Oliva Serie V Melanio Limitada Diadema
π Brand: Oliva
π Line: Serie V Melanio Limitada
π Size: Diadema CRA (6 3/4" Γ 48)
π Weight: 14.9 g
π Age: 3 years
π Origin: Nicaragua
β βTasting Notes
Dark Chocolate β Rich and smooth core
Cedar β Elegant woodiness throughout
Black Pepper β Controlled spice on the retrohale
Dried Fruit β Sweetness developing through the middle
First Impressions
The Diadema is an impressive-looking cigar with a flawless Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and an elegant tapered shape. It feels perfectly constructed in hand. Pre-light aroma reveals cocoa, cedar, raisins, and pepper. The cold draw is spot-on, offering ideal resistance and immediate sweetness.
Smoking Experience
First Third β Opens rich and smooth with dark chocolate, cedar, and restrained black pepper. The draw is excellent and the burn line razor sharp.
Second Third β Dried fruit notes emerge, adding complexity and sweetness while the cigar remains balanced and refined.
Final Third β The cigar continues to deliver depth and richness, though there are occasional moments of slight bitterness that interrupt the otherwise polished experience.
Pairings
Alcohol β Madeira Malmsey 15 Year Old Blandyβs (Portugal) - Rich caramel, dried fruit, and nutty sweetness beautifully complement the cigarβs chocolate and dried fruit profile.
Tea β Kenyan Purple Tea from Nandi Highlands - Unique berry-like sweetness and light tannins add freshness and contrast to the cigarβs richness.
Music Pairing
βLife During Wartimeβ β Talking Heads
Sharp, energetic, and layered, matching the cigarβs evolving character.
Final Thoughts
Oliva Serie V Melanio Limitada Diadema is a beautifully made cigar with rich chocolate, cedar, and dried fruit notes, offering excellent complexity and balance. Only brief moments of bitterness stop it from being truly flawless.
Final Score: 9/10
Why not a 10?
Occasional flashes of bitterness slightly disrupted an otherwise exceptional smoking experience.
Only cigars that deliver flawless draw, balance, flavour evolution, construction and satisfaction get a 10.