JULY 14, 2022 - PHIL KURUT, COMEDY - CIGARS - MUSIC
OLIVA SERIE V MELANIO MADURO TORO (6 x 52)
WRAPPER: MEXICAN SAN ANDRÉS
BINDER: NICARAGUA
FILLER: NICARAGUA
Melanio has a nice beginning. Wood, earth, sweetness, nougat, and gentle spice flow through smoothly from an effortless draw.
Earth seems much more dominant on the retrohale, which also finds some mild coffee and very subtle nougat.
The finish opts for nougat, fruit, spice, and sweetened leather. Not sure why anyone needs a sweetened belt or wallet, but it works well here.
Wood, nougat, fruit, and spice drift from the foot smoke.
If I had to narrow Melanio down to one word, “smooth” comes to mind, and as we progress, it begins to get smoother. Each note slowly blends into the next while still distinguishing itself first.
Wood pushes through, adding coffee and a floral note to its crew. All still smooth as butter, but I’m not detecting any butter. That last bit might confuse some people, but not my readers. They’re smart. I think. Anyway.
Earth and leather take up the front of the retrohale while dark chocolate picks up the rear, and it also lingers on the finish, joined by coffee grounds and a hint of spice at the back of the tongue.
To this point the burn has been maintenance-free, and the smoke output is blinding. There might be a ‘70s or ‘80s classic rock reference somewhere in there. Maybe disco.
Melanio’s journey slows to an end with dark chocolate, earth, coffee, and a bit of sweetness.
Earth, mild citrus, and chocolate flow through my nostrils. Coffee and dark chocolate make up the majority of the finish. When I allow some extra time between draws, sweet tobacco blankets my palate. Very nice. That was in Borat’s voice.
SMOKE TIME: 1 hr. 26 mins.
RATING: 3.25 / 4 - Smooth.