BrandonP
Cigar King Scottsdale
For the first time in 5 years, Oliva released a completely new product to the market in the form of the Oliva Serie V Melanio. Named after the founder and patriarch of the family, Melanio Oliva, the Serie V Melanio has been in the works for years. And while this carries the Serie V namesake, this is much different than its predecessor. The Serie V has always used Olivas most aged tobaccos and this is no different in that regard but the blend itself is definitely different. The wrapper is an Ecuadoran Sumatra with the filler tobaccos focusing on tobaccos from the Jalapa region of Nicaragua. Jalapa tobaccos are known for being more balanced with less strength then tobaccos from the Esteli and Condega growing regions. The result is a sweeter blend without the full bodied strength of the original Serie V. Oliva has said this will be limited production but not limited edition, which means it will be continually made but not in large quantities. 5 sizes are made in the line and the robusto will be what is smoked for the review today.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Cigars
Size: Robusto 5 x 52
Wrapper: Ecuadoran Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium
Flavor: Full
Cost: $9.50/stick or $89.95/box of 10
Appearance: The Sumatra wrapper on the Oliva Serie V Melanio looks and feels silky smooth. A reddish-brown color with no major veins and a fairly sharp box-press make this cigar stand out and look beautiful. There are 2 bands that adorn the Melanio, the top band looks just like the original Serie V band with the only difference being the words Gran Reserva Limitada. The secondary band states simple Melanio Gran Reserva Limitada.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Cigars
Pre-light Aroma: The wrapper smells slightly floral with a heavy leather aroma. The foot isnt as pronounced in terms of aroma but does show a different profile, with a musky earth and sweet chocolate dominating with hints of herbs mingling in. The pre-light draw provides more of the herb like flavors with a very slight spice lingering on the lips. The draw itself is loose and easy with the size in this box-press Oliva Series V Melanio fitting nicely in the mouth.
The Oliva Serie V Melanio starts off like I would expect a Sumatra wrapped cigar, with a floral like sweetness with a heavy earth component. The red pepper spice on the backend is a nice addition to the flavor profile, not overpowering but able to complement the overall profile nicely. There is plenty of smoke with each puff, a thick white cloud of rich flavors and wonderful aroma. The burn line through the first third was even and the ash was able to stay strong for almost an inch. The start to this Oliva brought high hopes for the last 3-4 inches.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Cigars
The transition to the second third on the Oliva Serie V Melanio came on abruptly with a big change to the flavor profile. The sweet earth flavors all but disappeared and a salted cashew flavor became the dominant profile. The red pepper became stronger through the nose and heavy on the backend with a lingering dark chocolate flavor as the aftertaste. The strength picked up to a medium-full through this third, still not as strong as the original Serie V but with more heavy flavors on the palate.
The final third of the Oliva Serie V Melanio does a nice job of finishing a wonderful experience. The flavors stay strong and plentiful, with the herb like flavors I initially smelled coming on and pairing well with the salted cashew flavor. The finish still held onto the sweet dark chocolate flavor and the spice was definitely apparent in the throat area. Is this similar to the original Serie V? In some very small ways yes but the Jalapa tobaccos create a much more complex and nuanced smoking experience. Dont let the price tag scare you, this is the best that Oliva has ever made which says a lot considering the success of the original Serie V. Oliva makes great cigars from top to bottom, but this is easily the crown jewel in their already strong lineup.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Cigars
Cigar King Staff Quotes:
Josh- Oliva has always made great cigars but this one really upped the ante.
Mitchel- The Oliva family has a long and proud history in this business. This is a wonderful celebration of that heritage.
Joe- The Serie V is one of my go-to cigars so I wasnt sure if this would live up to it. It does, and in a BIG way!
Oliva Serie V Melanio Cigars
Size: Robusto 5 x 52
Wrapper: Ecuadoran Sumatra
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium
Flavor: Full
Cost: $9.50/stick or $89.95/box of 10
Appearance: The Sumatra wrapper on the Oliva Serie V Melanio looks and feels silky smooth. A reddish-brown color with no major veins and a fairly sharp box-press make this cigar stand out and look beautiful. There are 2 bands that adorn the Melanio, the top band looks just like the original Serie V band with the only difference being the words Gran Reserva Limitada. The secondary band states simple Melanio Gran Reserva Limitada.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Cigars
Pre-light Aroma: The wrapper smells slightly floral with a heavy leather aroma. The foot isnt as pronounced in terms of aroma but does show a different profile, with a musky earth and sweet chocolate dominating with hints of herbs mingling in. The pre-light draw provides more of the herb like flavors with a very slight spice lingering on the lips. The draw itself is loose and easy with the size in this box-press Oliva Series V Melanio fitting nicely in the mouth.
The Oliva Serie V Melanio starts off like I would expect a Sumatra wrapped cigar, with a floral like sweetness with a heavy earth component. The red pepper spice on the backend is a nice addition to the flavor profile, not overpowering but able to complement the overall profile nicely. There is plenty of smoke with each puff, a thick white cloud of rich flavors and wonderful aroma. The burn line through the first third was even and the ash was able to stay strong for almost an inch. The start to this Oliva brought high hopes for the last 3-4 inches.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Cigars
The transition to the second third on the Oliva Serie V Melanio came on abruptly with a big change to the flavor profile. The sweet earth flavors all but disappeared and a salted cashew flavor became the dominant profile. The red pepper became stronger through the nose and heavy on the backend with a lingering dark chocolate flavor as the aftertaste. The strength picked up to a medium-full through this third, still not as strong as the original Serie V but with more heavy flavors on the palate.
The final third of the Oliva Serie V Melanio does a nice job of finishing a wonderful experience. The flavors stay strong and plentiful, with the herb like flavors I initially smelled coming on and pairing well with the salted cashew flavor. The finish still held onto the sweet dark chocolate flavor and the spice was definitely apparent in the throat area. Is this similar to the original Serie V? In some very small ways yes but the Jalapa tobaccos create a much more complex and nuanced smoking experience. Dont let the price tag scare you, this is the best that Oliva has ever made which says a lot considering the success of the original Serie V. Oliva makes great cigars from top to bottom, but this is easily the crown jewel in their already strong lineup.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Cigars
Cigar King Staff Quotes:
Josh- Oliva has always made great cigars but this one really upped the ante.
Mitchel- The Oliva family has a long and proud history in this business. This is a wonderful celebration of that heritage.
Joe- The Serie V is one of my go-to cigars so I wasnt sure if this would live up to it. It does, and in a BIG way!
The Melanio is a fantastic smoke.
