Name: Oliva Serie V Melanio Double Toro
Country: Nicaragua
Shape: Box-Pressed
Size: Double Toro (6 inches x 60)
Strength: Medium to Full

I remember smoking my first Melanio, and I remember it like it was yesterday. What a cigar! It really deserved its place in my Top 10 of 2022.

As for this one, the big and beautiful Oliva Serie V Melanio Double Toro, what can I say about it? It is as good as any Melanio I have ever smoked.

Even burn, great draw, creamy smoke, and a harmony of notes. It’s a masterpiece produced to be burned.

Moreover, as I was at Whisky Live Beirut when I was smoking it, I also got the chance to pair it with amazing whiskies: Teeling Blackpitts, Talisker and Mortlach from Diageo’s Special Releases, Super Nikka, and Chivas Extra 13 Tequila Cask Selection.

What more can a dilettante ask for?

Name: Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Décadas El Embargo
Country: Nicaragua
Shape: Parejo
Size: Gordo (6 inches x 60)
Strength: Medium to Full

A cigar on a Sunday evening to conclude a long week.
A big cigar for a big week.

It’s the first time I try the Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Décadas El Embargo, and now I like it very much. It’s bold, spicy, and complex. But we’re not dealing with the Gordian Knot here. Its complexity is ready to be deciphered.

I paired it with espresso and sparkling water. But if I hadn’t had arak with lunch, I would have gone with a good single malt. Maybe next time I will.

Name: Paradiso Papagayo XXL

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Parejo

Size: Toro Gigante (6 inches x 60)

Strength: Medium

How many Paradiso cigars have I smoked? Many. And honestly, even though some of my fellow aficionados consider them “entry-level” cigars, I just love them. All Paradiso cigars are great, especially the Quintessence and the Revelation lines.

And if I had to categorize them, I’d put them under the “everyday cigars” category. I’d light one when I’m starting the charcoal grill, or when I’m driving, or when I’m at the beach, or when I’m working on something… You know — when I’m doing everyday stuff. Not all cigars are made to be smoked on wedding days. Paradiso cigars are made to help us celebrate the small things. They’re made to give us a taste of paradise in between our day-to-day stuff.

Great price. Great burn. Great Taste.