I recommend a box purchase ? Personally, yes. Do I think vitola change made a difference ? I believe so ! I will take 2011 over 2010 any day. Sounds and looks like Studio Tobac with Bryan Scholle is in full force. Innovation is boiling in that team and I would like for them to experiment with V Maduros a bit more. Perhaps V Maduro 2008 in Corona Gorda ? (* hint, hint).

[Ogre]

Will have to get some of these. I liked the past releases.

[irratebass]

I have yet to try an Oliva, but they are #1 on my Cigar "bucket list"

Great shots. Tell Ian I said hey and sorry I missed in Vegas.

[N2 GOLD]

A must buy... Great shots...

[hscmit]

glad they did it in a 50 rg this time

[tenbaseg]

I will be buying a few boxes of these.

[WittyUserName]

Great review and pictures. I cannot wait to try these.

[longknocker]

"jj" I Love Your Photos & Reviews! I Feel Like I'm Smokin' It!

[Patrick B]

Going to try this, but I'm sad to hear they are still using the Mexican wrapper. 2009 V maduro was superb, I probably smoked 4-5 boxes.

[BengalMan]

Thanks for the great pictures and review Jay. Always a wonderful experience reading and "viewing" your reviews, lol. Glad you enjoyed it brother. Hope to get together soon. I'm still thinking Big Smoke NYC??

-Ian

[dwoodward]

I'll try one of these if I get the chance... However I didn't really like the 2010 release. Maybe it was the San Andreas wrapper that threw it off for me.

[RCS44]

I was talking to a rep from Oliva at a Cain event that i attended. He said that this cigar is leaps and bounds above the 2010 maduro that came out. I was a fan of the 2010 maduro and can't wait to try this cigar. Good Review

[gator_79]

Nice review I am looking forward to the 2011 release. I will have to be sure and pick a few up. I loved the 2008 release, I still have 3 left out of my last box. I didn't buy a box in 2009 or 2010 but I did smoke a few of each. IMO they were not a smooth and refined as the 2008 release.

[Emjaysmash]

Is it hard to hold the cigar on your thumb knuckle? Lol It seems to me that it would be uncomfortable. Great pics, btw.

[kelmac07]

Another maduro to add to this list.

[jerseyjay]

Great feedback and clearly a product appreciated by many. You are in for a treat !!!

Originally Posted by Patrick B

Going to try this, but I'm sad to hear they are still using the Mexican wrapper. 2009 V maduro was superb, I probably smoked 4-5 boxes.

I'm on the fence. 2008 was indeed special. Wouldn't mind seeing 2008 in Toro !!!

Originally Posted by BengalMan

Thanks for the great pictures and review Jay. Always a wonderful experience reading and "viewing" your reviews, lol. Glad you enjoyed it brother. Hope to get together soon. I'm still thinking Big Smoke NYC?? -Ian

Thanks, Ian !
Big Smoke is still on as long as you guys are in. I have that event penciled in already.

Originally Posted by RCS44

I was talking to a rep from Oliva at a Cain event that i attended. He said that this cigar is leaps and bounds above the 2010 maduro that came out. I was a fan of the 2010 maduro and can't wait to try this cigar. Good Review

If we have similar palate as mine, you will ditto my comments. 2011 is BETTER then 2010.

Originally Posted by Emjaysmash

Is it hard to hold the cigar on your thumb knuckle? Lol It seems to me that it would be uncomfortable. Great pics, btw.

Knuckle grip is only for photo shoot