Oliva

Serie V Melanio Edicion Ano 2023

First time with this Serie V Melanio offering from Oliva, so a more extensive comment. I do like the Serie V Melanio line, typically smoke one petit corona a week either Saturday or Sunday morning with a strong, black coffee. Right off the bat, the shape stands out. The traditional Melanio line is box pressed, this is a figurado and round. There are three bands, which is at least two too many in my book. Bands removed, tip trimmed and ignition. Never really sure how far to cut on the torpedos, figurados, so I always start small. The draw on this cigar is excellent. No further cuts necessary. This is a medium bodied cigar. Not a bad thing, the flavors are distinct, layered and pronounced. It is lighter than the standard box pressed Serie V Melanio. The Ecuadoran Sumatra wrapper throws off a chocolate note that persists throughout the cigar. Very pleasant, like a recurring bass line that runs in the background while the fillers riff. The bass line flavor creates a unified experience. Citrus note in the first third. The pepper picks up half way through, but it is not black pepper, more nuanced like a red pepper. Hit of cedar. Finale is coffee with a tinge of bitterness. Slightly stronger, but still in the medium range. Good burn, no touchups necessary. Solid construction, held the ash to about 1.5". Again, the draw is excellent. I picked up a box of 10 at a fairly substantial discount to standard retail. On the fence if I would pay full price for a box, but I would for a single or two. Best medium bodied cigar I've had for awhile.