I try to smoke at least one cigar a day, as it is part of my “calming” routine. Sometimes that smoke is on the way to a meeting, getting on a video conference or after a long and exhausting day of being me. If you know me or follow my social media, then you know exactly how much truth there is in the statement of “being me”. It’s a lot. It is now my favorite time of year, and my favorite time to smoke a cigar outside. If you have read my previous reviews, you probably know by now that I am not a fan of the hot weather. So, when the seasons start to change from fall to winter, I relish it with the joy of someone who understands it is time for a dark, full bodied, maduro cigar outside in the crisp fall breeze or the light chill of our Hill Country winters. It truly is, for me, a time that makes me think, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Chrsitmas.”
I was introduced to this cigar a little over four years ago. During that time, it has solidified itself as one of six maduros that I’ll smoke during this short season. In 2021 a cigar from this series, but a different size (6.5 x 52, Torpedo), won 2021 Cigar of the Year. In my opinion the flavors of the two cigars are pretty much identical. I choose the Toro instead of the Torpedo as I am not the biggest fan of the torpedo shape. It is my preference and nothing more.
The Serie V Melanio Maduro is made by the Oliva Cigar Company that was founded in 1886 in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba. This cigar is made from a blend of Nicaraguan Sun Grown tobacco in the Jalapa region of the country. It is then wrapped in a Mexican Maduro leaf from the lush San Andres Valley. This unique cigar is sure to satisfy the highest expectations of Maduro cigar smokers.
Wrapper – Mexico
Binder – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaragua
Size – 6×52 Toro
I will be pairing this cigar with a chilled glass of Anejo Clasico Puerto Rican Rum by Havana Club. Rum or coffee is my preferred drink with a dark maduro cigar. I grab my cigar from my big humidor; I take it outside to relax in the cool breeze (I think it’s the first of its kind so far this year) and sit in the sun in my backyard. I grab my small cigar punch, make my hole and turn down the flame on my torch. I rotate my cigar clockwise, then counterclockwise to ensure that the whole end is lit evenly and correctly. I approach this cigar with the excited expectations of a child opening presents on Christmas morning. Except, I know what I am going to get this year when I “unwrap” this cigar.
Once lit, I take a deep drag on this cigar, and the hit of a rich espresso flavor is unmistakable. It is immediately followed by a strong pepper taste, that is long lasting and prominent. As I start to get a little closer to the middle, more earthy tones like oak and cedar start to emerge and really bring the first third of this cigar to a wonderful balance.
In the middle of this cigar, the pepper starts to let up a little bit and is not so prominent. I notice the beginning of a very slight sweet aroma to form, but it doesn’t last long. However, the sweet creamy taste of chocolate and a hint of caramel are starting to emerge.
The last third of this cigar is a delicious smorgasbord of all of the flavors. The pepper starts to poke its spicy little head out, the espresso hits the tongue with a quick, but lasting punch as if to say, “hey, remember me?” The creamy chocolate espresso taste, with a hint of pepper is delivered in a nicely gift wrapped package down the chimney with love by Santa. It is topped with a delicious Christmas bow made of cedar and oak and the anticipation of smoking this ciagr is comparable to the anticipation we all got as kids on Christmas Eve as we eagerly awaited an early rising on Christmas Morning to unwrap all of the deliciousness that awaited us.
Pairs well with
Black Coffee
Espresso
Single Malt Scotch
Dark Rum
Lager
Red Wine – Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec
More from the TKG cellar: a maduro this well constructed deserves a proper sit-down. If you’re looking for another premium option in a similar league, our review of My Father The Judge covers one of the most acclaimed sticks on the market. Pair either one with something from Be It Resolved: A Whiskey Lover’s New Year.
