Oliva Serie V Melanio Review

The Oliva Serie V Melanio is the cigar that made Oliva a name among serious smokers. Its Figurado size was Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year for 2014. This review checks the specifications, sets out the profile most smokers report and weighs its polish against its small quirks.

The Oliva Serie V Melanio at a glance

The Oliva family story begins in 1886, when Melanio Oliva started growing tobacco in Pinar del Río, Cuba. His grandson Gilberto Oliva Sr. left Cuba in 1964 and later settled in Nicaragua. In 1995 he and his son created a cigar, and the company soon became Oliva.

The original Serie V arrived in 2006. Then, in 2012, Oliva added the Melanio in honour of the family’s first grower. It uses a Sumatra-seed wrapper grown in Ecuador over a Nicaraguan binder and filler. The blend leans on tobacco from the Jalapa valley, which adds flavour without too much body. The Figurado measures 6 1/2 inches by a 52 ring gauge, or 165 mm. In 2014, Cigar Aficionado gave it 96 points and named it Cigar of the Year. Our Nicaraguan cigars guide explains the regions.

Construction and draw

The Figurado looks striking. Expect sharp, pressed corners, a curved head and a tapered foot. The dark wrapper is smooth and lightly oily, with only a few veins.

Most reports describe a straight burn and plenty of smoke. However, some smokers find the draw more open than they would like. In addition, the tapered foot needs careful toasting. Until the burn widens, the first puffs can feel thin.

First third

Expect a delicate but medium-bodied start. Most smokers report sweet cocoa, leather and a nutty, slightly salty note. A clear black pepper builds on the retrohale within a few puffs.

Second third

Next, the profile deepens. Leather and coffee lead, with caramel sweetness and a woody frame. Meanwhile, the pepper settles into a steady background warmth. This is the section that earned the cigar its praise.

Final third

Finally, the strength reaches medium-full. Espresso, dark wood and earth take over, while a little caramel remains. Most smokers note that the cigar stays smooth, although a fast pace can bring heat.

How it compares

The Padrón 1964 Anniversary Exclusivo is the classic Nicaraguan rival. It is denser and more cocoa-driven. By contrast, the Melanio is a touch creamier, with more leather and caramel.

The My Father Le Bijou 1922 is another pressed Nicaraguan award winner. It is spicier and stronger. The Melanio is the more rounded of the two. If figurado shapes are new to you, our guide to types of cigars explains them.

Smoking it in Malaysia

Pressed cigars with tapered ends can crack if humidity swings. Keep the Melanio at about 65–69% RH and below 24°C, and avoid moving it straight from a warm car into a cold room. Our cigar humidity guide shows how.

For pairing, its caramel and leather love an aged rum. A sherried whisky or a strong kopi-o also works well. Before lighting, check our guide on where to smoke cigars in Malaysia, because Act 852 bans smoking in many places.

Verdict

The Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado is a polished, rich Nicaraguan cigar. Its leather, coffee and caramel stay balanced, and its construction is strong. It deserves its reputation.

On the other hand, the draw can feel loose, and the tapered foot asks for patience. Its strength also rules it out as a first cigar. It suits experienced smokers who enjoy full flavour with finesse. As always, any cigar carries real health risks.