Oliva Serie V Melanio: Nicaragua's Most Decorated Cigar
Five consecutive Cigar of the Year awards — we find out if the legend holds
Score Breakdown
The Oliva Serie V Melanio has won more Cigar of the Year awards than any other blend in history. After lighting one, it is not difficult to understand why.
The Oliva Serie V Melanio is a phenomenon. Named after Melanio Oliva — the patriarch who founded the family's tobacco legacy — this cigar has achieved a level of critical acclaim that is almost unprecedented in the premium cigar world.
The Wrapper
The Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper is a deep, oily colorado maduro with a beautiful reddish hue. The construction is immaculate — a hallmark of the Oliva family's Nicaraguan factories. The cigar feels dense and perfectly packed, with no soft spots.
First Third
The opening is immediately impressive. Rich notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and a distinctive Nicaraguan earthiness establish themselves within the first few puffs. The draw is perfect — effortless but with enough resistance to produce a thick, creamy smoke.
Second Third
The complexity builds dramatically in the middle third. Layers of leather, dried fruit, and a subtle sweetness emerge beneath the continuing chocolate and coffee base. A gentle black pepper spice develops on the retrohale — never harsh, always elegant.
Final Third
The final third delivers a masterclass in balance. The sweetness deepens, the chocolate becomes almost dessert-like, and the finish is extraordinarily long. The burn remains perfect throughout.
Score: 96/100
The Melanio earns every one of its accolades. It is a cigar that rewards patience and attention, delivering new nuances with every puff.
Tasting Notes
First Third
The opening is immediately impressive. Rich notes of dark chocolate and roasted coffee establish themselves within the first few puffs, underpinned by a distinctive Nicaraguan earthiness. The draw is effortless, producing a thick, creamy smoke that coats the palate beautifully.
Second Third
The complexity builds dramatically. Layers of leather and dried fruit emerge beneath the continuing chocolate and coffee base. A gentle black pepper spice develops on the retrohale — never harsh, always elegant. The burn remains razor-straight.
Final Third
The final third delivers a masterclass in balance. The sweetness deepens, the chocolate becomes almost dessert-like, and the finish is extraordinarily long. The burn remains perfect throughout — a testament to the quality of the tobacco and the skill of the Oliva rollers.
Pairing Recommendations
Glenfarclas 21 Year
The sherry-forward Speyside Scotch mirrors the Melanio's dried fruit and chocolate notes with remarkable harmony.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
The extra oak aging adds vanilla and caramel sweetness that complements the Melanio's dessert-like final third.
Nicaraguan Dark Roast Coffee
A single-origin Nicaraguan coffee amplifies the terroir connection and the cigar's natural coffee notes.
Final Verdict
The Oliva Serie V Melanio is the most consistently excellent Nicaraguan cigar in production. Five Cigar of the Year awards are not an accident — this blend delivers a transcendent experience at an accessible price point. It is the benchmark by which all other Nicaraguan full-bodied cigars are measured.
Expert Pro Tip
The Melanio benefits from a few months of additional aging in your humidor. Buy a box and smoke one immediately, then wait 90 days and smoke another — the difference will be remarkable.
Buying Guide
The Melanio retails for $12–$18 per stick depending on vitola and retailer. The Figurado (torpedo) shape is widely considered the finest expression of the blend. Buy from Famous Smoke or Cigars.com for the best prices.
Reviewed By
Marcus Ashford
Founder & Lead Reviewer
Marcus has been reviewing premium cigars for over 15 years. A former tobacco importer with deep connections in Cuba, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, he brings unparalleled expertise to every review. He has personally visited over 40 tobacco farms and rolling factories across the Americas.
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