The Basics:
Country: Nicaragua
Size: Torpedo
Length: 6 ½”
Ring Gauge: 52
Wrapper: Natural African Cameroon
Filler: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Cuban-Seed Habano
Strength: Medium
Cost: $4 per cigar
Background:
This morning I thought I would go back to an old trusted friend, the Oliva Serie G Torpedo for my first smoke of the day. There are many different sizes available (with different wrappers) and each has their own perks, but I went with the gorgeous box-pressed Torpedo. The Oliva name is known for producing fantastic cigars at more than agreeable prices and the Serie G Torpedo is no exception.
The Serie G earned a 92 rating from Cigar Aficionado magazine and has been on several annual lists as a Top 25 cigar. This is not me jumping on the bandwagon—I’ve been a fan of this cigar for a while now—but I must say that it deserves any and all praise it gets.
Let’s just get on with it!
Pre-light:
The handmade Oliva Serie G Torpedo has a nice light aroma, nothing too in-your-face. The box-pressed look is classy and the specially-aged wrapper has consistent color and is not overly oily. Making my way to the back porch, I rolled it around in my fingertips and found that it is soft to the touch and loosely packed. I’m a fan of the torpedo shape in general, but to me this one is a real looker.
First Third:
I pulled my lighter out of my coat pocket and got started. The Oliva Serie G Torpedo lit nicely. The flavor on this one is initially on the lighter side, but developed to a fuller taste pretty quickly. It was a little tough at first to grab onto a flavor description other than floral and cedar, but I did notice hints of spice as well.
Middle Third:
So far, so good! The flavor is developing rather nicely and I can now taste undertones of coffee and toast. Haven’t noticed a bit of bitterness; this cigar is all about smooth and rich smoke (and there’s a lot of it). The burn is very even and the draw is effortless. I keep thinking “this is the perfect morning cigar!” I’m enjoying this very much right now.
Final Third:
I suddenly realized that I haven’t ashed that much. The ash held up pretty long (nearly to 2 inches) and was very light gray to white in color.
Coming around the bend to the finish point and the Serie G Torpedo is still offering spicy leather flavors and floral notes. I can detect a slight nuttiness as well, which is pleasant. As I continued and got closer to the end, I was hit by a surprise taste development: cinnamon. I assume this came from the Cameroon wrapper giving the cigar an extra kick of flavor. Or maybe it’s just me thinking about the cinnamon toast I want for breakfast…
The Verdict:
The Oliva brand has kept up with their standards. This cigar is a real winner—flavorful, complex, and at a great price point. It rivals cigars that are three times the price! If you want to have a pleasant surprise nab up a box of the Oliva Serie G Torpedos now (or if you prefer, try any of the other available sizes and wrappers—they’re all fantastic!).
I’m going to go back in and reminisce about my morning smoke over a few pieces of cinnamon toast and a cup of coffee. If only I was allowed to smoke in the house I could enjoy my cigars WITH my breakfast! Someday…
Ratings:
Flavor: 9
Finish: 9
Aroma: 8
Strength: 7
Complexity: 8
Value: 9
Overall: 9
Can’t help but agree with you on this one. I prefer the series V myself, but am inspired to do a comparison between the two. What are your thoughts on the ‘Cain’ cigar? I’m not too high on that one myself, but always looking for additional insight.
I enjoy the Cain line. They are certainly a full smoke, the kind of cigar you sit down with after a nice meal. It’s a nice change of pace kind of stick when you’re craving something heavier.
I am a big fan of the G series Figurado. It is a wonderful smoke at half the price of the V Figurado. I have smoked hundreds of them and my only complaint is sometimes I get an inconsistant burn, and that may just be me smoking too fast. Of course the V is a better smoke, but for the price difference I’ll smoke the G everyday.