Balvenie 15 Special and an Oliva V Maduro Cigar.
I'm a bachelor tonight and whooping it up big time!
(*which means I'll be in bed by 10pm. 
)
I have an Olivia V I will be partaking of at some point soon. What are your thoughts?
As for me? Several IPA's, some very tasty hard cider I made (wild yeast seems the best), and few lagers. I'm having a bowl of Lucky Charms right now to cure the beast within.
Dammmmmnnnn, that's LIVING right there I tell ya!
On the Oliva front - I like them. I've have the following in my humidor: Oliva V, V Maduro, Malanio Robusto and Melanio Figurado.
On the whole I find the Oliva's smoke very well. Full bodied, they run heavy on the Ligero leaf so be prepared for the nicotine hit. The flavor profile to me is very, neutral. I don't quite know how to describe it other than to say that all the Oliva's seem to have the same general flavor profile. Nubs to the Melanio line they all hint at each other. I don't find them particularly spicy, plenty of leather in the flavor, a touch of hay but not in the Ashton or Davidoff levels. In general I describe them as creamy...rich...just a touch of vanilla. The flavor profile does not change much at all regardless of third. Either you like it or find it acceptable in the first 10 minutes...or you don't. It's not something that you need to hold out for.
Of the dozen or so I've smoked only one had a poor burn that require a few touchups. Generally they burn even, tending towards a longer burn time. The flavor is very consistent as is the design. They feel a touch firm to me in how they are rolled but they smoke fine and the draw is, I think, very medium and loosening up a bit in the second half.
Overall I like them quite a bit - and that they sell them in 10-packs makes it a very attainable cigar.
To be honest, I like the Fuente Anejo's and the Hemmingway Maduro's probably the best...but the Oliva is a darn fine smoke that I don't feel guilty spending $8 or so on. I snagged a deal online for about $5 per and from there they kind of became my go-to smoke when I want something but don't want to feel guilty burning $20.
A final note: I would never feel slighted or less than handing someone an Oliva...or handing an Oliva to someone. They are a fine high 80's smoke, maybe a 90.
Pairs well with a slightly sweeter scotch. Not as good with wine or beer.
