Oliva · Serie V
New WorldExperienced smokersOliva Serie V Belicoso
Oliva's flagship Serie V in a box-pressed belicoso — a full, richly flavored Nicaraguan puro under an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper.
The short answer
The Oliva Serie V Belicoso is a bold, full-bodied cigar — a Nicaragua belicoso with a Ecuador Habano wrapper. Expect coffee, dark chocolate, and cedar. Critics rate it 95/100.
Flavor profile
Roast · Sweet · Earthy · Spice
Critic ratings
Cigar Aficionado
2017
95/100
Scores as published by each reviewer. Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings; we don't score cigars ourselves.
The verdict
The Oliva Serie V Belicoso is a bold, full-bodied cigar from Oliva's Serie V line. It's a Nicaragua (New World) belicoso wrapped in Ecuador Habano at 5 in × 54.
On the palate, expect coffee, dark chocolate, and cedar, leaning roast. Plan on roughly 60 minutes from light to nub.
It's well regarded: Cigar Aficionado rated it 95/100 in 2017. It pairs naturally with espresso, aged rum, and bourbon. If you're newer to cigars, work up to this one rather than starting here.
The Serie V is the cigar that put Oliva on the map, and the Belicoso is one of the best ways to meet it. It's a box-pressed smoke with a slightly tapered head, wrapped in an oily Ecuadorian Habano leaf over a core of specially fermented Jalapa Valley ligero — the tobacco that gives this blend its punch.
What it tastes like
This is a full-bodied cigar that leans rich rather than harsh. Expect rolling waves of coffee and dark chocolate, framed by sweet cedar and a measured black-pepper spice, with leather underneath. The box press gives you a comfortable draw and a slow, even burn that lets all of that flavor build.
Who it's for
This one is for smokers who already enjoy strength and want depth to go with it. If you're newer to full cigars, ease in and don't smoke it on an empty stomach. If you want to understand where this sits, our Cuban vs Nicaraguan breakdown explains why Nicaraguan ligero hits the way it does, and the cigar strength guide helps you calibrate.
When you find your favorite Serie V size, log it and rate it in your humidor with the Casa DNC app so you remember what worked. You might also like the slightly larger Serie V Torpedo.
Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.
Oliva Serie V Belicoso — frequently asked
- Is the Oliva Serie V Belicoso a good cigar for beginners?
- Not as a first cigar. Full-bodied smokes are intense and high in nicotine — save it until you're comfortable with strength.
- How strong is the Oliva Serie V Belicoso?
- The Oliva Serie V Belicoso is Full-bodied — bold and high in nicotine. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the Oliva Serie V Belicoso taste like?
- Expect coffee, dark chocolate, and cedar, leaning roast. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What is the Oliva Serie V Belicoso's rating?
- Published critic scores: Cigar Aficionado 95/100 (2017). Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings and doesn't score cigars itself.
- What pairs well with the Oliva Serie V Belicoso?
- It pairs well with espresso, aged rum, and bourbon. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's full body.
- How long does it take to smoke the Oliva Serie V Belicoso?
- Plan on about 60 minutes for the belicoso — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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Oliva Serie V Belicoso head-to-head
See how Oliva Serie V Belicoso stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.