The Oliva Serie V Melanio Gran Reserva Limitada Robusto is a 5x52 box pressed cigar made in Tabolisa in Esteli, Nicaragua. The cigar has an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, Nicaraguan Jalapa Valley Habano tobacco. Let’s see what this offering from the storied brand has to offer.
First impressions: The cigar has the distinct box pressed shape and a light brown coloring reminiscent of a coffee with milk. The first puffs were milder than I was expecting. I detected baking spices, black pepper, and some salted cashews.
Halfway through: The salted cashews take the forefront. That flavor is delicately layered with a honey flavoring that works really well together. There is still some pepper and the occasional baking spices sitting underneath the main flavors.
The final third: The cigar starts to become very creamy. Underneath the creaminess you start to find coffee and chocolate flavors. It has flavor but it very mild for my taste.
Overall: A very good offering from Oliva. Has some interesting flavors and transitions but is just too mild for my liking. The cigar smokes quicker than expected but is very well constructed and requires no touch ups, with a beautiful burn line throughout.
Pass or Smoke? Definitely a smoke. If you enjoy mild to medium cigars, this will be a big winner for you. If you are like me, and like them strong, it has enough flavor to be worth trying a stick.
