2008 Bolivar Armonia China RE

[aes8]

I know these were only released to be sold at the Duty Free shops in Shanghai and Beijing. Has anybody been through those cities lately and seen any? Are they still available?

I'm going to HK this summer and I need to determine if I should plan on laying over or flying direct

Comments on flavor profile welcomed

[soltino]

There are definitely some still at the Beijing Duty Free, or there were last time I went through which was a month ago. There is a box on display which you would be horrified if you saw it... the cigars are totally ruined, cracked and split wrappers... basically 2 years of neglect in a climate that fluctuates between 20% and 90% humidity. A tragedy. I took a pic with my mobile as I was just so shocked, but unfortunately it didn't come out very well so I won't bother posting it.

I asked the assistant why they had allowed the cigars to reach such a state and he replied that this box was just for show, they had other boxes in storage. Even so, I would not expect them to be in great condition, and would inspect the smokes very thoroughly before any purchase.

Let us know if you do pick any up though, I'd be interested to know whether the boxes they have in 'storage' are any better than what they have on show... not that they could be any worse

[hsmunoz]

must have talked to the same guy I did. Those cigars on display in Shanghai were completely distroyed. They are around, but If I recall they were 8888 RMB. or some such rediculous price.

[El Presidente]

must have talked to the same guy I did. Those cigars on display in Shanghai were completely distroyed. They are around, but If I recall they were 8888 RMB. or some such rediculous price.

I have never tried one. The price has always astounded me.

[aes8]

I have never tried one. The price has always astounded me.

Yeah the price was 8888 RMB in boxes of 8 but only a production run of 2008 boxes which makes this one of the smaller production runs of RE since 2005. The 8's are all about feng shui or just considered a lucky number.

This was released in a tighter distribution channel and if I remember correctly this release was tied into the Olympics.

I was hoping to get some reviews as well.

Rob, how about a video review?

[El Presidente]

Rob, how about a video review?

Pretty tightly controlled by PCC in China. None have gone outside the region.

I am pretty sure our HK members may be able to give you a review.

[aes8]

Pretty tightly controlled by PCC in China. None have gone outside the region.

I am pretty sure our HK members may be able to give you a review.

Tightly controlled, forbidden fruit of China you suggest, hummmmm.

Looking forward to the reviews, how about it HK members? Aiz are you up to it?

I almost hope the reviews are not glowing given the price point, however I have a passion for rare, expensive, and high quality items that are made in China. (read Wifey )

Rob, You have already ruined me with you CGR review

[adic88]

Tightly controlled, forbidden fruit of China you suggest, hummmmm.

Looking forward to the reviews, how about it HK members? Aiz are you up to it?

I almost hope the reviews are not glowing given the price point, however I have a passion for rare, expensive, and high quality items that are made in China. (read Wifey )

Rob, You have already ruined me with you CGR review

I'm from China? Malaysia is a loooooong ways from China.

But if a stick of these suddenly fell in my lap, i'd be hard pressed to say no.

[aes8]

I'm from China? Malaysia is a loooooong ways from China.

But if a stick of these suddenly fell in my lap, i'd be hard pressed to say no.

Sorry, diddn't mean to imply you were from China, but just within the PCC sphere of influence and I know you like to do reviews. I spent some time in Spore in 2009 and I realize how far Malaysia is from China.

I'll work on scoring some sticks. Maybe a "Rob" style review, but no peeing off the patio allowed

[SethG]

There are definitely some still at the Beijing Duty Free, or there were last time I went through which was a month ago. There is a box on display which you would be horrified if you saw it... the cigars are totally ruined, cracked and split wrappers... basically 2 years of neglect in a climate that fluctuates between 20% and 90% humidity. A tragedy. I took a pic with my mobile as I was just so shocked, but unfortunately it didn't come out very well so I won't bother posting it.

I asked the assistant why they had allowed the cigars to reach such a state and he replied that this box was just for show, they had other boxes in storage. Even so, I would not expect them to be in great condition, and would inspect the smokes very thoroughly before any purchase.

Let us know if you do pick any up though, I'd be interested to know whether the boxes they have in 'storage' are any better than what they have on show... not that they could be any worse

I was in that duty free last month and nearly threw up in my mouth when I saw the prices. I actually did throw up a little when I saw the condition of the cigars! Travesty,

[Guest Robusto 107]

i have seen that in Shanghai. thats a piece of ****

[CIGARHead]

I've smoked two and have one left. The first one was a 'pre-release' from a very reliable person. The other 2 are the actual release.They are amazing, amazing cigars. Here is a brief review I had done on my computer:

Bolivar Armonias (Pre-release)

5/9/2008

Appearance: Beautiful chocolate wrapper with a nice sheen. Perfect construction.

Pre-Light: Clipped at an angle and it revealed a perfect draw. Pre-light flavors of roasted nuts, damp earth and tobacco.

1st third: Tons of Licorice with a citrus tang finish. I find with such a big cigar that if I take 2 back to back puffs, it reveals different flavors than the first. Some hints of cinnamon and chocolate when exhaled through the nose. This is medium bodied and very fragrant.

2nd third: Floral, wild honey, licorice and a bit of orange juice, which has evolved from a slight citrus flavor to pure Florida oranges. The next few puffs have reverted back to some of the classic damp earth and fuller body that I associate with Bolivar. There is a coolness to the smoke which is really refreshing. Almost like a citrus flavored ice cube on the finish.

Last third: Getting down to the last 2 inches and the cigar is slowly beginning to lose the licorice, but the orange flavors are deepening. It is building into a more full bodied cigar. The main elements now are of bitter chocolate and Gran Marnier, which I guess is what the citrus flavor has transformed into. A slight bitterness is apparent, but not a deterrent. Getting down to the nub and I’m thinking to myself that this cigar has been a kaleidoscope of flavors. I can’t help but imagine what the Bolivar Armonia will become once aged. Just an awesome and fulfilling, medium to full bodied cigar that actually has me “full”. It makes me want to skip dinner and head straight for the mint chocolate chip ice cream in the freezer!

Rated 95+++

I'm saving the last for New Years most likely. Are they worth the price? Who the hell knows! Right now, even as much as I liked them, I would not buy them at the prices they go for. Ridiculous.

[aes8]

I've smoked two and have one left. The first one was a 'pre-release' from a very reliable person. The other 2 are the actual release.They are amazing, amazing cigars. Here is a brief review I had done on my computer:

Bolivar Armonias (Pre-release)

5/9/2008

Appearance: Beautiful chocolate wrapper with a nice sheen. Perfect construction.

Pre-Light: Clipped at an angle and it revealed a perfect draw. Pre-light flavors of roasted nuts, damp earth and tobacco.

1st third: Tons of Licorice with a citrus tang finish. I find with such a big cigar that if I take 2 back to back puffs, it reveals different flavors than the first. Some hints of cinnamon and chocolate when exhaled through the nose. This is medium bodied and very fragrant.

2nd third: Floral, wild honey, licorice and a bit of orange juice, which has evolved from a slight citrus flavor to pure Florida oranges. The next few puffs have reverted back to some of the classic damp earth and fuller body that I associate with Bolivar. There is a coolness to the smoke which is really refreshing. Almost like a citrus flavored ice cube on the finish.

Last third: Getting down to the last 2 inches and the cigar is slowly beginning to lose the licorice, but the orange flavors are deepening. It is building into a more full bodied cigar. The main elements now are of bitter chocolate and Gran Marnier, which I guess is what the citrus flavor has transformed into. A slight bitterness is apparent, but not a deterrent. Getting down to the nub and I’m thinking to myself that this cigar has been a kaleidoscope of flavors. I can’t help but imagine what the Bolivar Armonia will become once aged. Just an awesome and fulfilling, medium to full bodied cigar that actually has me “full”. It makes me want to skip dinner and head straight for the mint chocolate chip ice cream in the freezer!

Rated 95+++

I'm saving the last for New Years most likely. Are they worth the price? Who the hell knows! Right now, even as much as I liked them, I would not buy them at the prices they go for. Ridiculous.

Great review, thanks.

Looks like I might have to swing for a box when I"m over there.

[cigcars]

must have talked to the same guy I did. Those cigars on display in Shanghai were completely distroyed. They are around, but If I recall they were 8888 RMB. or some such rediculous price.

*Uhm - how much is that in either Euros/Deutschmarks/British Pounds or better still - US Dollar...so I can get a fair idea of WHAT 8888 RMB's are!??

[Colt45]

*Uhm - how much is that in either Euros/Deutschmarks/British Pounds or better still - US Dollar...so I can get a fair idea of WHAT 8888 RMB's are!??

google currency converter

[adic88]

*Uhm - how much is that in either Euros/Deutschmarks/British Pounds or better still - US Dollar...so I can get a fair idea of WHAT 8888 RMB's are!??

Approx US1,340 per box.

[adic88]

Sorry, diddn't mean to imply you were from China, but just within the PCC sphere of influence and I know you like to do reviews. I spent some time in Spore in 2009 and I realize how far Malaysia is from China.

I'll work on scoring some sticks. Maybe a "Rob" style review, but no peeing off the patio allowed

I'll ask around, i have some good friends in low places.

But at US$1340 a box, it's a bit nuts. More expensive than Grand Reservas.

[cigcars]

Approx US1,340 per box.

*Thanks, Aizuddin

[adic88]

Found pictures of the box, thanks to Nino!

http://www.flyingcigar.de/flying_cigars/20..._betrachtet.php

Nino says that they are very Bolivar in flavour, but very young.

http://www.flyingcigar.de/smoking_cigars/2...away_smokes.php

[cigcars]

Found pictures of the box, thanks to Nino!

http://www.flyingcigar.de/flying_cigars/20..._betrachtet.php

Nino says that they are very Bolivar in flavour, but very young.

http://www.flyingcigar.de/smoking_cigars/2...away_smokes.php

*Again, thanks Aizuddin! And Happy Holidays!

[Guibou]

I have never tried one. The price has always astounded me.

You should have unless you gave them away......

[El Presidente]

You should have unless you gave them away......

Still in my Humi :-)

[kyee]

If Fatcigar is still online here, he could post some tasting notes.

I've seen that one in display at the Pudong airport in Shanghai. They do have other boxes in storage there, hopefully in well maintained conditions.

[strayvector]

I've smoked one and from what I can remember, it was a fantastic smoke. I can remember thinking that it was different from any other Salomones I've tried with a definite Bolivar profile, but sweeter. Seemed more like a well balanced cross between a BCG and a PSD4. Sweetness and slight spice of the PSD4 with the earthiness and smoothness of a well aged BCG.

[aes8]

So after all the great feedback and insightful comments from this thread I acquired two singles. With the wifey out of town visiting MIL I decided that it was now or never to head over to my old stomping grounds of Las Vegas and HERF with the boys.

I took a CGR and Bolivar Armonia to compare against each other. Each cigar was smoked on a different day.

This was my first experience with both cigars and let me just say that not only did the Boli NOT SUCK but I would take this Boli all day long over the CGR.

Btw, I am by no means a Boli shill as I really only care for the Gold Medal and PC.

Looks like I'll be trudging around in the basement of PVG this fall looking for some properly humidified boxes, if they exist.

Flame away