The Oliva Serie V “Melanio” was awarded Cigar of the Year in 2014 with a stunning 96 rating. This is the original cigar that the Melanio was based on. It also goes by the name “Oliva Liga Especiale.”
The blend features aged Nicaraguan long-fillers from a number of locations (Condega, Esteli, and Jalapa). Instead of the Melanio’s Sumatra wrapper, this original stick features a Nicaraguan Sun Grown Habano wrapper. The taste is fantastic: coffee, spice, and a hint of dark chocolate that helps underpin a world-class flavor profile. It’s also quite strong. Sun grown wrappers have soaked up a ton of sun, and as a result, the leaves are healthy and thick. Don’t sleep on the original blend!
That reminds us: this blend tends to be overshadowed by the Melanio, but it’s truly a shame. The Serie V original cigar isn’t just a great smoke – it’s been earning 94 ratings for over a decade (2007, but also 2019). That kind of consistency is quite special. Not every company can keep a particular line on top for that long, especially when other versions are in the spotlight and demand so much attention and care. The Olivas, however, have never left the original Serie V “Liga Especiale” behind. If the Melanio didn’t exist, this would probably be the one we all raved about. It’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to this line, really.
Please browse our selection of Oliva Serie V cigars at your leisure.
