Oliva Serie V Melanio Box-Pressed Nicaraguan Cigars
Celebrate a legacy of craftsmanship with the Oliva Serie V Melanio, a critically acclaimed box-pressed classic handcrafted at Tabacalera Oliva in EstelÃ, Nicaragua. Named for family patriarch Melanio Oliva, this blend combines expertly fermented Nicaraguan ligero fillers and a choice Nicaraguan binder beneath a silky Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, delivering medium-to-full intensity with exceptional smoothness and elegance.
- Honors tobacco pioneer Melanio Oliva’s heritage with meticulously aged tobaccos
- Box-pressed construction delivers even burn, cool temperature, and perfect draw
- Signature flavor journey: black pepper, toasted almond, cedar, creamy nougat, caramel, chocolate, earth, and subtle red pepper
- Creamy, composed finish with consistent nutty/leathery undertones
- Multiple award-winning sizes, including #1 Cigar of the Year (2014) and regular 90+ scores
- Available in a full lineup from Petit Corona to Double Toro and celebrated Figurado
- Pairs beautifully with rich coffee, aged rum, or bourbon
- Consistent construction—dense ash, straight burn, and ideal draw in every vitola
From first light, the Melanio serves sweet spice and roasted nut, quickly deepening into cedar, nougat, and cocoa. The middle third introduces caramel and bakery warmth, blending earthiness and coffee with gentle red pepper undertones. Each puff maintains the blend’s trademark smoothness, never overwhelming in strength but always offering complexity. The Natural’s Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper provides a touch of silkiness and lift, while construction remains exemplary with straight, even burns and a dense ash in each size.
The Serie V Melanio’s accolades—including #1 Cigar of the Year (2014, 96 points) from Cigar Aficionado—attest to its standing as one of the world’s premier premium cigars. From robusto to the elegant Figurado shape, each vitola is carefully tailored for balance, aroma, and a clean finish. Rich coffee, aged rum, or bourbon will highlight the blend’s sweet-spice interplay and creamy, nutty finish. The blend is approachable for intermediates yet layered enough to satisfy the most seasoned aficionado—making it a true special-occasion staple for the humidor.
| Vitola | Wrapper | Origin | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Figurado 6.5 x 52 | Ecuadorian Sumatra | Nicaragua | Medium–Full |
| Robusto 5 x 52 | Ecuadorian Sumatra | Nicaragua | Medium–Full |
| Double Toro 6 x 60 | Ecuadorian Sumatra | Nicaragua | Medium–Full |
| Torpedo 6.5 x 52 | Ecuadorian Sumatra | Nicaragua | Medium–Full |
Summary
- Box Count: 10
- Region: Nicaragua
- Strength: Medium to Full
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
- Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets the Oliva Serie V Melanio apart?
Its blend of expertly fermented Nicaraguan ligero filler, precise box-pressed construction, and Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper delivers a creamy, complex experience with award-winning balance and elegance.
How does the flavor evolve throughout the cigar?
It opens with sweet spice and nuts, develops notes of cedar, nougat, cocoa, and caramel in the middle, before deepening into earth, coffee, and red pepper in the final third.
What is the construction like?
The Melanio is known for consistent quality, featuring an even burn, dense ash, and a well-calibrated draw in every size.
How does the Natural differ from the Maduro version?
The Natural’s Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper emphasizes lift and smoothness, while the Maduro’s San Andrés wrapper offers darker sweets and deeper cocoa notes.
Which size best showcases the blend?
The Figurado and Torpedo emphasize nuanced aroma, while Toro and Robusto deliver a classic balance of flavor and burn time.
Is it approachable for newer smokers?
Yes, its smoothness and balance make it accessible for those building experience, while veterans will enjoy its complexity.
Why is this considered a special-occasion cigar?
With its layered flavors, exceptional construction, and critical acclaim, the Melanio is perfect for celebrations or unhurried enjoyment.
What are the recommended pairings?
Rich coffee, aged rum, and bourbon amplify the blend’s chocolate, caramel, and spice elements beautifully.


















Eddy (verified owner) –
I know everyone raves about Oliva series V cigars. I admit they are good, infact, very very good. But honest to god its not exceptional. I suppose if you put price into the equation, the value for money is tremendous. But it lacks something that I find hard to pinpoint. 4 stars from me.
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Justin White (verified owner) –
I don’t know whhat it is about this vitola specifically, but it seems to tone down the pepper of the robusto and just add some creaminess to the cigar. It’s very earthy and woody, and mor in the savory category than sweet. If I have a few hours to relax this is a good choice, and I find that Melanie’s, particularly the natural, age really really well, even for extended periods of time. They just seem to get better.
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thatamsyndrome (verified owner) –
if you want a great stick, grab the figurado. It’s a beautiful box pressed torpedo. Its a medium smoke, notes of baking spices and light leather. This stick really shines when paired with a low ABV bourbon or sour mash like Elmer T Lee, Weller 12, or Buffalo Trace. You can be adventurous and throw a Peerless at it too.
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Thiago A Ferreira (verified owner) –
Amazing full bodied from oliva. Construction perfect and flavorful
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brianjthorne (verified owner) –
Beautiful construction; clearly made by artisans. Nice, even burn with no touch-ups required. Medium bodied, with notes of graham cracker, vanilla bean, latte and earth.
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