Vitals
New World
Grown and blended outside Cuba — Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Ecuador and beyond. New World makers have redefined premium cigar-making with bold innovation and diverse microclimates.
Leaf Composition
Growing Region — Jalapa Valley
Nuanced, sweet leaf with fine texture; less body and spice than Estelí
High-altitude Nicaraguan valley prized for nuanced, sweeter leaf with less body than Estelí. Used by Oliva (Melanio), Padrón, My Father, and many boutique brands. The elevation and volcanic soils produce a distinct terroir impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Flavour Profile
producer baselineThe Brand
Founded by Gilberto Oliva Sr. in 1995. Family traces tobacco roots to Melanio Oliva who began growing in Cuba in 1886. Acquired by Belgian manufacturer J. Cortes in 2016.
Acquired by J. Cortes N.V.
Belgian cigar manufacturer J. Cortes N.V. acquires Oliva. The Oliva family remains involved in day-to-day operations and blending. Quality and production are maintained. Oliva becomes part of Europe's largest premium cigar group.
Melanio Figurado: CA #1 Cigar of the Year
The Serie V Melanio Figurado earns Cigar Aficionado's #1 Cigar of the Year with 96 points — the highest honour in the cigar world. A landmark for the Oliva family and for Nicaraguan tobacco.
Gilberto Oliva Sr. founds the brand in Nicaragua
Continuing the family legacy after the Cuban revolution displaced them, Gilberto Oliva Sr. establishes Tabacalera Oliva de Nicaragua S.A. in Estelí. He brings the family's deep Cuban tobacco expertise to Nicaraguan soil, developing the farms and factory.
Melanio Oliva begins growing tobacco in Cuba
Melanio Oliva starts his tobacco legacy in Cuba. His family would carry this heritage through revolution and exile, eventually building one of Nicaragua's greatest tobacco operations. The Melanio line of cigars is named in his honour.
Community Sessions
No sessions logged yet. Sign up and be the first.