I grabbed a 5'er of these tiny guys the other day. At $12.98 incl. shipping I couldn't resist. Bonus - received them the day after the deal making it free next day delivery. Even better. Sometimes it pays to live so close to Pennsylvania.
The only thing I was really concerned about, being these ARE Oliva, was the vitola. I've had problems with cigars rolled like this in the past - Don Kiki Brown Figurados in particular although those are also box pressed. But, once lit and the burn passed the tight perfecto foot, the burn was perfect. Nice smooth draw yielding plenty of tasty smoke. Actually, the first couple puffs were very strong and peppery but that changed radically as I smoked it. Now the smoke is rich and very creamy with a caramel-like sweetness. So smooth.
I think I'd place this one as a mild/medium-bodied cigar with plenty of flavor. A perfect accompaniment to my Cafe du Monde with cream and honey.
As I approach the one-inch point it's getting a little hot unless I'm careful to draw slowly. Which I am. I don't want to put this thing down, it's that good. That gets me another couple puffs before I have to reluctantly set it down. I'm very glad I have four more left, we'll see if I can save them for my vacation.
I've heard these are the Oliva answer to Fuente's Short Story. I haven't smoked one of those in awhile though so I'm going to have to pick one up to compare it later. For now I'm betting I've never liked a SS better than the Special G I just finished, although it might be a tie. We'll see. All I'll say is this little bugger sure hit my sweet spot.
