Terry Pomerantz invites us to discover Oliva cigars. He also shares his opinion on the best Oliva vitolas and provides an overview of their prices in Canada.
A Brief History of Oliva Cigars
Oliva cigars were created in Cuba, back in 1886, when the vegueros of Pinar del Rio harvested the first tobacco leaves from señor Melanio Oliva’s crop.
In the early 1960s, the change in political regime prompted Gilberto Oliva, Melanio’s grandson, to find a country where he could cultivate tobacco freely. The most important factors for this new country were that it had to offer optimal climatic conditions and soil quality, allowing him to recreate the taste of Cuban tobacco.
All of Gilberto’s research pointed to Nicaragua, a country in Central America.
In 2017, the Oliva and Vandermalere families combined their expertise to give the Oliva brand a second wind, now becoming increasingly dominant in both American and European markets.
Who Manufactures Oliva Cigars?
Oliva cigars are produced at the Tabolisa rolling facility of Oliva Cigar Co, located in the heart of the Estelí Valley in Nicaragua.
The Best Features of Oliva cigars
Terry Pomerantz appreciates Oliva cigars for their bitter aroma of pepper and soil. “I love Oliva cigars, particularly those from the Serie V Melanio, which are crafted from a blend of Nicaraguan tobacco wrapped in a Mexican Maduro wrapper.”
The Best Oliva Cigars
Terry Pomerantz presents some of the best Oliva cigars.
Oliva Serie V Melanio. In 2014, the Serie V Melanio cigar was awarded the title of “Best Cigar of the Year” by the prestigious specialized Cigar Aficionado magazine. The Melanio is a medium-bodied cigar with undertones of pepper, caramel and wood. This smooth cigar is made from a blend of Nicaraguan tobacco, wrapped in an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. The Serie V Melanio is available in Churchill, Gordo, Robusto, Toro, Torpedo and Petit Corona formats.
Olivia Serie V Melanio Edición Año. Each year, Oliva offers a limited edition of its award-winning Serie V Melanio trim. The impressive 2024 Edición Año of the Gran Toro is composed of aged Nicaraguan tobacco wrapped in an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. Its gentle yet rich smoke reveals flavours of pepper, cedar and leather.
Oliva Cigar Prices
Below is an approximation for Oliva cigar prices in Canada. These prices are subject to change based on variations in the Canadian dollar and various federal and provincial taxes.
- Oliva Black Swan Double Robusto: $ 8.50 (each)
- Oliva Serie G Belicoso: $13 (each)
- Oliva Serie V Melanio Churchill: $26.75 (each)
- Oliva Serie V Melanio Edición Año Gran Toro: $28.75 (each)
- Oliva Monticello Robusto: $28.75 (each)

Are Oliva Cigars Premium Cigars?
While not as prestigious as Romeo y Julieta or Cohiba, Terry Pomerantz considers Oliva a very good cigar. “Oliva cigars are meant for connoisseurs. They are probably a bit too strong, however, for those just beginning to enjoy cigars.”
Where to buy Oliva cigars?
You will find Oliva cigars at most specialized tobacco shops, in major Canadian cities.
In provinces and territories where laws and regulations on tobacco permit it, you can purchase Oliva cigars online through virtual tobacco shop websites.
A cigar enthusiast, Terry Pomerantz shares his expert advice on the different brands, types of cigars, and essential accessories to have. Immerse yourself in his recommendations to magnify your experience with each cigar, which you can enjoy in good company, an invitation to take the time to live each moment to the full.