Cigar Review: Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto

Introduction & Background

Some cigars feel like strangers—mysterious, unfamiliar, even a bit intimidating. Others feel like old friends. The Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto belongs firmly to the second category. In the world of Nicaraguan tobacco, where boldness and power often steal the spotlight, the Melanio offers something subtler, steadier, and more comforting. At five inches by a 52 ring gauge, its box-pressed Robusto format is compact and approachable, a cigar that feels familiar in the hand the way a well-worn baseball glove fits snugly around the palm. The presentation is no less inviting. Against the toothy Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, the layered gold-and-burgundy bands lend a touch of elegance, while the wrapper itself carries highlighted veins that look natural and unpolished in the best sense—grainy, leathery, and classic. Even before striking a match, the Melanio signals that this is going to be a “comfort smoke,” one of those rare cigars that you know will fit just right.

Pre-Light Impressions

Bringing the cigar to the nose confirms that impression. The wrapper’s aroma is gentle, offering faint barnyard notes wrapped with subtle sweetness and just a trace of black licorice. At the foot, a surprising grape-like scent mingles with the existing tones, and these same impressions—licorice, grape, and barnyard—carry over seamlessly to the cold draw. It’s a delicate prelude, not overwhelming, but promising depth.

The tactile impression is equally striking. Unlike some wrappers that feel oily or rugged, this Sumatra leaf has a softness reminiscent of cotton sheets pulled tight over a pillow. It rests comfortably in the hand, natural and understated, a quiet contrast to the cigar’s decorated bands. And when fire is finally touched to the foot, the draw—true to the box-pressed promise—is flawless: both dense and airy, each puff a steady stream of smoke that delivers without effort.

First Third

The first third introduces itself with an immediate sense of balance. There is no harshness, no overpowering jolt of strength, which makes the cigar approachable even as a first smoke early in the day. Instead, flavors of roasted nuts and medium-bodied espresso step forward, setting the backbone for the journey ahead. The espresso isn’t bitter in a biting way, but more like a freshly pulled shot—rich, firm, and satisfying. The nuttiness, meanwhile, carries a creamy edge, creating a smooth interplay that grounds the palate without dulling it. On the retrohale, leather joins the ensemble, woven subtly into the mix, while a touch of baking spice gives the cigar a warming effect. Nothing screams for attention; instead, the flavors meld gracefully, creating a profile that is already nuanced and approachable.

Second Third

As the ash builds—sturdy and beautiful, clinging to the cigar in firm white stacks—the second third begins to take shape. Here the spice ticks upward slightly, noticeable as a tingling warmth on the tongue. The espresso deepens, bringing with it that peculiar “ghost sweetness” familiar to anyone who has sipped black coffee or unsweetened espresso. It isn’t sugar, but the suggestion of sweetness that emerges in the absence of it, a balancing echo of bitterness that rounds out the flavor. The nuttiness, meanwhile, begins to shift toward an earthier register, darkening the tone of the cigar and giving it more gravity.

Construction continues to shine throughout this stretch. The burn line remains true, the smoke output generous though not overly creamy, and the draw remains excellent. There is something about this format that allows a cigar to feel tightly constructed yet effortlessly open, and the Melanio exemplifies it.

Flavor-wise, the second third also offers a more dynamic rhythm. Rather than staying fixed on one dominant note, the cigar begins to deliver waves: leather gives way to nuttiness, which in turn reveals espresso rising from underneath. It is a steady interplay, each puff layered a little differently, and it keeps the palate engaged. This is where the Melanio shows its maturity—not by throwing new flavors at the smoker, but by weaving its core elements together in shifting combinations.

Final Third

By the time the cigar moves into the final third, the Robusto format makes its presence felt. Where a Toro might have lingered longer in each transition, the shorter length accelerates the pace, each puff consuming a larger portion of the whole and moving the story along with urgency. The strength steps up here as well. What began as mellow now becomes more commanding, the espresso note gaining pungency as the cherry draws closer to the lips. Yet the cigar never loses control. The flavors grow darker and fuller, but not harsh. Leather, earth, espresso, spice, and traces of nuttiness merge together into a cohesive stew—no longer distinct notes, but a unified flavor. It’s a culmination rather than a departure, the blending of everything the Melanio has been hinting at along the way.

The final puffs grow warmer, the smoke slightly more intense, but even here the cigar maintains composure. It is a testament to Oliva’s consistency, a trait that is too often overlooked in the cigar world. In many ways, Oliva may be one of the most underappreciated companies in the industry. While brands like Padron are celebrated for their unshakable quality, Oliva quietly matches that consistency. Not every cigar in their portfolio is a masterpiece, but their “floor” is remarkably high. Rarely will an Oliva disappoint, and some—like the Serie V Melanio—are more than just solid; they are exceptional.

Value, Accessibility, & Conclusion

Value only reinforces the point. Though the Melanio has earned high scores from publications like Cigar Aficionado, its pricing remains reasonable. On sites like CigarPage or CigarBid, it can often be found for a fraction of what other celebrated cigars demand. For many smokers, it could easily serve as an everyday cigar—one with enough refinement to satisfy seasoned palates and enough balance to welcome newcomers.

And perhaps that is the Melanio’s greatest strength. It highlights complexity, nuance, aged tobacco, and the signature Nicaraguan backbone without ever stepping into offensive or forceful territory. It teaches new smokers what premium tobacco can be while reminding experienced ones why they fell in love with cigars in the first place. Approachable, reliable, dynamic, and flavorful—the Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto isn’t just a comfort smoke. It’s a classic.

The Retrohale Score: A (93)

The Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto earns this mark for its harmony of flavor, impeccable construction, and accessible price point. It may not be the flashiest cigar on the shelf, but it is one of the most trustworthy and rewarding. Like the baseball glove metaphor I began with, it’s a cigar that always fits, always performs, and always invites you back for another game.