AshMap
Overview
The Oliva Serie V Figurado is not a cigar that announces itself; it insinuates. From the first cold draw, there's a promise of density—a tightly packed torpedo that feels heavier than its 6.5 inches should allow. The sun-grown Jalapa wrapper is the color of old mahogany, with a fine tooth and an oily sheen that catches the light. This is a cigar that demands a slow, deliberate approach, and it rewards that patience with a performance that unfolds like a well-rehearsed symphony.
Lighting the tapered foot, the first puffs are a concentrated burst of roasted espresso and dark cocoa, almost espresso-like in their intensity. The figurado shape channels the smoke through the narrowed draw, creating a creamy, focused stream that coats the palate. White pepper dances on the retrohale, a sharp counterpoint to the rich earthiness that anchors the blend. As the burn line progresses into the second third, the profile deepens and sweetens. Toasted cedar emerges, intertwined with dark leather and a pronounced dried fruit sweetness—think dark raisin and fig, not the cloying sugar of a flavored cigar. A subtle barnyard funk, that unmistakable hallmark of well-aged Nicaraguan tobacco, adds complexity, while roasted nuts and a lingering cocoa finish keep the experience grounded.
The final third is where the figurado truly earns its keep. As the ring gauge opens to its full 52, the flavors amplify and intensify. The espresso and dark chocolate notes return with renewed vigor, now joined by a building spice—black pepper and a hint of anise that lingers on the finish. The smoke remains remarkably smooth and controlled, never harsh, even as the intensity peaks. The burn is razor-even, producing a firm, silver-grey ash that holds for over an inch before releasing cleanly. This is a cigar that finishes long, with toasted oak, leather, and a satisfying dark sweetness that lingers on the palate long after the final puff.
What sets the Serie V Figurado apart is its balance. It's a medium-full strength cigar that never tips into overpowering, a blend that showcases the best of Jalapa tobacco without relying on a single note. The Oliva family's vertical integration—from seed to box—ensures a consistency that is rare in this price range. This is a cigar that rewards attention, but also one that can be enjoyed with a contemplative silence. It's a benchmark for what a torpedo can achieve, and a reminder that sometimes the most profound experiences come from the most unassuming packages.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Sun-Grown (Jalapa Valley) — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan (Jalapa) |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-filler blend from Jalapa and Estelí, aged a minimum of two to three years |
| Country of Origin | Jalapa, Nicaragua — Fábrica de Tabacos Oliva S.A. |
| Vitola / Shape | Figurado (Torpedo) |
| Size | 6.5 x 52 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $14–$18 per cigar |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Tobacco aged a minimum of two to three years prior to rolling; additional box aging recommended for optimal performance |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The tapered head opens with a concentrated burst of roasted espresso and dark cocoa, underpinned by rich Nicaraguan earth and a touch of white pepper on the retrohale. The figurado shape channels smoke beautifully through the narrowed draw, delivering a creamy, well-integrated body from the very first puff.
Second Third
Flavors shift and deepen into toasted cedar, dark leather, and a pronounced dried fruit sweetness — think dark raisin and dried fig. A subtle barnyard complexity emerges alongside notes of roasted nuts and a lingering cocoa finish that coats the palate.
Final Third
The final third brings added intensity as the ring gauge opens fully, amplifying the espresso and dark chocolate notes with a building spice — black pepper and a hint of anise. The smoke remains remarkably smooth and controlled, finishing long with toasted oak, leather, and a satisfying dark sweetness.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is exemplary across production lots — the torpedo taper provides a precise, slightly resistant draw that is ideal for this blend's density. The burn is razor-even, producing a firm, silver-grey ash that holds one to two inches before releasing cleanly.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum (e.g., Flor de Caña 18 Year) or a rye-forward bourbon such as Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Rye — the spice and sweetness mirror the cigar's core profile with precision.
Wine
A Priorat or Ribera del Duero Reserva — the Garnacha-driven fruit and garrigue complexity of Priorat aligns perfectly with the dark fruit and earthiness of the Figurado.
Non-Alcoholic
A freshly pulled double espresso with no sugar — the roasted bitterness and crema echo the cigar's dominant flavor arc without interrupting it.
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is for the smoker who has graduated from the mild and approachable, who has spent a few years exploring the breadth of the cigar world and now seeks depth. It's for the person who, on a quiet Sunday evening, pours a glass of aged rum, sits on a porch overlooking a garden, and wants a smoke that will match their contemplative mood. They've enjoyed the smoothness of a Padron or the spice of a My Father, but they're looking for something that offers both complexity and a sense of place. The Serie V Figurado will give them a journey—from the first sharp notes of pepper to the final sweet and earthy finish—and it will leave them with the satisfaction of having experienced a well-crafted, honest cigar that doesn't rely on gimmicks.
Bottom Line
The Oliva Serie V Figurado is a masterclass in balance and construction, delivering a rich, evolving profile that few torpedos can match at this price. It's a must-smoke for any serious enthusiast, and a benchmark for the vitola.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Oliva Serie V cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oliva Serie V Figurado a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5). You'll feel a satisfying nicotine presence, especially in the final third, but it never becomes harsh or overwhelming. It's a strength that builds gradually, making it suitable for experienced smokers who enjoy a robust profile.
What does Oliva Serie V Figurado taste like?
The flavor profile evolves from roasted espresso and dark cocoa with white pepper in the first third, to toasted cedar, dark leather, dried raisin, and fig in the second, and culminates in intensified espresso, dark chocolate, black pepper, and anise in the final third. There's also a subtle barnyard earthiness throughout.
How long does Oliva Serie V Figurado take to smoke?
Given its 6.5 x 52 figurado shape and dense packing, expect a smoking time of 80 to 90 minutes. The tapered head slows the burn initially, and the wider body in the final third can accelerate slightly, but overall it's a leisurely smoke.
What is the best pairing for Oliva Serie V Figurado?
An aged Nicaraguan rum like Flor de Caña 18 Year is ideal—its sweetness and spice mirror the cigar's core profile. Alternatively, a rye-forward bourbon such as Michter's 10 Year Single Barrel Rye will complement the pepper and oak notes. For a non-alcoholic option, a double espresso with no sugar echoes the roasted bitterness and crema perfectly.
Is Oliva Serie V Figurado good for beginners?
Not recommended for beginners. The medium-full strength and complex flavor profile may be overwhelming for those new to cigars. Additionally, the $14–$18 price point is a significant investment for a palate that hasn't yet developed the ability to discern the nuances. Start with milder, more affordable options before graduating to this.
Where can I buy Oliva Serie V Figurado?
You can find it at most well-stocked brick-and-mortar tobacconists, as well as online retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Neptune Cigars. Given its popularity, it's often in stock, but availability can vary, so checking multiple sources is wise.
What is the price of Oliva Serie V Figurado?
The price ranges from $14 to $18 per cigar, depending on the retailer and any applicable taxes. It's positioned as a premium cigar, but given its quality and construction, it offers excellent value for the price.
Is Oliva Serie V Figurado worth aging?
Yes, absolutely. The tobacco is already aged a minimum of two to three years prior to rolling, but additional box aging will further integrate the flavors and mellow the pepper notes. The sun-grown wrapper will also develop more sweetness over time. We recommend aging for at least 6 months to a year, and up to 3-5 years for optimal complexity.
What wrapper does Oliva Serie V Figurado use?
It uses a Nicaraguan Sun-Grown wrapper from the Jalapa Valley. This wrapper is known for its reddish-brown color, silky texture, and subtle sheen. It contributes notes of earth, cocoa, and a slight sweetness, while also providing a robust structure that holds the blend together.
Where is Oliva Serie V Figurado made?
It is made at the Fábrica de Tabacos Oliva S.A. in Jalapa, Nicaragua. This is the Oliva family's own factory, which ensures tight vertical integration from seed to box. The binder and filler are also Nicaraguan, with filler from Jalapa and Estelí, aged for two to three years.