While certain publications have named the Oliva V Melanio cigar of the year, they aren’t exactly The Cigar Authority. So today we will look at a cigar that has shared the pages of bikini models and rolex watches.
According to the Oliva website, “The Oliva Serie V Melanio is hand rolled using expertly fermented ligero fillers, leaves known for their robust and rich flavor. Five years in the making, this special cigar is sure to exceed a premium cigar smoker’s highest expectations.”
Cigar: Oliva V Melanio
Size: 5 x 52 (Robusto)
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium
Source: Two Guys Smoke Shop
The Look: The Sumatra wrapper of the Oliva V Melanio has some caramel tones to it and some brindle effects to it with some visible veins. The cigar is seamlessly rolled and features the classic Oliva V band with a secondary one denoting Melanio. The box pressed cigar is firm to the touch and feels silky under the fingers.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Melanio reminds me of rhubarb and pastry dough while the aroma off the foot is earthy with some sweetness to it. Once the cigar is lit there is some black pepper through the nose and on the palate which slowly fades away as we enter the first third of the cigar.
As the pepper subsides some notes of leather develop that aren’t overpowering and in its subtleties it is enjoyable relaxing. Once you look past the leather there is an underlying sweetness that serves up chocolate and hints of caramel.
In the second third of the smoke, the caramel notes become the focal point of the experience as the leather takes the backseat to some developing notes of coffee that eventually over takes the caramel on this very smooth and complex cigar.
The last third sees the leather notes come back with a compliment of sweetness that mimics the caramel notes experienced earlier in the cigar. The finish is moderate in length, though the last third of the cigar is less complex.
The Burn: The Oliva V Melanio is a slow burning cigar though there I found the draw to be a little loose despite the cigar feeling well packed before it was lit. The firm light ash held on til the removal of the secondary band and dropped one more time when I removed the primary band.
The Finish: The first two-thirds of the Oliva V Melanio were iconic in my opinion though the flavors dropped off considerably in the last third of the smoke. Overall, the cigar is extremely enjoyable however I don’t feel that it is cigar of the year. I would however buy it again without a doubt.
Score: 90
Price: $10.19
Oliva Serie V Melanio
Oliva Serie V Melanio Foot
Oliva Serie V Melanio Burn
