The Oliva Serie V (Lancero: 7" x 38) is the first cigar of this vitola that I have tried, and I have to say I'm impressed. The high wrapper-to-filler ratio really allows the sweetness of the gorgeous Habano sun-grown wrapper to come through. The construction is good, but the lancero feels a little light, as if it's loosely packed. It appears evenly rolled, though - no bumps or weak spots. The firm cap came off cleanly with my guillotine cutter and the unlit draw yielded hints of leather and cocoa and a sweet woodiness. The foot toasted easily and I lit it up.
It takes a few puffs before I pick up the same flavors I detected in the unlit draw. They're there, and now there's a creamy toastiness to them, but for a while they're almost lost behind the full-flavored ligero background. It takes a while for my beginner's palate to pick them out again. And I don't mind - just the strength of the ligero and the sweetness of the wrapper would have been enough by themselves.
The rest of the first third was pretty much the same. Not too complex, but delicious. Creamy, and smooth, smooth, smooth. The ash was medium gray, and rarely got even an inch long before falling off on its own. Moving into the 2nd third the lancero gets a little stronger - closer to full-bodied now. The taste is thick in the back of my throat. It's still silky smooth, though, and with the added strength comes a new flavor - an earthy, woodsy, mushroom-y-ness that blends perfectly with the leather and cocoa already there.
At the halfway point I notice that it's getting a little warm - I'm not used to smoking this shape so I may have been overdoing it - so I put it down for a minute or two and it cools off nicely. Continuing, I have the same great flavors as before, but the strength and body continue to grow - this thing is definitely getting stronger and more flavorful every minute. There a tangy spiciness now - minty, actually - and my lips are tingling as I get closer to the big, big finish.
At this point every puff is a burst of flavor and a cloud of thick, sweet smoke. I continued for another half-inch after snapping that last pic, all the while wishing I had a pipe to drop the nub into so I could steal just a few more blissful puffs. A truly wonderful cigar that started off great and finished greater.
Appearance and Construction: 13/15
Flavor: 24/25
Smoking Characteristics: 23/25
Overall Impression: 33/35
Total: 93/100
