This will be done according to the old SMOKE magazine style of reviewing.
0.0 - 2.0 = poor/inferior quality
2.1 - 2.9 = fair
3.0 - 3.5 = good
3.5 - 4.5 = excellent
4.6 - 5.0 = superior

1) Aesthetics: Beautiful chocolate wrapper hugs this nicely boxed pressed stick. The bands set it off nicely, making this a magnificent presentation. Light veins, but nothing that detracts in anyway.

Score for aesthetics: 5

2) Pre-light Construction: Firm from head to foot, this appears to have flawless construction. After the cut, the draw seems perfect, something that box-pressing a cigar can often constrict.

Score for Pre-light construction: 4.8

3) Post-light Construction/How it smoked: As I thought this draws nicely. The ash is a nice even grey and hangs tenaciously for a good inch +, being coaxed off rather begrudgingly. I had a nice cool smoke down the nub.

Score for post-light construction: 4.9

4) Flavor and strength: Right from the start I got some cocoa and coffee with a bit of spice. Dancing upon my palate was a symphony of flavors, crescendo-ing and softening, highlighting different things as it progressed. While there were other flavors present, I wasn’t smoking this to review it, so I didn’t pay attention to it in that manner as I might have. I was simply impressed that I was enjoying it so much. Oliva Vs are probably my favorite stick, but this was… more… That’s all I can say. It was never harsh or overbearing. I cannot comment on the nic hit, for I am not affected by it. However, the flavors were rich and full.

Score for flavor and strength: 5

5) Aftertaste/Finish: Light cocoa and spice lingered upon my palate for a bit, not heavy or light, just nice.

Score for aftertaste: 4.6

6) Aroma: I loved the room note – dark, sweet, and rich. That is the best way to describe it.
Score for aroma: 4.9

7) General Comments: I got two of these, and while I only smoked one, I know that I need to get some more of them. Too bad that I am not in the position financially to get a box of them or I would. I have had a box or two in my “cart” at a couple retailers, only to walk away because I just shouldn’t. This is a cigar where I believe the price (at $7-$8 a stick) is incredibly fair.

Overall score for the cigar: 4.85

8) Recommendation: This is one of the few cigars that I would label “Highly Recommended,” and I do so without hesitation.
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Completely agree with this review! I would say this is my favorite Melanio size! Nice review.
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Thanks for the review, I've had the torpedo I might try to pick up a PC now
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Would not know if it is my favorite size, it is the only one that I have had.

I guess I would like to try some of the other sizes as well. However, this size was great.
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Great review of the best new nc cigar this year!
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Never had this size. The Lancero is my favorite tho, which I imagine would be similar in RG.
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They don't make a lance, but wish they would :-)
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Great Review, Todd! :-) Sounds Like An Awesome Stick!:-) Were These ROTT?
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Nice review -- thank you
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:-)
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Good Lord another Oliva I now have to try. I might as well just buy them their own humi :-)
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I had the Melanio figurado tonight. Fantastic! So good, I bought a box of 10.
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Nicely done Todd!
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Just had my first one this past weekend it was very tasty.
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i love oliva v,
must try this melanio stick...
thanks for your review
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Thank you for the review, I love the Chuchill size fo the Melanio line.
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I'm opposite of that. There's very few Olivas I've enjoyed so I was surprised with this one.
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I've only really enjoyed the O and V Series from Oliva, but the ones I do enjoy are VERY good.
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Guess you still don't have a digital camera huh?:-):-)

Thanks for the review on the Oliva V PC Todd. Sounds like a winner. I'm in the same financial boat too. Just saving my money over the next 4 months at this point in time.

Looks like a box of 10 goes for $67 to $79 depending on whom you purchase from...
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Todd,

I've been crazy busy with work and just now saw this. Thanks for posting a review, glad you enjoyed it. I just sent you a PM. Get back to me when you can. :-)

Ian
National Sales Manager
Oliva Cigar Co.
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