Oliva Serie V Melanio Figurado 6 1/2″ x 54

Melanio is named for Melanio Oliva, who began growing tobacco in Cuba in 1886. It is the top of the Oliva range, and the Figurado took Cigar Aficionado’s number one spot in 2014.

An Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper covers Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan Jalapa filler, medium to full in body. Expect cedar and cinnamon early, coffee and caramel once it opens, and nutmeg on the finish. At 6 1/2 by 54, it starts narrow and opens up, so the first inch smokes differently from the rest.

Sumatra seed leaf, now grown mostly in Ecuador rather than Indonesia, is the quiet workhorse of the wrapper world: earthy and faintly sweet, with far less pepper than a Habano.

Pairs well with bourbon, espresso, or porter.