Olivia Serie V Melanio Cigar is a highly regarded premium cigar known for its rich flavors and exceptional craftsmanship. Along with being one of the most sought after new Nicaraguan cigars, it is very affordable when found in stock. Here’s a review of the cigar along with some tasting notes and suggested pairings:
Cigar Overview:
- Brand: Olivia
- Line: Serie V Melanio
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Filler: Nicaraguan
- Strength: Full-bodied
- Size: Various sizes available (e.g., Robusto, Churchill, Torpedo)
Appearance and Construction: The Olivia Serie V Melanio cigar showcases excellent construction and a visually appealing appearance. The Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper is often smooth, oily, and has a reddish-brown hue. The cigar is well-packed, with a firm but not overly tight feel.
Pre-Lighting: Before lighting the cigar, take note of the aromas present in the wrapper and foot. The Serie V Melanio often presents a combination of earthiness, cedar, and a hint of sweetness. The pre-light draw is usually effortless with a mild resistance, providing a glimpse of the flavors to come.
Flavor Profile:
- First Third: Upon lighting, the Olivia Serie V Melanio greets you with a burst of flavor. Notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and black pepper are often prominent in the initial stages. The earthiness from the Nicaraguan tobacco provides a solid foundation to the profile. There might also be a subtle sweetness, reminiscent of dried fruit or caramel.
- Second Third: As you progress into the second third, the flavors become more complex and nuanced. The dark chocolate and espresso notes remain, but you may start to notice additional elements such as leather, oak, and a touch of spice. The balance between the flavors is generally well-maintained, with the richness of the tobacco shining through.
- Final Third: In the final third, the cigar often intensifies in strength and flavor. The dark chocolate becomes darker and more pronounced, accompanied by a deep roasted coffee flavor. The spices become more robust, delivering a satisfying kick to the palate. The earthiness and occasional hints of sweetness persist until the end.
Pairings: To enhance your Olivia Serie V Melanio experience, consider pairing it with the following:
- Single Malt Scotch: A rich and peaty single malt Scotch whisky can complement the robust flavors of the cigar, especially ones with notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, and spice.
- Bourbon: A full-bodied bourbon with caramel, vanilla, and oak notes can provide a delightful contrast to the cigar’s flavors while maintaining a harmonious balance.
- Dark Roast Coffee: Opt for a dark roast coffee with bold flavors, such as French roast or espresso. The coffee’s bitterness and roasted notes can enhance the earthiness and dark chocolate flavors in the cigar.
- Port Wine: A good-quality port wine, particularly a tawny or vintage variety, can offer a luscious sweetness and fruity undertones that pair well with the cigar’s occasional hints of sweetness and dried fruit notes.
Remember, personal taste preferences may vary, so feel free to experiment with different pairings to find your perfect combination.
Overall, the Olivia Serie V Melanio is a superb cigar that delivers a complex and enjoyable smoking experience. Its rich flavors, impeccable construction, and excellent balance make it a favorite among cigar enthusiasts seeking a full-bodied and indulgent smoke. One of the best budget cigars and smokes similar to a Padron anniversary series for less than half the price tag. In recent memory, the Melanio is the smoothest Nicaraguan cigar out of the box.
Buy the Olivia Serie V Melanio here!
