UPDATE
Cigar: Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic
Size/Shape: Figurado (7x48)
Time In My Humidor: 2 weeks
Smoking Time: 1:30
Overall Rating: 9.0

This is the Hemingway I remember. Great flavor, as noted in my previous review (06-18-2008, 12:59 AM). This one burned true and even, unlike the previous one. The draw was, if anything, a bit on the loose side, but it smoked cool, nonetheless.

I don't know if the extra resting time made the difference, or if the one I smoked 2 weeks ago was just a bad example. We'll see how the rest of this box smokes.

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Cigar: Romeo y Julieta Viejo
Size/Shape: "E" (Toro, 6x54)
Time In My Humidor: 10 days
Smoking Time: 1:15
Overall Rating: 8.5

This was a pleasant smoke, but nothing terribly special. As I've said before, like seemingly all R&J's, it's a good looking cigar that's well made, although the draw on this one was tight. It burned evenly, though. The ash was tight and held on nicely.

This one was a bit the reverse of the Reserva Real. The RR had one flavor, and that flavor was very pronounced. The Viejo had a more complex blend of flavors, but the overall amount of flavor was lower. As evidence of this: I smoked the cigar 2 days ago, and I can't remember what its specific flavors were.

This is a solid, serviceable smoke. It's not going to wow you, but it's not going to do anything wrong, either. It would be a good choice for when you're smoking with friends or at a bar, and don't want to pay much attention to the cigar itself. It is probably, however, a bit overpriced for what it delivers.

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Cigar: Oliva Serie V
Size/Shape: Robusto
Time In My Humidor: 14 days
Smoking Time: 0:45
Overall Rating: 6

Icky-poo. There was just nothing about this cigar I enjoyed; a big disappointment after the G Maduro, and given this cigar's high ratings elsewhere.

For starters, one whole side just did not want to burn. It didn't want to light, and once lit, wouldn't burn. I finally stopped throwing good butane after bad and let the thing canoe, which it happily did.

Adding to that bad first impression was the fact that the early smoke from this cigar was easily the harshest I've ever had in my mouth. I've had lungfuls of insecticide fumes that were more pleasant. The flavor improved after the first .25" or so, but not all that much. There was some sweetness in there that might have been nice had it asserted itself, but it didn't. Mostly, it was spicy, but not in a way I enjoyed.

With about 2.5" remaining (on the good side), it decided it'd prefer to go out entirely, and I decided I'd prefer to let it. I won't be adding more of these to my humidor.

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Wow, I'm sorry to hear you had issues with these. I have smoked a Torpedo and Belisico with minor issues. The Belisico had wrapper issues, but smoked fine, and the Torpedo knocked my socks off with flavor. I have a double Robusto and Churchill in my humi for me to round out the line. Maybe it just didn't have enough time resting, since they have been rushing these onto the market. My suggestion is the same as others, don't give up on a stick after 1 bad experience. Try one with more rest, and hopefully you won't be disappointed.

Wow, sorry about your luck on that one, Urbs. I'd definetly say give it another shot though.

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CONSULTING:
If you're not a part of the solution, there's good money to be made in prolonging the problem.

If one turns up in a COTM or a shipment from the trades/games/bombs threads, I'll give it another try. But I don't see me spending my own money on another one. Too many cigars I haven't tried yet.

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Wow, I agree with the strength of this cigar. It took me 2 nights to smoke it and it was a robusto. But I found the flavor great, maybe it was the meal and wine that I had before it. I had no burn issues, the draw was somewhat tight. I hope you just got a bad one, it happens. I recommend this cigar to those who like stronger cigars and full flavors. However, i completely aggree with you on the G series, it is my go to smoke now, at least when I'm home to get them. I got married in January and that is the cigar me and my groomsmen smoked. I know its your opinion on here but give the V another chance.

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Andy

'Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.' R. Reagan

Glad you had a better experience, Andy. Maybe I did just get a bad one.

As for the strength, I didn't object to that. It wasn't that it was strong (though it was), it was that it was harsh, if that makes any sense.

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Yeha, I get the harshness. I got that out of the short end of a CAO Soprano.

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Andy

'Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.' R. Reagan

Well, I smoked another Belisico to make sure that I didn't get lucky with a good one, and yep. Fantastic, had to touch it up only once, but that was because I didn't puff on it for over 5 minutes while looking at the new house going up across the street. You could definately feel the strength on it, while I hadn't ate anything in 8 hours.

I'm going to light up one of the Serie V lanceros that I have this weekend just for you urby. I'm hoping you just got a bad one, as I've heard nothing but good up until your review.

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When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

Thomas Jefferson

Go with God, Joe. I'll shake some chicken blood around the house for you. :)

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And if the lancero is a winner, I'll make sure and send one along to you so that the Serie V line will be redeemed in your eyes. I have faith in Oliva, the brand has proven itself to me thus far.

And, uh... the chicken blood can't hurt... I guess.

Joe

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When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

Thomas Jefferson

You're good people, Joe.

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Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo.

I think your chicken blood juju must have worked... either that or you just had a bad cigar as has certainly been known to happen. Not the most complex of cigars, but in my opinion a good straight forward cigar trumps a mediocre complex one any day of any week.

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When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

Thomas Jefferson