№ 01
Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto
Five inches by 52 ring. Multiple-time Cigar of the Year contender. Around fourteen dollars.
On the wall
Oliva.
Estelí, NicaraguaEst. 1995Held at 70/70
The short version
Oliva is a Nicaraguan family-owned cigar maker known for award-winning blends at accessible prices. The Serie V Melanio Robusto was named Cigar Aficionado's #1 cigar of 2014. The Serie O is the value workhorse. The Connecticut Reserve is the mild option. All three sit on our shelf year-round.
Last updated · 2026-05-19
History
Where it comes from.
Oliva traces its tobacco roots to Cuba in 1886, where the Oliva family farmed tobacco for generations. After political upheaval, the family relocated production to Nicaragua in the early 1990s and built a vertically integrated operation. Oliva grows its own tobacco, manufactures its own cigars, and distributes globally.
The Serie V Melanio Robusto winning Cigar of the Year 2014 was a turning point. The cigar retailed at the time for around twelve dollars and was beating ninety-dollar competitors in blind tastings. The family business has stayed lean, the cigars have stayed available, and the prices have stayed reasonable.
What we carry
On the wall in Buford.
Stock rotates. Call ahead to confirm a specific vitola.
- Oliva Serie O Robusto and Toro.
- Oliva Serie V Robusto, Torpedo, and Belicoso.
- Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto and Figurado.
- Oliva Connecticut Reserve Robusto and Toro.
- Oliva Master Blends limited releases when available.
Flavor profile
Serie O drinks medium with earth, leather, and soft pepper. Serie V steps up to medium-full with espresso, cedar, and a peppery finish. Serie V Melanio is the showpiece: full-bodied, refined, with dark fruit, cocoa, and a long sweet finish. Connecticut Reserve is mild with cream and almond.
At the counter
$8 to $16 per stick. Among the best value-to-quality ratios in the premium category.
Who it is for
Oliva is for the smoker who wants serious flavor without serious money. The Serie V Melanio in particular is an example of how good a fifteen-dollar cigar can be. The Connecticut Reserve is a friendly entry point.
Three to try
Start with one of these.
№ 02
Oliva Serie V Belicoso
Six inches with a tapered head. Concentrates the Serie V profile beautifully. Around eleven dollars.
№ 03
Oliva Serie O Robusto
A mid-week workhorse. Around eight dollars.
The full Oliva shelf lives in Buford
Come pick one in person.
Every vitola above sits in the walk-in humidor, held at a steady 70/70. Tell us what you usually smoke and we will point you to the right Oliva.