Oliva Serie G Double Robusto Staff Review
Today I’m smoking a cigar some would consider an unsung staple in the Oliva portfolio, Oliva Serie G, and I’m firing up a 5 by 54 Double Robusto. The truth is, Serie G is simply outshined by other illustrious Oliva cigars like the original Serie V and the former ‘#1 Cigar of the Year,’ Serie V Melanio. Oliva Serie G predates both of those and has been rated 90 points or higher on numerous occasions in addition to making the ‘Top 25’ in Cigar Aficionado.
Oliva Serie G debuted in 2006, but it was technically available earlier under a different name: Oliva Grand Cameroon. To create uniformity across the brand, the Oliva family reclassified the names according to the “Serie” formula in the mid-2000s. And as the original name implies, what distinguishes Serie G is its Cameroon wrapper leaf. Underneath is a classic blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers. I’m a fan of Cameroon wrappers, in general, and have sung their praises in my earlier review of Arturo Fuente Don Carlos.
Oliva Serie G is handcrafted at Oliva’s sizeable and advanced cigar factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, and the blend sticks to its value roots in the $6 to $7 range – or $4 to $5 per cigar if you buy a box – not bad for a consistent box-pressed smoke. The bands and boxes are basic, and the fresh box of Double Robustos I’ve just cracked open exudes a nutty aroma of cedar and baking spices. Cameroon wrappers are less plentiful than once upon a time due to the political and civil turmoil throughout the Republic of Cameroon and the Central African Republic where tobacco crops are farmed.
Oliva Serie G may not be a rare or special occasion cigar, but it fits the bill when I’m manning the backyard barbecue. I’m outside relaxing in the first batch of nice weather we’ve had this spring, so I want a solid cigar that won’t break the bank but something with better flavor and aroma than your average yard ‘gar. As soon as I snip the cap off and start puffing, I know I’ve made the right decision.
The cold draw from Oliva Serie G delivers notes of wheat toast and almond with a good degree of black pepper and a hint of sweetness. The Double Robusto lights up steadily and easily too. Consistency is a major hallmark of Oliva cigars. The brand cranks out an exponentially growing portfolio every year, but since Oliva was acquired by the Belgium-based company, J. Cortès Cigars N.V., in 2016, they’ve scaled up their factories in dramatic fashion to keep up with demand without neglecting quality.
Fifteen minutes in, Serie G weaves a steady stream of leather, coffee bean, and chocolate ganache notes across the palate. It’s a clear and quiet day. If it was windy, I might be less inclined to smoke a Cameroon-wrapped cigar outside, as this particular wrapper varietal is more fragile than others, but today it’s staying intact and leaving a tidy white ash in its wake. I’ve tapped the ash off a few times, but it’s provided reliable insulation around the foot of the cigar, giving me ample time to pause and taste all the nuances Serie G has to offer.
Heartier tasting notes of wood, pepper, and leather mingle past the halfway mark. A slightly chalky texture kicks in, but I can fix that with a few swigs of ice-cold beer. As I peel the band off and continue smoking, about fifty-five minutes have gone by. The finish is earthy and spicy but leaves a nice creamy impression. I just might fire up another one as long as I’m out here flipping the steaks. If you’re a recent Oliva devotee, you can smoke the Serie G in some of our highest-selling cigar samplers like the Oliva ‘Celebration’ Sampler and Oliva ‘La Familia’ Monster Deal. I’ve also previously reviewed Olvia Serie G Maduro, which is finished in a darker and sweeter Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. There’s a reason the original Serie G is one of the best Oliva cigars you can smoke. Take my 90-point rating to heart and order it today.
