Sorry for the delay in reviews but I have been out on holiday enjoying the sites of Rome, Italy. Now that I’m back in the States I want to tell you guys about the @Olivacigar #Vseries Melanio that I enjoyed some time ago. The cigar is a tribute to the man who originated the brand, Manlanio Oliva. It’s built from an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that encases a Nicaraguan binder and filler grown in the Jalapa region. The cigar immediately caught on like wildfire not just due to the popular brand name but also because of its 95 rating and full body yet creamy flavor profile.
Getting the cigar started was effortless as the pull through (ventilation) is clean and easy with a V-cut on the torpedo stick. The cigar introduced itself gently with a light milk chocolate “hello there” as you begin the burn. Coffee is a secondary note that I’m picking up. It’s subtle and could be a result of the milk chocolate mixing with the rich natural tobacco. The milk chocolate is short lived however and is replaced with a dry earthiness. This is where its full body and the full flavor become evident.
On top of the dry earthiness, layers of spice and pepper are mainstream now. The cigar is not just full flavored at this point but it’s bold with its profile combination. Despite the increase in intensity, it is done in a manner that doesn’t strain your throat. The smoke is full of aroma. The burn seems to remain pretty even around the cigar, no major waves, hot spots, or canoeing. The quality can be seen in every aspect of this cigar.
Typically in the final phase of a cigar, you will be ambushed with a outburst combination of various flavors. Surprisingly enough, the Oliva V remains smooth and consistent in flavors. The notes of Earth, Pepper, and Chocolate or Cocoa continues to flow. The highlight of this is that the cigar stays in its pocket….or ‘sweet spot’. It’s a full body cigar that focuses on flavor versus power or complexity. The Oliva series V is like a boxer that has incredible power but rather uses his/her consistency and stamina to catch their opponent off guard. It’s a top quality cigar.
