AshMap
Overview
The Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado stands as a watershed moment in modern Nicaraguan cigar production—a cigar so complete in its execution that it earned Cigar Aficionado's #1 ranking in 2013 and has only deepened in reputation since. Hand-rolled at Fábrica de Tabacos Oliva S.A. in Estelí, this figurado represents the culmination of the Oliva family's commitment to terroir-driven tobacco work, honoring patriarch Melanio Oliva while showcasing why Nicaraguan long-leaf—when aged properly and blended with intention—belongs in the conversation with the world's finest cigars.
From the cold draw, the Melanio Figurado announces itself with dark cocoa, dried cherry, and cedar—a graceful prelude to the espresso-and-toasted-nut opening that follows ignition. What distinguishes this cigar is not raw power but orchestration. The Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper's sweetness interweaves seamlessly with a Jalapa binder and five-year-minimum-aged filler tobaccos from Jalapa and Estelí, creating a profile that evolves with intellectual rigor across ninety minutes. The second third deepens into bittersweet cocoa, leather, and cinnamon-tinged spice, while the final third builds toward dark roasted coffee and earthy leather without ever surrendering its refinement or descending into harshness.
Construction here is nothing short of exemplary. The figurado's tapered head focuses the draw into laser-precise concentration; the burn line remains razor-sharp, ash holds past an inch and a half, and smoke production is thick and creamy throughout. This is a cigar that rewards unhurried, deliberate puffing—not a quick session but rather a ceremony. It sits at the prestigious end of the market ($20–$26 per cigar), yet rivals cigars commanding twice the price. For the serious aficionado seeking Nicaraguan full-body delivered with restraint, complexity, and depth rather than brute force, the Melanio Figurado remains one of the most complete expressions of what this terroir can achieve.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Sumatra — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan (Jalapa) |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-leaf tobaccos from Jalapa and Estelí valleys, aged a minimum of five years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — Fábrica de Tabacos Oliva S.A. |
| Vitola / Shape | Figurado |
| Size | 6.5 x 52 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $20–$26 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum five years on filler tobaccos; additional aging post-rolling prior to release |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with dark cocoa, dried cherry, and a whisper of cedar. Once lit, the first third delivers a lush wave of espresso, toasted nuts, and a subtle earthiness underpinned by white pepper on the retrohale. Sweetness from the Ecuadorian wrapper is immediate and integrates beautifully with the Nicaraguan core.
Second Third
The profile deepens considerably in the second third, with dark chocolate transitioning toward bittersweet cocoa nibs, cured leather, and a pronounced mocha creaminess. Spice from the Jalapa binder asserts itself — black pepper and a touch of cinnamon — while a dried fruit note reminiscent of fig or date weaves through the complexity.
Final Third
The final third is bold and commanding without becoming harsh — a testament to the tobacco quality and aging regimen. Roasted coffee, dark earth, and rich leather dominate, while the sweetness recedes gracefully and a lingering pepper finish coats the palate. The figurado's tapered head focuses the draw to an almost laser-precise concentration of flavor.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction on the Melanio Figurado is exceptional — the draw is effortless with just the right resistance, producing thick, creamy smoke. The burn line is razor-sharp, ash holds firmly past an inch and a half, and the figurado taper delivers one of the most consistent and focused smoking experiences in Nicaraguan production.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 18-Year or Ron Centenario 30), a peated Scotch such as Ardbeg 10, or a high-rye bourbon like Booker's — the cigar's dark fruit and pepper notes respond brilliantly to spirit complexity
Wine
An Amarone della Valpolicella or a Priorat Garnacha blend — their dried fruit intensity, tannic backbone, and dark earth echo the Melanio's deepest flavor registers without overpowering them
Non-Alcoholic
A long, dark-roasted Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over or a double espresso with no sugar — the acidity and fruit-forward character of the coffee mirrors the cigar's cocoa and dried cherry notes elegantly
Who Should Smoke This?
The Melanio Figurado is purpose-built for the experienced aficionado—someone who has graduated beyond exploring and now seeks refinement and intellectual depth in smoke. This is not a beginner's cigar, though it is not hostile to those with intermediate experience. Reserve it for significant occasions: an evening after a substantial meal, a personal milestone worth marking, or any moment when you have ninety uninterrupted minutes to invest. The figurado rewards patience and deliberate puffing; rushing this cigar diminishes its gifts. If you prize Nicaraguan tobacco and appreciate how age, restraint, and thoughtful blending elevate a cigar beyond mere strength, this is your smoke.
Bottom Line
The Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado is arguably the finest cigar Oliva has ever produced and one of the most complete expressions of Nicaraguan terroir in the modern era. Its 2013 Cigar Aficionado #1 ranking was not ceremonial—it was earned on merit, and the cigar has only justified that verdict since. At its price point, it is a masterwork.
Similar Cigars
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado a strong cigar?
Yes. The Melanio Figurado is rated full-bodied (4/5), delivering robust Nicaraguan tobacco character throughout its ninety-minute burn. However, strength is never crude; it is balanced by sophistication, aging, and thoughtful blending. This is powerful smoke delivered with restraint and refinement rather than brute force.
What does the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado taste like?
The first third opens with dark cocoa, dried cherry, espresso, and toasted nuts. The second third deepens into bittersweet cocoa, leather, and cinnamon-forward spice with a dried fruit undertone. The final third builds toward roasted coffee, dark earth, and rich leather, with a lingering pepper finish. Sweetness from the Ecuadorian wrapper integrates beautifully throughout.
How long does the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado take to smoke?
Expect a ninety-minute smoking session. This is not a quick cigar—it rewards unhurried, deliberate puffing. Plan accordingly and set aside uninterrupted time to experience its full evolution.
What is the best pairing for the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado?
For spirits, aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 18-Year), peated Scotch (Ardbeg 10), or high-rye bourbon (Booker's) excel. For wine, an Amarone della Valpolicella or Priorat Garnacha blend mirrors its dark fruit and earthy depth. For coffee, a dark-roasted Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or double espresso complements its cocoa and cherry notes elegantly.
Is the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado good for beginners?
No. This is a full-bodied, intellectually complex cigar designed for experienced aficionados. Beginners should develop their palates with milder, more straightforward cigars before approaching the Melanio's depth and strength.
Where can I buy the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado?
The Melanio Figurado is widely available through premium cigar retailers, both online and brick-and-mortar. As a prestige-tier Oliva line, it should be stocked by most establishments specializing in high-end Nicaraguan production.
What is the price of the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado?
The Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado retails between $20 and $26 per cigar, making it accessible to serious aficionados while positioning it firmly in the prestige tier. It represents exceptional value relative to cigars commanding twice the price.
Is the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado worth aging?
Yes. The filler tobaccos are already aged a minimum of five years, and the cigars receive additional aging post-rolling. Additional cellaring will allow the profile to integrate further, though the cigar is excellent upon release. Five to ten years of age will add depth and smoothness.
What wrapper does the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado use?
The Melanio Figurado is wrapped in Ecuadorian Sumatra with a Colorado Maduro shade—a deep reddish-brown with a silky, pronounced oily sheen. This wrapper contributes immediate sweetness and integrates beautifully with the Nicaraguan tobaccos within.
Where is the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado made?
The Melanio Figurado is hand-rolled at Fábrica de Tabacos Oliva S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua. The cigar features a Nicaraguan Jalapa binder and long-leaf filler tobaccos from the Jalapa and Estelí valleys, making it a quintessential expression of Nicaraguan terroir.