oliva V maduro torpedo

I was anticipating this bad boy. Being a fan of the V regular. Not as huge as some but a fan. This was gifted to me by Kevin(he truly has a generous heart and has gifted many of my reviews, plus when someone gifts one you feel compelled to let them know what you thought and what better way than a review)

Prelight. Draw seems a little tight having thoughts of dry boxing but I'm impatient for this guy. Hope it doesn't bite me in the butt. Smells nice. Rich and woody. Doesn't really look much darker than a regular. Torpedo size. Drinking with an IPA. (maduros and IPAs really love each other)

First impressions.

Draw is fine (whew) initial smoke is tasty and rich. Very similar to what I remember the regular V being. I think if have to side by side these to get the nuances. It does have a little more power and a touch of spice that I don't remember in the V.

First third. Draw started to tighten up on the V cut so I clipped it with a guillotine and it opened up tremendously. Power increasing. But lacks some of the smoothness of the V regular still a dang nice stick.

Middle.

Has that nicaraguan pop I love in nicaraguan tobacco. Ligureo spice picking up. A little tough through the nose now. A quick purge fixed that and brought some of the richness back.

Finish.

The spice returned without the harshness and loss of richness. I really like the way it is finishing. Slight drop in power but still very rich.
Legend rating 3.5. Solid smoke.