Cigar Review: Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado
Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado - 2014 #1 Cigar Of The Year
- Strength: ●●●●● Full
- Size: 6 1/2 x 52
- Wrapper: Ecuadoran Sumatra
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaraguan
- Origin: Nicaragua
- Shape: Figurado
- Rating: 98
Introduction
This will be my last review of the cigars that are included in the "Cigar Aficionado #1 Cigars of the Year Sampler." All these cigars have been really great so far, so I am pretty sad I am on the last one! The final cigar I am smoking out of the sampler is the Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado, awarded Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado in 2014. With the Oliva name beginning all the way back to the late 1800s, it's no surprise that all of Oliva's cigars share that rich history and have made it one of the highest-rated cigar lines in the industry. It is also one of the first cigar brands I have ever smoked, so it holds a special place in my heart.
At first glance, this cigar is unique. The tapered ends with the Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper pair perfectly with the red and gold double bands. The aroma is strong, with a combination of both chocolate and leather.
Things have been a little hectic for me in the past few weeks. I have gotten a new job, school has started for the kiddo, and we've gone away for the end of summer vacations, but now I am settled in and ready for things to get back to normal. I am excited that Fall seems to be creeping up in Pennsylvania. Temperatures have dropped significantly, and now every store is flooded with Halloween decorations….and yes, I do enjoy all things pumpkin spice (no judgment)! I am pairing my smoke with my favorite, you guessed it; coffee (not pumpkin btw). I have recently started drinking a medium roast that is both coffee & chicory. If you haven't tried it, it's delicious!
First Half
For the first half of my smoke, I am getting creamy milder flavors such as bread and chocolate. It is smooth and makes this beautiful 70-degree weather outside even better. I recently purchased a new patio set for my deck, so I am enjoying the comfort and quiet this afternoon. This, however, didn't last long as my son (who's 8 btw) runs out on the deck and wants to play with his newly purchased water balloons. Cigar and water balloons don't seem like a great combo, so I quickly rescheduled the water balloons for later in the day. There is some sweetness emerging before my second half begins.
Second Half
The second half of my smoke, the flavors changed dramatically. The cigar goes from mild to medium in strength with pepper notes increasing and quite a bit of cedar. The cigar is still so creamy, and the flavor profiles change throughout, with also there being coffee and nutty flavors. I feel like the flavors dance all over the place and change quite often. I really enjoyed the second halfway more than the first, to be honest. The pepper picks up quite a bit towards the finish of my hour and fifteen-minute smoke time. It leaves me wanting to be more honest!
Burn/Draw
The draw was a little tight, but nothing I couldn't manage. The burn was surprisingly even, with only me having to touch up one time. There was lots of smoke with pleasant aromas.
Final
Overall, I can see why this cigar scored the way it did. The cigar's unique appearance pairs perfectly well with its excellent flavor profiles. I would hands down smoke this cigar every day. It is well worth its price tag, and I highly recommend it.
About the writer Jamie Stevens
Jamie Stevens is a cigar enthusiast who has contributed both as an influencer and reviewer for close to ten years. She lives in historic York, Pennsylvania, where she works for her local government as a leader involved with the coalition on homelessness. When not working, she enjoys outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, etc.) and spending time with her family. She appreciates all kinds of cigars, from mild-bodied all the way to stronger full-bodied cigars. She enjoys both the higher-end sticks and the ones on the more affordable side. You can find her on Instagram as Cigareyes717, where she has over 16.5 followers!
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