The Venerable Bolivar PC, MAR 08

[buster]

Well, I'm not much of cigar reviewer, and I'm not really sure this is going to be one, merely a recounting of my experience. I do love the reviews here, both for entertainment and informational purposes as well. Taken on their own, it doesn't necessarily tell you how you would like a particular marque or vitola, but in the context of the person's other reviews and how their tastes compare to yours, it is a helpful data point. I'd like to write some up if I could be more organized and it didn't feel like "work".

Now that it is late August in New England, we are starting to get those "pre-Autumn" days, when it drops to the 40's or 50's F overnight and the days are clear, dry, slight breeze, and barely reach into the 70's. Today was one of those days, and we are dog sitting for an old-timer (14 yrs) weimaraner/chocolate lab mix so it was a great opportunity for a mid-morning walk and a stick. I keep an eclectic mix in the humi, concentrating (but not exclusively) on smaller gauge, and I reached for a Boli PC, a favorite that I have neglected for quite a few weeks. As I said, the dog, Chip, is old, so it is a rather leisurely stroll through a thickly forested neighborhood.

This cigar starts out quick right of the blocks with a medium-full strength and body and plenty of thick smoke from start to finish. Slight resistance on the draw (just right for me) and perfect burn all the way. First tastes are notes of cocoa, and I seem to taste something different on every draw, rotating from the cocoa to coffee to earthy leather to even notes of tea. The smoke was so full there were times when I could see it passing through shafts of light in the trees over thirty feet away. Getting back to the house, I stayed outside in an Adirondack chair, refusing to give up the Boli until the very end. The nub was strong and chocolately, but never hot: that's one of the things that amazed my about CC's when I started smoking them 2 years ago, that to me, they never seemed to get hot or tarry, even to the very end.

It was such a relaxing walk, one of those great "in the moment" experiences, and a really satisfying cigar. No, it was not a special occasion, nor a moment shared with good friends and camaraderie (although Chip is as fine an old pal as there is to hang with): there have been plenty of those and I'm sure there will be more. But for my money, it was a perfect cigar experience.

Since I mentioned earlier that reviews are more helpful in context, and since I haven't really done any, I'll mention what I do like to smoke. PC's are one of my favorite vitola, preferring Boli, Sig II, Punch PC, Dip 4's and Montie 4's. Big fan of the Trini Reyes and RASSC (although my last order of RASSC has been mezza mezza, might be a humidity issue or sick period, jury is still out). New favorite is SCdlH El Principe, what a great little appetizer; I tasted citrus towards the end of my last one. Moving up in size, I'm a Boli CE fan, as well as Boli Inmensas, Hoyo des Dieux, Upmann Mag 46, Sig III and IV, RASS, and Trini T. If I had to pick two sticks to last me forever, I would go with Party SdC 3 and Cohiba CE.

Also, since I don't post regularly, let me say a big "thanks" to our hosts the Czar crew for top notch service and this wonderful outlet, as well as the mods and fellow forum members. FOH is a satisfying part of my day... not quite as satisfying as a good smoke, but it may even enhance those.

Cheers,

Rick

[Colt45]

Rick, thanks for the great review - one of my faves (I've a cab in storage I should consider getting to). And it was a great day today -

I spent most of the day along the waterfront in Boston

[bolivr]

Top review! Thanks for taking us along

[dizedean]

Great Review.

Love them Boli PC's.

Thanks Chippy for the walk.

DSS

[MontrealRon]

A real pleasure reading your review, Rick.

Thanks!!!

[micha]

Great review, Rick! It almost read like a nice short story and I could imagine being there. Please do us a favour and write some more reviews!

I never had a Boli PC but it just went on my list.

Thanks for sharing!

[nonameno]

Hi Rick,

Wonderful review that just painted a picture in my mind's eye; very enjoyable. I have not yet tried any Boli's, but your review sure whets my appetite for giving one a try.

Thank you for sharing,

Curtiss

[redlir]

Good stuff. I picked up my frist box of Boli PC's this week. What an eye opening cigar. My box is from Sep 09 so still fairly young, but definitely packed with flavor! Medium to medium/full right out of the gates. Earthy, spicey with hints of coffee of cocoa. I love this cigar since it smokes well so young!

[bassman]

Working on a FEB 08 cab. Great smokes- strong & earthy. IMHO, much better than my previous cab from 06. DBs from MAR 09 are also killer. My favorite PC.