Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado

Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado is a difficult vitola to roll, but Oliva executes it flawlessly. The wrapper is a dark, oily Ecuadorian Sumatra leaf with almost no prominent veins. The triple cap is seamless. The cigar feels dense but not overpacked, with a consistent give. Pre-light draw reveals a perfect resistance and notes of sweet cocoa and barnyard.

Smell (Aroma)

The cold draw (unlit) offers a rich scent of raisins (fruity), dark chocolate, and cedar. Once lit, the room aroma is elegant, baking spices and sweet wood rather than harsh smoke.

Burn (Combustion) & Draw (Resistance)

• Burn: Incredibly even. The box-pressed shape and figurado tip can sometimes cause wobble, but this burned like a laser, requiring no touch-ups. The ash held on for two inches before dropping in solid white chunks.

• Draw: Perfectly dialed in. The tapered head focuses the smoke, providing a slight resistance (ideal for a figurado), which allows you to retrohale effortlessly.

Smoke Volume (4.5/5) Copious, thick, and silky. For a figurado, it produces far more smoke than a standard robusto. The smoke has a heavy, oily texture that coats the palate.

Taste & Strength

• Strength: Medium-Full. This is not a nicotine bomb, but it has serious presence. It will satisfy seasoned smokers without making beginners dizzy.

• Taste Profile: The star of the show. The first third is all pepper and wood, but by the second third, it transforms into a creamy, coffee-laced masterpiece. The finish is long and clean.

The Figurado shape adds complexity to the blend that the standard robusto lacks.

Final Score: 94/100 Recommendation: Buy a box when they go on sale. Let them rest for 30 days. You will not find a better medium-full cigar for the money.