Issue: Cigar Insider, Oct 08, 2013

Score: 89

Elegantly rolled with a four-seam cap, this tiny torpedo is a powerhouse from the first puffs, smacking of strong black pepper and a punch of spicy wasabi.

Issue: Cigar Aficionado, Jan 01, 2013

Score: 92

Oliva had power and richness in mind when it first released the Serie V in 2007, but the company aimed for complexity as well. Made with a dark, high-priming wrappers and Nicaraguan filler, this cigar loads the palate with flavor. The Belicoso is also strikingly well made— pristine wrappers, symmetrical taper and absolutely no soft spots along the body of the cigar. The draw is lush and substantial despite the copious amounts of tobacco.Much of the cigar’s strength is drawn from ligero culled from Nicaragua’s Jalapa valley, a growing region known for producing powerful tobacco. Like wine, the quality and character of tobacco can vary from crop to crop and while Serie V cigars have registered in the past as being full of coffee and cocoa, this year’s Belicoso has a pro- foundly savory character that leaves distinct impressions of leather and nuts with a sweet, spicy undertone.

Issue: Cigar Insider, Jun 19, 2012

Score: 91

Topped with a pointy tip, this oily belicoso holds a sol- id, near-black ash as it burns. Flavors of dried fruit and molasses become fuller bodied, with coffee bean notes.

Issue: Cigar Aficionado, Aug 01, 2009

Score: 90

This belicoso is perfectly rolled with an oily wrapper and very pointy tip. The draw is notably firm, but the burn is even. It has a powerful, full-bodied opening full of meaty, nutty flavors as well as some sweetness. The finish is floral.

Issue: Cigar Aficionado, Oct 01, 2008

Score: 89

A dark and chunky torpedo full of strong tobacco, cedar and spice notes, but it burns a bit hot. Very full bodied.

Issue: Cigar Insider, Sep 11, 2007

Score: 87

This mini torpedo draws well, giving off a pleasant aroma as it burns. Its flavors are mostly woody with tangy undertones throughout.