Smoking the Oliva Serie V Melanio 2025 Robusto at a wedding in Lebanon

Have a Cigar: Oliva Serie V Melanio Edición Año 2025

Name: Oliva Serie V Melanio Limited Edition 2025 Robusto Extra
Country: Nicaragua
Shape: Parejo
Size: Robusto Extra (5 inches x 54)
Strength: Full

A full-bodied, powerful cigar that produces thick, creamy smoke. It reminds us why the Figurado once won Cigar Aficionado‘s Cigar of the Year title. It’s built masterfully. It’s so well-constructed and so well-balanced that I had to make an effort to find weaknesses, and I couldn’t find any.

I paired it with a 12-year-old Scotch, and it kept me company for two beautiful hours.

I’d love to smoke more of these and keep a few sticks in my humidor. So, maybe that’s what I’ll do.

Review of the single varietal Grenache wine of Domaine Wardy

Lebanese Wines: Domaine Wardy Grenache 2019

Name: Domaine Wardy Grenache 2019
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Grenache
Year: 2019
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: 2026

A medium-bodied red wine with balanced tannins. It is a fairly friendly bottle that pairs nicely with red meat, pasta, and all sorts of cheeses. Expect notes of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, and cherry) and subtle citrusy and peppery hints. It’s very “drinkable” and suitable for casual gatherings like barbecues and birthday parties.

Review of the Lebanese Wine called Latourba Litaj

Lebanese Wines: Latourba Litaj Private Selection 2017

Name: Latourba Litaj Private Selection 2017
Type: Red Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
Year: 2017
Country: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley
Date Consumed: January 4, 2026

A full-bodied dry red with fairly strong tannins. Litaj is a top-shelf wine by Latourba and one of those bottles you pair with moments you’d like to remember. It also pairs nicely, of course, with red meat and strong cheeses.

I got notes of red fruits, black fruits, cocoa, black pepper, and tobacco, and tiny hints of mint and green capsicum here and there.

Overall, I think it is an excellent blend, and I wouldn’t mind drinking more of it.