Oliva Serie V Melanio Robusto

The Melanio is the cigar Marcus hands to anyone walking in for the first time and asking 'where do I start.' Sumatra wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, Nicaraguan filler from the Oliva family farm in Jalapa. Medium-Full strength but soft on the draw — the Sumatra wrapper carries the strength through without aggression.

Toasted bread, cedar, dark cherry, a finish of dried orange. Burn is 55–70 minutes. A $12 cigar that smokes against $20 cigars, which is why it's been on the Briarwood shelf since 2013.