Oliva Cigars in Canada: Comparing the Serie V, Melanio, Serie O, Serie G, and Nub

Few cigar makers capture the balance between craftsmanship, consistency, and complexity like Oliva Cigar Company. Whether you’re drawn to full-bodied spice or smooth, creamy elegance, Oliva has a blend tailored for every palate.

At Smoke Master Cigars, we carry the complete range from the award-winning Oliva Serie V Melanio to the iconic Oliva Nub line, each offering a unique experience shaped by region, wrapper, and blend.

Below is a detailed guide to help you understand the differences between each Oliva cigar we carry, their tasting notes, construction, and why each belongs in your humidor.

Oliva Serie V Melanio: The Award-Winning Masterpiece

The Oliva Serie V Melanio stands at the top of the Oliva portfolio. This line gained worldwide fame when it was named Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar of the Year, and for good reason—it delivers precision craftsmanship, complex flavor transitions, and exceptional balance.

Wrapper, Binder, and Filler

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

• Binder: Nicaraguan

• Filler: Nicaraguan Jalapa Valley

The Ecuador Sumatra wrapper is the key here, it adds depth, aroma, and a distinctive toasted wood character that separates the Melanio from the original Serie V.

Flavor Profile

Expect refined woody, earthy, and oak-driven flavors. There’s a subtle creaminess on the draw and a natural sweetness on the finish. The complexity unfolds slowly, rewarding slow smoking with transitions of roasted nuts, cocoa, and light spice.

Shape and Craftsmanship

The Figurado shape, available alongside the 6x60 Gordo, is among the hardest vitolas to roll. Only the most skilled torcedores (rollers) at Oliva’s factory in Nicaragua are trusted with it. The tapered ends help concentrate smoke on the palate, intensifying flavor delivery.

Melanio Maduro Variation

For smokers who enjoy darker, sweeter tones, the Melanio Maduro swaps the Sumatra wrapper for a San Andrés Maduro leaf. This version amplifies richness with flavors of molasses, espresso, and dark chocolate, creating a dessert-like finish.

Ideal for: Experienced smokers seeking a luxury cigar that balances strength and sophistication.

Oliva Serie V: The Bold Original

Before the Melanio stole the spotlight, the Oliva Serie V redefined what a Nicaraguan powerhouse cigar could be. It’s a high-octane smoke known for richness, yet it remains remarkably smooth - a hallmark of Oliva’s blending precision.

Wrapper, Binder, and Filler

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

• Binder: Nicaraguan Jalapa

• Filler: Nicaraguan Ligero

The blend uses a higher-priming ligero leaf, which burns slower and produces more strength and flavor intensity.

Flavor Profile

The Serie V delivers earthy, leathery, and peppery notes, balanced by a creamy cocoa sweetness. The first half is bold, while the second half mellows into an elegant, espresso-like finish.

Construction and Ratings

This 95-rated cigar has earned praise from critics for its perfect draw and burn consistency. Despite its power, the smoke is never harsh—a result of Oliva’s extensive aging process.

Available in Robusto and Gordo formats, the Serie V is ideal for those who want strength with refinement.

Ideal for: Fans of full-bodied Nicaraguan cigars who appreciate smoothness over raw intensity.

Oliva Serie O: The Classic Nicaraguan Expression

The Oliva Serie O pays homage to Nicaragua’s rich growing regions, using tobacco from Estelí, Condega, and Jalapa to showcase how terroir influences flavor. It’s a medium-bodied masterpiece that captures the essence of Nicaraguan tobacco in its purest form.

Wrapper, Binder, and Filler

• Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano seed

• Binder: Nicaraguan

• Filler: Nicaraguan (Estelí, Condega, and Jalapa)

Unlike the Serie V, which relies on Ecuadorian wrappers for complexity, the Serie O keeps everything Nicaraguan—making it a true puro.

Flavor Profile

Balanced and medium-bodied, the Serie O offers notes of cocoa, cedar, and earth. There’s a natural sweetness throughout the smoke that pairs beautifully with coffee or bourbon.

It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a traditional flavor experience without overwhelming strength.

Ratings and Reputation

With a 94-point rating, the Serie O stands as one of the best value cigars in the Oliva lineup. Its approachable nature makes it a great introduction to Nicaraguan cigars.

Available in the 5.5 x 50 Robusto size, it’s ideal for a 45-minute session that delivers consistent flavor from start to finish.

Ideal for: Everyday smokers who value flavor clarity and balance.

Oliva Serie O Maduro: Rich, Sweet, and Full-Bodied

For those who prefer darker flavors, the Oliva Serie O Maduro transforms the classic Serie O blend by using a Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper. The result is a cigar that adds sweetness, spice, and richness without sacrificing the core Nicaraguan character.

Wrapper, Binder, and Filler

• Wrapper: San Andrés Maduro

• Binder: Nicaraguan

• Filler: Nicaraguan

Flavor Profile

This full-bodied cigar opens with espresso, dark chocolate, and spice, evolving into layers of molasses and roasted nuts. The Maduro wrapper adds natural sugars that balance the strength with smoothness.

Experience

At 5x50, it’s compact yet powerful, offering an intense flavor burst in a medium-length format. Every puff feels deliberate, with a creamy texture that builds toward a sweet, satisfying finish.

Ideal for: Maduro lovers and those who pair cigars with coffee, port, or dark rum.
Internal Link Opportunity: Link to Oliva Serie O Maduro Robusto product page.

Oliva Serie G: The Cameroon Classic

If you prefer a flavorful cigar that doesn’t overwhelm, the Oliva Serie G offers an elegant, aromatic profile wrapped in a Cameroon leaf—a rarity among Nicaraguan cigars.

Wrapper, Binder, and Filler

• Wrapper: African Cameroon

• Binder: Nicaraguan Habano

• Filler: Aged Nicaraguan

Cameroon wrappers are known for their thin, oily texture and slightly sweet, nutty character. When combined with Nicaraguan fillers, it creates a balanced experience that appeals to both novice and experienced smokers.

Flavor Profile

Expect notes of cedar, nuts, and spice, followed by a dry cocoa finish. The smoke is medium-bodied but complex, offering excellent flavor layering.

Available in 4 1/2 x 50 Robusto and 6x50 Toro, this cigar provides options for both short and extended smokes.

Why It’s Special

The Serie G was the third major release from Oliva and marked a turning point for the company—proving they could deliver quality and consistency across different wrapper types.

Ideal for: Smokers seeking a smooth, flavorful everyday cigar with medium strength.
Internal Link Opportunity: Link to Oliva Serie G Toro and Oliva Serie G Robusto products.

Oliva Nub: The Short, Thick Innovator

When Oliva launched the Nub, it broke every rule in cigar design. Instead of long, slender vitolas, the Nub delivers a short, thick format (around 4 inches in length with large ring gauges) designed to reach the “sweet spot” of a cigar immediately.

Construction Concept

Most cigars develop their best flavor at the one-third mark, once combustion and airflow reach equilibrium. The Nub starts right there, delivering full, balanced flavor from the first puff.

Wrapper Varieties

The Nub comes in three primary variations, each offering a distinct experience:

1. Nub Connecticut: Wrapped in a silky Connecticut leaf, this version is mild and creamy, with notes of cream, nuts, and light cedar. Ideal for morning smokes or new cigar enthusiasts.

2. Nub Cameroon: Featuring a Cameroon wrapper, it delivers medium to full-bodied flavor with spice, toast, and earth, a classic Nicaraguan profile in a compact form.

3. Nub Maduro: Covered in a dark Brazilian or San Andrés Maduro wrapper, it offers rich espresso, cocoa, and molasses notes for a satisfying evening smoke.

Smoking Experience

Despite their small size, Nub cigars burn slowly due to their girth. A 4x60 Nub can easily last as long as a 6-inch robusto, giving smokers a concentrated and leisurely experience.

Ideal for: Smokers who value convenience without sacrificing depth.

Comparing the Oliva Lines: Flavor and Strength Breakdown

This breakdown helps guide customers depending on their taste preferences and desired smoking duration.

Which Oliva Is Right for You?

• For the bold and adventurous: Choose the Oliva Serie V or Melanio. Both offer power with balance, making them ideal for after-dinner enjoyment.

• For everyday refinement: The Serie O delivers dependable flavor and smoothness.

• For sweet richness: The Serie O Maduro and Melanio Maduro bring dessert-like depth to the experience.

• For aromatic balance: The Serie G is perfect when you want a nuanced medium cigar.

• For short, flavorful sessions: The Nub gives you the full cigar experience without the long time commitment.

Each blend represents a distinct philosophy - strength, tradition, sweetness, aroma, or innovation. Yet all share the same DNA of Nicaraguan excellence.

Final Thoughts

Oliva’s portfolio is a testament to how one brand can master both consistency and creativity. From the precision-rolled Melanio Figurado to the revolutionary Nub, each cigar reflects generations of expertise and the rich volcanic soil of Nicaragua.

Whether you’re expanding your collection or exploring Oliva for the first time, these cigars deliver exceptional quality at every price point.

Explore the full Oliva Cigars Collection at Smoke Master Cigars and discover why this family-run company continues to define modern cigar craftsmanship.