Don Fernando’s cigarblog

This Bolivar is the thinnest regional edition so far and is made for the German market. It has a ring of 38 and is 192 millimeter long. The wrapper is light brown and somewhat rough with a few veins. The cigar has a typical Cuban aroma. The construction feels quite firm what is causing a bit hard predraw that gives me a mild peppery flavor.

The first flavor I get is a full flavored typical Cuban leather flavor with a hint of pepper. The fullness of the flavor decreases a bit but there comes a herbal flavor in return.

Midway the leather is the dominant flavor again but that’s only the case for a short time, then it’s back to herbal time again with some nuts on the background. Near the end the cigar becomes a bit spicier and the nut flavor gains a bit in power.

I get enough smoke, but the smoke is quite thin. The draw is a bit hard and the ash is firm but dark colored. The burn is straight, no complaints in that department. I would call the cigar, at this stage of its development medium bodied and flavored.

Would I buy this cigar again? Yes, but then I will rest them for a few years.
Appearance: 7 / 10
Construction: 7 / 10
Draw: 7 / 10
Smoke & ash: 7 / 10
Burn: 8 / 10
Aroma (first part) 7 / 10

This year the Benelux (Belgium Netherlands Luxemburg) got 2 Regional Editions, the Bolivar Fabulosos and the Punch Royal, a 5.5 x 50 cigar with a light wrapper with some minor veins. The predraw is just fine and gives me a flavor of raisin and pepper. The construction feels good and the cigar has a nice hay & barnyard aroma.

I taste full dry wood flavor combined with full dry leather, a bit harsh even. After a centimeter I taste a grassy flavor, a sign that this cigar is too young to smoke. I can also taste a mild chocolate. The strength and power of the flavors have gone from their initial full flavor to mild.

After a third I can just taste the mild chocolate with dry grass and something harsh & bitter. Halfway the cigar is getting ashy and the bitter harshness stays noticeable.

The last third gives me a nut flavor and ash. The nut is very nice but gets ruined by the disgusting flavor of the ash.

I get a lot of smoke from this cigar, lots and thick. The burn is just fine and the frayed light colored ash is quite firm.

Would I buy this cigar again? Yes, a few singles and then let them age for a few years. They definitely need some more rest

Appearance: 8 / 10
Construction: 7 / 10
Draw: 7 / 10
Smoke & ash: 7 / 10
Burn: 8 / 10
Aroma (first part) 6 / 10
Aroma (middle part) 6 / 10
Aroma (last part) 5 / 10