Rolled with specially selected ligero leaf, all top quality, the Oliva Serie V packs a punch due to its full body; however, its strength does not dominate the experience. The specially aged and fermented tobaccos make for a complex flavor that adds layers of enticing notes of pepper, leather and earthy undertones. This line represents the strongest and richest cigar Oliva has to offer.
To be an authorized Oliva Serie V dealer, tobacconists must undergo special training from Oliva representatives aimed at providing insight to the sheer power of the blend. This cigar only contains ligero leaf (the strongest variety of tobacco), but is blended so the initial taste doesn’t overwhelm the enthusiast with in your face power. In other words, the Oliva Serie V is very strong but can still be enjoyed by individuals who prefer medium bodied cigars.
Upon lighting, many may believe the Oliva Serie V is medium in body, but as Jose Oliva himself as explained, if you exhale through the nose you will realize the true strength of the Oliva Serie V cigars.
Cigar Insider released a vertical tasting of the entire line in September 2007 with the average rating weighing in at a whopping 89.7 points. The Torpedo led the pack with an individual rating of 94 points. CI claims, “The Torpedo was an outstanding cigar, with aesthetics, strength, complexity and many flavors that kept the cigar interesting and balanced.”
Cigar Aficionado ranked the Oliva Serie V Torpedo as #4 on the list of the top 25 smokes of 2007. “Serie V is a complex blend of Nicaraguan long filler tobaccos. Blended with specially fermented Jalapa Valley ligero, and finished with a high priming Habano Sun Grown Wrapper. It is blended to deliver full body taste while maintaining an unparalleled smoothness. This flavorful blend exhibits complex tobacco with rich coffee and dark chocolate tones. A subtle and well balanced spice is present throughout.”
Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 6.00" x 56
Ring: 56
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Taste: Medium Bodied
Price: ~$6.75 each
More info about purchasing: Oliva Serie V Cigars
To reach cigar smokers yearning for more muscular smokes, Oliva Cigars released the
Oliva Serie V, its most full-bodied blend to date. The best cigar in the line is the Torpedo, which measures 6 inches long with a fat 56 ring gauge. The cigar is stronger than other Olivas, but still in the medium-bodied range.
Appearance : 
The cinnamon-brown, veiny wrapper was slightly oily to the touch. The gold, red and brown colors from the band are highlighted well from the hue of the wrapper. I found zero imperfections throughout the length of the cigar; no extra glue globs from the band or cracks or chips within the wrapper. There is some slight tooth to this well packed cigar and has a beautifully crafted torpedo cap.
Construction :
The cap was well formed and clipping it took some hand strength. I removed about a half inch (half of the torpedo cone) and the draw was very tight. After lighting, the first few pulls on the draw were still too much work so I clipped a bit more (toward the cap end just below the shoulder of the cone) and the draw opened up to perfect. Don’t be shy when clipping this one and you will be rewarded with a fine draw. Remove most of the torpedo cone. The pre-light draw has a subtle sweetness while the foot offers some spices mixed in as well.
Flavor : 
Oliva cigars are known for flavor, but not power. The Oliva Serie V is a medium bodied cigar. The first third of the cigar has a nice spice to it and one can feel the nicotine in this cigar so be sure to smoke it after having something to eat. As you continue to smoke the first third it begins to smooth out to an enjoyable rich cigar with notes of spice and sweet chocolate. The second third of the smoke features notes of chocolate and some coffee notes. The final third of the smoke is leathery with notes of coffee.
Burn :
The cigar has an even burn; slow and cool with a few bumps developing in the burn line but no torch corrections necessary. This cigar is a dream for smoke rings as the volume of smoke is incredible. The light gray ash is without any flake and holds for long periods periods of time. The draw was impeccable with a full cut on the torpedo cigar.
Overall Rating :
While the cigar is not totally a full bodied smoke its high nicotine content does come into play. Oliva Family cigars are generally mild to medium and a little less potent than I prefer. Although the Serie V is most definitely stronger, it was not the monster I was hoping for. I would call it medium bodied and for $7, an excellent and worthy smoke. I enjoyed it very much. Most definitely a quality smoke for the price and I can see it becoming very popular in regular rotations if the Oliva’s production can match demand.
