Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado Review

It is classified as medium-full (4/5 on our intensity scale). While the filler tobaccos—aged a minimum of five years—originate from the robust regions of Estelí and Condega, the extended aging mellows the nicotine impact, creating a pronounced but manageable strength that never becomes overpowering. It delivers a satisfying body without sacrificing balance.

The flavor profile evolves across three distinct acts. The first third offers creamy cedar, roasted espresso, and white pepper, with a dark chocolate richness. The second third deepens into dark cherry, dried fig, toasted almond, and bittersweet cocoa, with a subtle damp-earth undertone. The final third intensifies into espresso grounds, dark caramel, and aged leather, carried by a lingering dried-fruit sweetness. It is a complex, layered experience built on aged Nicaraguan tobaccos.

Plan for 90 to 110 minutes of dedicated smoking time. The figurado’s tapered head and 6.5 x 52 ring gauge require a slow, patient pace to manage combustion heat and fully appreciate the flavor transitions. This is not a cigar for a quick smoke or a walk-around; it demands stillness and attention.

The cigar’s sweetness and depth pair superbly with an aged Nicaraguan rum such as Flor de Caña 18 or Ron Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. For bourbon drinkers, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Blanton’s Single Barrel are excellent choices. A structured Napa Cabernet Sauvignon—Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis—or a Ribera del Duero Reserva like Vega Sicilia Valbuena will complement the dark fruit notes. For a non-alcoholic option, a double espresso or a single-origin dark roast pour-over from a Nicaraguan estate mirrors the terroir beautifully.

No. This cigar’s medium-full strength, complex flavor evolution, and 90–110 minute smoking time make it better suited for experienced smokers. Beginners may find the nicotine and flavor intensity challenging. We recommend starting with milder, shorter vitolas before graduating to this figurado.

The cigar is widely available through premium online retailers such as Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, and Cigars International, as well as at brick-and-mortar tobacconists that carry the Oliva portfolio. Because production is consistent but controlled, it is not always on every shelf; checking availability at multiple sources is advised.

The suggested retail price ranges from $22 to $28 per cigar, depending on retailer, state taxes, and packaging (single or box purchases). At this price point, it competes directly with other prestige-tier figurados and is considered a strong value given the aged tobaccos and construction quality.

Yes, though it is already aged before release—the filler tobaccos spend a minimum of five years in aging—further cellaring for two to five years can soften the pepper, deepen the dried fruit sweetness, and integrate the earthy notes further. However, it is exceptionally enjoyable upon purchase and does not require additional aging to shine.

It uses an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, shade-grown to a Colorado color. The leaf is medium-dark chestnut brown with a silky, subtle oily sheen and minimal veining. This wrapper contributes much of the cigar’s creamy cedar and sweet spice notes.

It is hand-rolled at Fábrica de Tabacos Oliva S.A., located in Jalapa, Nicaragua—the heart of the Oliva family’s tobacco operations. The binder and filler tobaccos are also Nicaraguan, sourced from the company’s own farms in Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega.