Meet the Oliva Serie V Melanio No.4 - a 4½" x 46 box-pressed petit corona packing Nicaraguan power in compact form. This $97/box stogie wears its Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper like a tailored suit, hiding aged Jalapa ligero leaves that punch way above their size class. Dubbed "The Short King" among boutique cigar enthusiasts, it's perfect when you want full-flavored satisfaction in under an hour.
The cold draw serves black pepper and dried fruit. Initial puffs deliver espresso bitterness balanced by walnut sweetness. Thick smoke coats the palate - think dark chocolate shavings mixed with cedar pencil shavings. Retrohale brings white pepper tickle without harshness.
Leather tones emerge as the core shifts to baking spices. Cinnamon stick meets roasted almond, with occasional whispers of maple syrup. Burn stays razor-sharp despite the box-pressed shape. Smoke output remains generous, filling medium-sized rooms effectively.
Nicaraguan earthiness takes center stage - damp soil and mineral notes beneath lingering cocoa. The last inch introduces creamy cashew butter texture. Watch for nicotine buildup around the 50-minute mark; pair with sweetened black coffee to counterbalance.
The triple-cap finish shows Oliva's rolling expertise. Wrapper exhibits slight toothiness under direct light. Perfect draw resistance - not too airy, not plug-prone. Ash holds firm in 1-inch segments. Box-pressed edges help prevent canoeing, though rotate periodically for even burn.
