Oliva · Serie V Melanio
New WorldExperienced smokersOliva Serie V Melanio Robusto
The Robusto from Oliva's award-winning Serie V Melanio — an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper over Jalapa tobacco, refined and box-pressed.
The short answer
The Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto is a richer, medium-to-full smoke — a Nicaragua robusto with a Ecuador Sumatra wrapper. Expect caramel, cedar, and espresso. Critics rate it 94/100.
Critic ratings
Cigar Aficionado
2016
94/100
Scores as published by each reviewer. Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings; we don't score cigars ourselves.
The verdict
The Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto is a richer, medium-to-full smoke from Oliva's Serie V Melanio line. It's a Nicaragua (New World) robusto wrapped in Ecuador Sumatra at 5 in × 52.
On the palate, expect caramel, cedar, and espresso, leaning sweet. Plan on roughly 60 minutes from light to nub.
It's well regarded: Cigar Aficionado rated it 94/100 in 2016. It pairs naturally with espresso, aged rum, and cognac. If you're newer to cigars, work up to this one rather than starting here.
The Serie V Melanio is Oliva's prestige blend, named for late patriarch Gilberto Oliva's father, Melanio. The line famously earned Cigar Aficionado's #1 Cigar of the Year in 2014, and the Robusto is the most approachable way to see what the fuss is about.
What it tastes like
Where the standard Serie V is full and punchy, the Melanio is more refined. A silky Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper sits over aged Jalapa Valley Nicaraguan tobacco, giving a medium-to-full smoke with peppery notes of caramel and wood and a distinct creaminess on the finish. It's complex without being heavy, and the box press makes for an effortless draw.
Who it's for
This is a cigar for someone who wants depth and polish in one stick — experienced enough to appreciate the layering, but not looking to get knocked over. If you're weighing it against the original, our note on Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars frames the style, and the cigar strength guide helps set expectations.
A cigar this good is worth tracking — log and rate it in your humidor with the Casa DNC app. If you want the same blend with more length, try the Serie V Melanio Toro.
Curious how it stacks up? See Cuban vs Nicaraguan cigars.
Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto — frequently asked
- Is the Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto a good cigar for beginners?
- Ease into it. The fuller body can be a lot for a first-timer, so it's better once you've built up a little tolerance.
- How strong is the Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto?
- The Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto is Medium-Full-bodied. Strength is about body and nicotine rather than flavor, so eat something first and take it slow if you're sensitive.
- What does the Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto taste like?
- Expect caramel, cedar, and espresso, leaning sweet. Tasting notes are a guide — your palate may pick up more or less.
- What is the Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto's rating?
- Published critic scores: Cigar Aficionado 94/100 (2016). Casa DNC aggregates third-party ratings and doesn't score cigars itself.
- What pairs well with the Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto?
- It pairs well with espresso, aged rum, and cognac. As a rule, match the drink's intensity to the cigar's medium-full body.
- How long does it take to smoke the Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto?
- Plan on about 60 minutes for the robusto — longer if you smoke slowly, which keeps it cool and tasting its best.
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Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto head-to-head
See how Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto stacks up against similar cigars — strength, flavor, and ratings.