The Oliva Serie V Melanio is named after the founder of the Oliva family. It won Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year in 2014, which is a bit like winning Best Picture — it means a lot of people agreed it was great, but some contrarian will always tell you it’s overrated. Let’s see which camp we fall into.
First Third
It opens smooth — almost suspiciously smooth for a cigar billed as full-bodied. The Habano Sun Grown wrapper delivers notes of cedar, cream, and a gentle black pepper that builds gradually. The draw is excellent, the burn is even, and the ash is bright white and holds for over an inch. There’s a sweetness here that reminds me of toasted bread, which is more pleasant than it sounds.
Second Third
This is where the Melanio shines. The creaminess deepens, the cedar turns to a more complex woodiness, and the pepper becomes a warm spice rather than a sharp bite. Notes of coffee and a subtle nuttiness join the party. The balance is remarkable — it’s full-flavored without being aggressive, complex without being confused. The construction remains perfect.
Final Third
The flavors concentrate. The cream and coffee combine into something like a well-made latte, the pepper returns for a final appearance, and there’s a leather note that wasn’t there before. The strength builds but never overwhelms. The finish is long and satisfying, with a lingering sweetness that makes you want to light another one.
The Verdict
The Oliva Serie V Melanio earned its Cigar of the Year. It’s not the most complex cigar on the market, but it executes its profile with such precision and balance that it doesn’t need to be. The construction is flawless, the flavor progression is smooth, and the price point makes it one of the best value premium cigars available. This is a cigar that makes you understand why people get into cigars.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
