Oliva Serie V Belicoso Cigar Review: My Pick of the V Series

Edgar H.
Jun 22
2 min read

I’ve smoked my fair share of Oliva Serie V cigars. The Melanio versions get a lot of hype — and don’t get me wrong, they’re solid smokes — but there’s one that stands above the rest for me, and that’s the Oliva Serie V Belicoso.

This thing is just dialed in. I prefer the torpedo shape over the box-press any day.

From the first light, you get that classic Oliva peppery burst, but it mellows out quickly into this rich, smooth stream of earth, cocoa, and espresso. The retrohale is where it really hits — sharp but balanced.

First 3rd: A bit peppery with a warm tone.

Second 3rd: A creamy espresso, and dried fruit flavor with nice thick smoke.

Final Third: A nice finish that is toasty, nutty and cocoa.

What I love most is that it develops really well as you smoke it. The Melanio line, especially the Maduro box-pressed ones, feel like they’re chasing a luxury vibe. But the Belicoso? It just is. Semi-Strong, flavorful, smooth, and gives you satisfaction. It’s got this tight draw that opens up just right once it warms up, and the smoke output is creamy and dense.

The shape helps too. That Belicoso torpedo tip focuses the flavors, giving you more intensity where it counts. Midway through the cigar, the spice fades a bit and a sweeter, almost dark fruit note creeps in. It’s not a sugary sweetness.

Burn line? Perfect and well rolled. I didn’t have to touch up once.

Listen, if you’ve tried the Serie V Melanio and thought “eh, this is feels like hype,” then grab a Serie V Belicoso. It’s the bolder, more flavorful, easier to enjoy cigar.

Once you try the Belicoso, you'd probably prioritize it over the Melanios.

Final Rating: 94/100

A near-perfect smoke. Flavorful, reliable, and just straight-up better than its Melanio cousins in my opinion.

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