Syrinxx’s Cigar Shack

Oliva Serie V Lancero

This is a well constructed cigar sporting a sun grown habano wrapper and ligero filler.  The lancero vitola allows you to enjoy all the flavor the wrapper has to offer.  This cigar boasts an excellent blend of wood, spice and slight chocolate flavors; I also picked up a bit of pecan and other nuts, as well as hints of coffee in the final third.  The draw is somewhat tight but burn is nice and even, and the 7″ length gives you a lot of enjoyment for only $5.

Mini Review Grade: A-

Mini Review Grade A-, Habano, Lancero, Med/Full, Mini Review, Oliva

CAO Italia Largo

Size – 6.5 x 50
Age – About 1 year
Cost – $6
Wrapper – Habano (Honduras)
Construction – A nice looking, mostly symmetrical cigar with slightly pronounced veins from a good rest in the humidor.  The wrapper had a small crack and flake of wrapper missing at the foot but the cigar withstood a punch cut and held together nicely.
Burn – Mostly even with one touchup needed.  I did note that this cigar liked to be puffed a little more frequently than most; it would probably have gone out if I stuck to the usual draw every 1-2 minutes.
Ash – Ash was very light grey, nearly white.  It held for 3/4″ at a time.
Draw & Smoke – Draw was somewhat loose and a fair amount of smoke was produced with each puff.  Very little smoke came off the foot while it was resting in the tray.
Flavor -  The initial flavor profile was somewhat sweet (not from a sugared cap, thankfully) with some coffee notes and a very slight spicy tingle.  The one thing that stood out from the start of this stick was a really nice smooth spice and mocha aroma; this is a great aromatic stogie.  The second half of the Italia brought a little more toasty tobacco and woody flavors and the sweetness diminished.  Coffee and espresso flavors persisted but were not dominant, with all of these tastes and the great aroma blending into an interesting and complex smoke.
Strength – Med/Full
Rating – 9/10
Value – 7/10

Drink – Grapefruit soda
Notes – I received this cigar from a friend and did not know the vitola.  It was 6.5″ long which should make it the Largo, but the Largo is usually sold tubed, and I received this one “naked”.  Nevertheless it was properly cared for and should represent the brand well.  I’m not sure exactly what part the Italian tobacco played in this cigar, but the blend is solid and it has earned a well deserved slot in the “just over value price” section of my humidor.

Reviews 50 Ring, 9/10, CAO, Cigar Review, Habano, Med/Full

Oliva Serie “O” Robusto

Size – 5 x 50
Age – 2 months
Cost – $4
Wrapper – Natural (Nicaragua)
Construction – Excellent construction with a flawless wrapper and excellent symmetry (10/10)
Burn – Did not want to stay lit in the first half, requiring three relights.  Burn was even and slow.  (6/10)
Ash – Mottled grey ash that was compact and firm.
Draw & Smoke – The draw was a bit snug on this cigar.  I will probably clip the next one instead of punching.  The amount of smoke was average.
Flavor – The initial flavors were subtle, with some wood and lightly sweet tobacco.  After the first third, richer cedar and black pepper flavors developed.  The entire cigar was punctuated with a crisp and pleasant finish.  Room aroma was nice with sweet tobacco and slight coffee smells.
Strength – Med/Full
Rating – 8/10
Value – 7/10

Drink – Meyers dark rum
Notes – This is really a 9/10 review but I had to knock at least one point for the diffuculty I had keeping the cigar lit in the first third.  The Serie O is outclassed by the delicious Serie V but remains a solid buy for anyone looking to add a tasty and rich med/full habano to their humidor.

Reviews 50 Ring, 8/10, Cigar Review, Habano, Med/Full, Oliva

NUB Habano 460

Reviews 60 Ring, 9/10, Cigar Review, Full, Habano, Nub