Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado: Nicaragua's Most Perfect Smoke
Named after patriarch Melanio Oliva, this figurado represents four generations of tobacco expertise distilled into a single, flawless cigar. The construction alone deserves a standing ovation.
In a family that has been growing tobacco since 1886, naming a cigar after the founding patriarch is not done lightly. The Oliva Serie V Melanio is the Oliva family's tribute to Melanio Oliva himself, and it carries the weight of that legacy with remarkable grace. This is the cigar that the community recommends more than perhaps any other in the $14 range, and after smoking our way through a box, we understand exactly why.
The Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper is gorgeous—a rich, reddish-brown with an oily sheen that catches the light like polished mahogany. Pre-light aromas of freshly baked bread, cocoa, and sweet cedar set the stage for what's to come. The figurado shape isn't just aesthetic—it concentrates the smoke, delivering a more intense experience with every draw.
The first third opens with layers of cocoa, pepper, and an unmistakable creaminess. There's a nuttiness here—roasted cashews—that provides a bridge between the sweet and savory elements. The draw through the tapered head is absolutely perfect, and the smoke production is extraordinary. Within minutes, you're enveloped in a cloud that smells like a high-end chocolate shop.
The second third introduces freshly baked bread, unsweetened cocoa, and an intensifying peppery spice that dances with a creamy sweetness. Cedar emerges as a structural element, providing backbone to the softer flavors. The burn remains flawless—Oliva's quality control is among the best in the industry, and it shows.
The final third delivers cedar, earth, espresso, and a bold yet balanced finish that never turns bitter or harsh. The peppery cream on the retrohale is addictive, with a sweet, almost floral Sumatra wrapper note that persists long after the cigar is done. This is a cigar that consistently delivers an A+ experience from first light to final nub.
At roughly $14 per stick, the Melanio Figurado sits in the sweet spot between everyday smoke and special occasion indulgence. It's both, really—and your humidor deserves a permanent allocation.
