Cigar Review: Oliva Serie V Liga Especial Double Toro
Cigar Review: Oliva Serie V Liga Especial Double Toro
Editor’s Note: We’re trying something new here at Drinkhacker in the form of cigar coverage, with a specific focus on spirits pairings. Want more? Let us know your thoughts!
If you’re a cigar connoisseur, there really isn’t a “bad time” or “off season” to be enjoying cigars. But let’s face it, cigar fans: there’s something truly blissful about smoking a cigar outdoors in the cool early spring or late summer evenings. We’re lucky enough to be partnering with our pals at the Famous Smoke Shop for the first installment of a new series pairing some of their favorites with some of ours.
Oliva Serie V Ligero Especial Double Toro – At first I was a bit apprehensive about the Serie V. The Serie G Special G I recently smoked left me a bit underwhelmed, especially given the price paid. However these thoughts were easily and pleasantly remedied by this little number. The reasonably consistent draw brings out warm tones of black pepper, dark cocoa nibs, and rich espresso grounds with very little effort. It’s quite heavy on the smoke produced, so those surrounded by folks with an aversion to cigar smoke may want to find a comfortable place free of protest before indulging.
Suggested Pairings: If you’ve got the bottle, or the money and inclination to find one on the secondary market, this was an absolute perfect match with Booker’s 25. Failing that, the original Booker’s would serve nearly as well. The matching of this strong and very present bourbon helps to bring out the intensity of the Double Toro, and they dance with one another beautifully with every draw and sip. Should Scotch be more along the lines of your tastes, this definitely pairs well with the classic, easy-to-find Lagavulin 16 or the equally venerable Laphroaig 10 year. Finally, beer drinkers will find that the newly released Abyss Aged Stout from Deschutes will bring out the espresso/chocolate notes of the cigar quite nicely.
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Jalapa Valley Ligero
A- / $46 (per 5 pack) [BUY PREMIUM CIGARS AT CIGARS.COM]
Oliva Serie V Liga Especial Double Toro
$46
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I enjoyed this review and hope that you do many more. I smoke 1 or 2 cigars a week when its warm enough to be outside and always enjoy a healthy pour of some whiskey. If you ever want me to send you some cigars your way to review, I’d be happy to oblige.
I really like that you guys appear to be getting into the cigar reviews. I have been reading Drinkhacker for years and this is the first time, as far as I can recall, that I have seen a cigar review.
I especially like the pairing recommendations.
If I might make one suggestion: include a rum pairing. While scotch, bourbon, and beer are all amazing, rum and tobacco have a much deeper shared history. They make a beautiful couple.