Date Written: February 13, 2013
Oliva V Series Melanio Torpedo
Size: 6.5 x 52
Strength: Full
Flavor: Full and Complex
Blend Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper Origin: Ecuador
Initial Impression
This is a beautifully constructed cigar and sits perfectly in a 10 count Oliva box. It is box pressed which truly shows off the beauty of its wrapper that shows minimal veins. This beauty has a slight earthy scent with a hint of spice before it even meets a flame.
Draw & Burn
The initial draw includes a powerful hit of pepper and spice flavors. Right away you know this is a full complex flavored cigar. The draw is a little tight, but you don’t need to draw hard to get good smoke production. The ash is a solid off white that does not need removing until after two inches. The majority of the cigar has an even burn, but due to its shape it can burn uneven if you’re not attentive. With the overall shape a rectangle it can be somewhat difficult to hold and turn.
Flavor & Aroma
Shortly after the initial draw the flavors calm down and blend well together in the first and second thirds, adding in some subtle coffee and chocolate flavors. The spicy aroma exists throughout the cigar. The final third can become harsh depending on the size of your cut. Because this is a tornedo tar can build up quickly.
Final Impression
It’s important to note while this is a full strength cigar with complex flavors, it is not a harsh cigar to smoke. A friend of mine who predominantly smokes medium strength cigars smoked this without any problems. Often times with full strength cigars there is a “harshness” taste. This is a superbly smooth cigar.
After smoking this cigar twice I went and purchased two boxes to keep for long term. At $13 a stick these are smoked about once every two months or on special occasions. If you enjoy the Oliva line of cigars, the Melanio will not disappoint.