AshMap
Overview
The Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado is not merely a cigar; it is a landmark in modern Nicaraguan vitola craftsmanship. Introduced in 2013 as a dedicated homage to Melanio Oliva, the family’s founding patriarch, this expression was designed to elevate the already formidable Serie V blend into the realm of the extraordinary. What sets the Melanio Figurado apart — and what earned it the Cigar Aficionado No. 1 ranking in 2015 — is not gimmickry but a meticulous reengineering of an established profile through the discipline of a traditional Cuban-style figurado taper. From the first glance, the cigar commands respect: a 6.5 x 52 Torpedo with a Colorado Maduro wrapper from Ecuadorian Sun-Grown Sumatra, its surface a rich mahogany brown with a silken, natural sheen and minimal veining. This is a wrapper of rare elegance and deceptive strength, cloaking a binder from Jalapa and a core of Nicaraguan long-fillers sourced from both the Jalapa and Estelí valleys — tobaccos aged a minimum of five years before they ever touch a roller’s bench. The entire production cycle unfolds at Fábrica de Tabacos Oliva S.A. in Jalapa, ensuring absolute control over every leaf that enters the bunch. The construction is exemplary. The figurado’s classic Cuban taper demands exceptional skill on the roller’s table, and Oliva’s torcedores deliver a triple-cap masterpiece that yields a focused, concentrated draw from the moment of ignition. In the first third, a cold draw of cedar, dark cocoa, and dried fig gives way to a wave of white pepper on the retrohale, anchored by espresso and roasted almond. As the pepper recedes in the second third, the cigar reveals its most expressive character: dark chocolate, leather, toasted oak, and a subtle dried cherry note. A gentle sweetness from the Ecuadorian wrapper integrates with the Nicaraguan core, building a layered harmony that rewards a measured, unhurried pace. By the final third, the intensity tightens. Dark roast coffee, bittersweet cocoa nibs, and seasoned leather dominate, with a return of black pepper providing structure without harshness. The taper concentrates every flavor into the closing inches, delivering a finish that is long, complex, and clean well past the band. The burn is even and self-correcting, the ash firm and salt-and-pepper in color, holding one to two inches without a second thought. In a market saturated with limited-edition releases, the Melanio Figurado stands on the merit of its execution alone. It is arguable the finest cigar the Oliva family has ever produced — and one of the most compelling Nicaraguan puros in existence. The figurado vitola is not an affectation here; it fundamentally changes how the blend expresses itself versus the Melanio Toro or Churchill, offering a concentration and taper that straight parejos cannot replicate. If one smokes only one Oliva in a lifetime, this should be it.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Ecuadorian Sun-Grown Sumatra — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan (Jalapa) |
| Filler | Nicaraguan long-filler blend sourced from Jalapa and Estelí valleys, aged a minimum of five years |
| Country of Origin | Jalapa, Nicaragua — Fábrica de Tabacos Oliva S.A. |
| Vitola / Shape | Figurado (Torpedo) |
| Size | 6.5 x 52 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $22–$28 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum five years of filler aging; additional box aging recommended — six to twelve months post-purchase yields notable |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with cedar, dark cocoa, and a hint of dried fig. Once lit, the first third delivers a pronounced wave of white pepper on the retrohale alongside espresso and roasted almond. Construction is immediately apparent — the taper provides a focused, concentrated draw that amplifies the complexity from the first puff.
Second Third
Pepper recedes and the cigar transitions into its most expressive phase — dark chocolate, leather, toasted oak, and a subtle dried cherry note emerge. A gentle sweetness from the Ecuadorian wrapper begins to integrate with the Nicaraguan core, creating a layered harmony that rewards slow smoking. Creaminess develops through the midpoint.
Final Third
The final third tightens in intensity — dark roast coffee, bittersweet cocoa nibs, and seasoned leather dominate. A subtle earthiness and a return of black pepper provide structure without harshness. The figurado shape concentrates every flavor into the final inches; this cigar finishes long, complex, and clean well past the band.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is benchmark-level — the figurado taper produces an ideal draw resistance, the burn is even and self-correcting, and the ash is firm and salt-and-pepper in color, holding one to two inches without issue. One of the most consistently well-constructed figurados in the premium market.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rum is the classic match — Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. Alternatively, a high-rye bourbon such as Woodford Reserve Double Oaked or a 15-year Speyside Scotch (Glenfarclas 15) complements the chocolate and leather notes beautifully.
Wine
A full-bodied Malbec from Mendoza (Zuccardi Valle de Uco) or a Priorat Garnacha — wines with dark fruit, tobacco, and earthy minerality that mirror the cigar's mid-profile rather than fighting it.
Non-Alcoholic
Double espresso — ideally a ristretto shot from a dark-roast single origin Ethiopian or Sumatran bean, or a cold brew concentrate over ice to parallel the cigar's cocoa and roasted almond profile.
Who Should Smoke This?
The Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado is conceived for the seasoned enthusiast who understands that complexity demands patience. This cigar is best reserved for an experienced smoker — at least a year of regular smoking — who can appreciate the arc of its transitions and the discipline required to navigate a ninety- to one-hundred-minute smoke. It will reward the aficionado who seeks a benchmark Nicaraguan puro with a structure that evolves from peppery opening to creamy middle and a concentrated, powerful finale. Occasions should be deliberate: a late evening after a substantial meal, a meaningful celebration, or a quiet hour on a covered patio when no interruptions are permitted. This is not a cigar for casual conversation or hurried commutes; it is a solo meditation, best paired with an aged rum or a high-rye bourbon. For the collector, it is a cellar-worthy expression that benefits handsomely from six to twelve additional months of rest.
Bottom Line
The Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado is a masterclass in Nicaraguan blending and figurado construction — concentrated, complex, and utterly consistent. It earned its Cigar Aficionado No. 1 ranking through sheer merit, and remains the definitive expression of the Oliva legacy. Smoke it slowly, with reverence, and you will understand why.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Oliva Serie V cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado a strong cigar?
Yes. It is rated at a full strength of 4 out of 5. The blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers from Jalapa and Estelí, combined with the concentrated draw of the figurado taper, delivers a substantial nicotine presence. It is not overwhelming, but it commands respect and is best suited for experienced smokers.
What does Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado taste like?
The flavor profile evolves significantly across three thirds. The first third opens with white pepper, espresso, and roasted almond. The second third transitions to dark chocolate, leather, toasted oak, and a subtle dried cherry note, with a creamy texture. The final third tightens into dark roast coffee, bittersweet cocoa nibs, seasoned leather, and a return of black pepper for structure. A gentle sweetness from the Ecuadorian wrapper integrates throughout.
How long does Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of 90 to 100 minutes. This is a deliberate, unhurried cigar that rewards a slow pace to fully experience the evolution of flavors, particularly in the second third. Rushing will compromise the complexity.
What is the best pairing for Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado?
Aged rum is the classic match — Ron Zacapa 23 or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva complement the chocolate and leather notes. Alternatively, a high-rye bourbon like Woodford Reserve Double Oaked or a 15-year Speyside Scotch such as Glenfarclas 15. For wine, a full-bodied Malbec from Mendoza or a Priorat Garnacha mirrors the cigar's dark fruit and earthy minerality. For a non-alcoholic option, a double ristretto from a dark-roast single-origin Ethiopian or Sumatran bean, or a cold brew concentrate over ice, aligns with the cocoa and roasted almond profile.
Is Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado good for beginners?
No. This is not a beginner cigar. Its full strength (4/5), concentrated figurado draw, and complex flavor transitions require experience to fully appreciate. Beginners would be better served starting with milder vitolas, such as the Oliva Connecticut Reserve, before attempting this expression.
Where can I buy Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado?
It is available through major online cigar retailers such as Cigar.com, Famous Smoke Shop, and JR Cigar, as well as at premium brick-and-mortar tobacconists with well-stocked Oliva selections. Due to its prestige tier and consistent demand, availability may fluctuate; checking multiple authorized retailers is recommended.
What is the price of Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado?
The price ranges from $22 to $28 per cigar, depending on the retailer, box quantity (10 or 23), and any ongoing promotions. This positions it firmly in the prestige tier of the premium cigar market.
Is Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado worth aging?
Absolutely. The fillers are already aged a minimum of five years, but six to twelve additional months of box aging post-purchase yields notable improvements in integration and smoothness. The pepper will mellow further, and the chocolate and leather notes will deepen. It is a cigar that rewards patience.
What wrapper does Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado use?
The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Sun-Grown Sumatra leaf, cured to a Colorado Maduro shade. It is a rich mahogany brown with a silky, natural sheen and minimal veining. This wrapper contributes a gentle sweetness that integrates with the Nicaraguan filler core.
Where is Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado made?
It is hand-rolled at the Oliva family’s factory, Fábrica de Tabacos Oliva S.A., located in Jalapa, Nicaragua. The entire production — from wrapper to binder to filler — originates from Nicaraguan soil, making it a true Nicaraguan puro.