Oliva Serie V Melanio JR 50th Anniversary

Oliva Cigar Co.

• Country of Origin: Nicaragua
• Factory: Tabacalera Oliva de Nicaragua S.A.
• Wrapper: Ecuador (Sumatra)
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Length: 6 Inches
• Ring Gauge: 50
• Vitola: Toro
• MSRP: $15 (Box of 10, $127.50)
• Release Date: Sept. 15, 2021
• Number of Cigars Released: Undisclosed
• Original Score: 91

At the 2012 IPCPR Convention & Trade Show, Oliva launched the Serie V Melanio line, and in our top 25 for that year, placed fifth on the list. Nine years later, the U.S. finally got the elusive round version of Serie V Melanio in the form of an exclusive release made to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of JR Cigar. Since its release in 2012, I can’t remember a Serie V Melanio that I didn’t enjoy, and the Oliva Serie V Melanio JR 50th Anniversary definitely lives up to the line.

With a profile that leads with woody, earthy, spice notes, it might not be the most nuanced cigar on our list, but what it does deliver is well-rounded and enjoyable. Some minor construction issues factored into the cigar not reaching the heights of its forefather on our list, but overall hitting 21st on the list is nothing to scoff at. If you’re a fan of the Serie V Melanio blend and a rounded version intrigues you, don’t hesitate in picking some up to try for yourself. As of now, they’re still in stock at JR Cigar, but the Oliva Serie V Melanio JR 50th Anniversary is a limited edition that presumably won’t be around forever. — Brian Burt.