The Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro Double Toro smokes like a box-pressed flavor bomb with its dark 6x60 frame. This Nicaraguan puro comes 10 to a box at around $17 per stick, wrapped in that signature oily San Andrés Maduro leaf that darkens to near-black after proper humidor time. First thing you'll notice? That perfect box-press shape holds firm without any soft spots - a testament to Oliva's legendary rolling skills.
Cold draw gives espresso beans and dark chocolate. Initial light brings charred cedar notes with black pepper that hits the back of the throat. Smoke production stays medium - not a chimney, but satisfying mouthfuls. Ash holds strong for 1.5" before first tap.
Sweetness emerges as the pepper mellows - think molasses-dipped walnuts. Retrohale reveals a hidden cinnamon kick. Burn stays razor-sharp despite the 60 ring gauge. Body ramps up to full territory here, nicotine lovers take note.
Leather and roasted coffee dominate as the maduro wrapper fully engages. Last inch gets earthy with damp soil undertones. About 90 minutes total smoke time if you nub it - though the tar buildup might have you quitting 15 minutes early.
That dark wrapper comes from Mexico's San Andrés Valley - minimum 2-year fermented. The guts combine Jalapa's sweet leaves with Estelí's spicy ligero, all rolled using the "Entubado" method in Oliva's Esteli factory. Pro tip: Let these rest 6+ months to mellow the initial pepper blast.
