Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado Cigar Review — Score & Tasting Notes

In a family that has been growing tobacco since 1886, naming a cigar after the founding patriarch is not done lightly. The Oliva Serie V Melanio is the Oliva family's tribute to Melanio Oliva himself, and it carries the weight of that legacy with remarkable grace. This is the cigar that the community recommends more than perhaps any other in the $14 range, and after smoking our way through a box, we understand exactly why.

The Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper is gorgeous—a rich, reddish-brown with an oily sheen that catches the light like polished mahogany. Pre-light aromas of freshly baked bread, cocoa, and sweet cedar set the stage for what's to come. The figurado shape isn't just aesthetic—it concentrates the smoke, delivering a more intense experience with every draw.

The first third opens with layers of cocoa, pepper, and an unmistakable creaminess. There's a nuttiness here—roasted cashews—that provides a bridge between the sweet and savory elements. The draw through the tapered head is absolutely perfect, and the smoke production is extraordinary. Within minutes, you're enveloped in a cloud that smells like a high-end chocolate shop.

The second third introduces freshly baked bread, unsweetened cocoa, and an intensifying peppery spice that dances with a creamy sweetness. Cedar emerges as a structural element, providing backbone to the softer flavors. The burn remains flawless—Oliva's quality control is among the best in the industry, and it shows.

The final third delivers cedar, earth, espresso, and a bold yet balanced finish that never turns bitter or harsh. The peppery cream on the retrohale is addictive, with a sweet, almost floral Sumatra wrapper note that persists long after the cigar is done. This is a cigar that consistently delivers an A+ experience from first light to final nub.

At roughly $14 per stick, the Melanio Figurado sits in the sweet spot between everyday smoke and special occasion indulgence. It's both, really—and your humidor deserves a permanent allocation.

The figurado shape isn't just aesthetics—it changes the smoking experience fundamentally. I tested the Melanio in both the Robusto and Figurado formats back to back, and the Figurado delivered noticeably more concentrated flavor through its tapered head, especially in the first third where the smaller ring gauge forces more wrapper influence. That Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper is the star of this blend, and the Figurado format gives it a bigger stage. It's the definitive way to experience this cigar.

In the $14 medium-full tier, the Melanio's primary competition is Liga Privada No. 9, which brings darker, earthier complexity, and Aganorsa Leaf Supreme Leaf, which offers Corojo-driven spice and limited-release cachet. The Melanio's advantage is consistency and approachability—it's the most universally enjoyed of the three. Below this tier, Perdomo Lot 23 at $8 offers an honest Nicaraguan experience at roughly half the price, making it the natural everyday complement to the Melanio's weekend indulgence.