Oliva Cigar Co. – Serie G Belicoso

Oliva Cigar Company has a deep and rich history in cigars and tobacco reaching all the way back to the late 19th Century in Cuba beginning with Melanio Oliva. The 1960’s political climate forced the grandson of Melanio, Gilberto Oliva, to flee the country and eventually settle in Nicaragua. The Oliva family has become the second-largest grower of Cuban-seed tobacco in Nicaragua and may be best known for their consistent,  affordable brands such as Oliva Serie G and Serie O, the more moderately priced Serie V, and the premium Serie V Melanio and Master Blends 3.

With over 500 reviews here at Casas Fumando, I am shocked that we have never reviewed the Oliva Serie G. Well, today’s that going to change thanks to our good friends at Famous Smoke Shop! The Serie G is produced in Nicaragua at Tabacalera Oliva S.A. and available in nine vitolas: Special G (3 ¾ by 48), Petite Corona (4 by 38 – Tins of 5), Robusto (4 ½ by 50), Belicoso (5 by 52), Double Robusto (5 by 54), Toro (6 by 50), Torpedo (6 1/2 by 52), Figurado (6 ½ by 60), Churchill (7 by 50).  All sizes come at affordable prices with the Special G just over $4 and the larger sizes all under $7. Two wrapper options are available to choose from – Cameroon or Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro. 

You can purchase Oliva cigars directly from Famous Smoke Shop. 

The Facts

Samples Provided by Famous Smoke Shop
Price: $5.56 
Vitola: Belicoso
Size: 5 by 52
Wrapper: African Cameroon
Binder: Nicaraguan Cuban-Seed Habano
Filler: Nicaraguan Habano
Smoke Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Pre-light

The Serie G by Oliva Cigar Company is dressed in a light medium brown Cameroon wrapper that is mainly consistent in color with only a few color imperfection and water marks. Veins are rare and the ones that are apparent are tiny and cannot be felt underneath my fingertips. The four sides of this square-pressed cigar are even and smooth with no soft spots to be found.

Big notes of cinnamon and chocolate, like Nestle hot chocolate powder, are found on the wrapper. The foot is more earthy, with some barnyard, rich cedar, and more of that cinnamon. The cigar comes to a close with a beautiful tapered head. After clipping away a quarter of inch of the cap, I find a draw with more resistance than preferred,which brings forth rich cedar and potpourri. The cold draw is drying to the palate.

First Third

The Serie G comes out of the gates with a common Nicaraguan black pepper spice in both flavor and heat. Along side the spice, there is earthyness and sharp, somewhat bitter cedar notes. The smoke production is satisfying and the Serie G is burning with a small wave.  A light colored, layered ash is produced and holding strong.

Middle Third

An enjoyable mixture of saltiness and sweetness has arrived as I burn into the second third of the Oliva Serie G. The earlier flavors continue to hold strong in the profile right at the high end of medium, while the spice is definitely full. The finish is very rich with a hit of clove. Halfway through the cigar and I feel no nicotine kick up to this point. A thin burn-line is jagged but still of no issue.

Final Third

The most drastic transition in flavors has occurred in the final third. Charred or toasted notes, deisel, and strong black coffee now domates the profile. The black pepper is full in flavors and lingers on the palate between each draw. The earlier sweetness had all but left the profile, but with just an inch left the sweetness makes a reemergence.

Wrap-up

In the past year and half, I have probably smoked through more cigars from Oliva than any other company, including a full box of Oliva Serie V and Serie V Melanio. The reason is simple – high quality and satisfying flavors. And the Serie G Belicoso is no different. After smoking through a few for this review, I realized I have been missing out  for many years as I have been overlooking this cigar. The Oliva Serie G is a great cigar when you desire a medium-bodied, medium-flavor smoke that delivers that Nicaraguan zing! Next time I visit a Serie G, I think I will reach for a parejo shaped cigar in hopes that it cuts down on the charred notes that I experienced in the final third. Taking the looks, the performance, the flavors, and the price into consideration, I highly recommend the Oliva Cigar G.