When you step into Tinder Box, the first thing I want to do is point you in the right direction. Today, let’s talk Oliva — one of Nicaragua’s most respected cigar makers. Their cigars are crafted in Estelí, Nicaragua, and have earned a strong reputation for bold blends, consistency, and premium quality. Two of their most talked-about cigars are the Oliva Serie V and the Oliva Serie V Melanio.
Both are favorites here in the store, but the question is: which one is the best fit for you?
About the Oliva Serie V
The Oliva Serie V is a Nicaraguan powerhouse. It’s rolled with a sun-grown Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and all-Nicaraguan ligero fillers. This cigar is famous for its full-bodied strength and smooth balance.
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Sizes available: Robusto, Double Robusto, Churchill, Double Toro, Belicoso, Torpedo
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Price range: Around $11–$13 per cigar depending on size
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Flavor profile: Rich coffee, dark chocolate, leather, and spice. Strong but refined.
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Look: Dark and oily wrapper with a clean box-press finish.
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Experience: Best for seasoned smokers who enjoy bold cigars with long finishes.
This is one of those cigars that hits hard with flavor but never loses smoothness. A great choice if you want intensity without harshness.
About the Oliva Serie V Melanio
Now, the Oliva Serie V Melanio is the more luxurious sibling. Handcrafted in Estelí as well, this cigar uses a Sumatra-seed wrapper grown in Ecuador, paired with Nicaraguan fillers from Oliva’s family farms. It was released as a Gran Reserva Limitada (Limited Edition), and quickly gained worldwide recognition — even earning Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year.
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Sizes available: Robusto, Toro, Churchill, Figurado, Torpedo
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Price range: Around $14–$17 per cigar depending on size
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Flavor profile: Creamy cocoa, toasted wood, caramel sweetness, balanced spice.
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Look: Beautiful box-pressed shape, lighter wrapper compared to the Serie V.
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Experience: Medium-to-full body, smoother, more refined, excellent for slow smoking.
Because it’s a limited edition line, the Melanio feels even more special. It’s crafted in smaller quantities and offers an elevated smoking experience you won’t find in every humidor.
Side-by-Side Comparison
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Strength: Serie V is full-bodied and bolder; Melanio is medium-to-full, smoother
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Wrapper: Serie V uses Nicaraguan Habano; Melanio uses Ecuadorian Sumatra.
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Price: Serie V is more affordable; Melanio is a premium upgrade.
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Flavor: Serie V brings spice, espresso, and earthiness; Melanio leans toward sweet cocoa, caramel, and cream.
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Edition: Serie V is a core line; Melanio is a Gran Reserva Limitada release.
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Best for: Serie V fits those who love intensity and strength. Melanio is for those who want balance, refinement, and a top-tier smoking experience.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re new to the world of stronger cigars and want to experience Oliva’s full-bodied profile, go with the Oliva Serie V. It gives you boldness at a better price point.
But if you’re ready to step into something more special, the Oliva Serie V Melanio is worth every dollar. As a limited edition, it’s refined, award-winning, and a cigar that elevates your smoking experience.
Find Them at Tinder Box
You can find both cigars at our Tinder Box store and online at TinderBox.com. Whether you’re looking for a cigar sampler, exclusive tobacco, or even the right humidor packs to keep them fresh, we’ve got you covered. If you’re nearby, stop into one of our Tinder Box locations like our Haverford shop, and we’ll walk you through every option in person.
Both the Oliva Serie V and the Oliva Serie V Melanio deserve a spot in your humidor. The real question is: do you want strength, or do you want sophistication? Either way, you’ll leave happy.
