Bolivar Gold Medal

[jerseyjay]

Additional Bolivar Gold Medal photography can be found at cigarphoto.net

It is time for another ‘forbidden fruit.’ This time we are photographing and smoking a La Casa del Habano release – Bolivar Gold Medal (2008 box). I call this specimen a ‘roller-coaster’ of cuban cigars. Its initial release was discontinued in 1992 but later resurfaced as an exclusive to Germany in 2004. Three years later, in 2007, it was reintroduced and made available via La Casa del Habano only to be discontinued once again in 2011. Perhaps we will see it again !

There aren’t that many cigars out on the market that can stand alone without the box packaging. Bolivar Gold Medal is one of those exceptions. Golden foil / La Casa del Habano band combination give this cuban cigar a striking christmas ornament look. Eye candy ! The cigar itself, visually, had an excellent construction. In fact, Gold Medal had much more elegant finish than highly praised and recently reviewed Cohiba Siglo VI. There were no visible veins nor seams. Exceptionally well rolled, with no soft spots and after clipping, perfect draw. In flavor department, initial experience presented hints of spice / black pepper and earthiness. Second/third thirds introduced an overwhelming amount of woodiness. The burn, although initially a bit wavy, ultimately corrected itself and did not need any manual intervention. Ash kept dropping off in ~1″ chunks.

Bolivar Gold Medal was a decent smoke. Not bad but nothing spectacular. Despite being highly rated in the strength department, I was pleased to find it to be medium/high at best. The cervantes vitola is a size that I would welcome in a non-cuban market any day. At the end, I was hoping for a bit more complexity and flavors but Bolivar Gold Medal, in my opinion, fell a bit short and did not deliver. I would recommend seeking a 5-pack but wouldn’t go crazy searching for a box(es). Obviously your mileage will vary.

[Puros Y Vino]

Once again, great photos Jay! BGM's are one of my favourites. It's too bad they don't do much for you. All the one's I've smoked have been great.

[Lotusguy]

Nice review and especially pictures! I personally don't like them - good riddance

[goalie204]

These need time. My 07s are smoking great now, i wont touch my 08s for a year or so

[thechenman]

Thanks for sharing the review. Love the pictures. This is one of my favorite Bolivars and I'm sad to see them go. Sorry yours didn't live up to expectations. I've yet to have a bad one.

[cckandb24]

I really like these sticks but everyone I have had wont stay lit if you leave it alone more than 3 or 4 minutes. I had to re light my last one over ten times and I was hot boxing it... so retarded.

[Wil]

I've only tried one from my 2008 box. I too found the woodiness a bit overwhelming and, like deanedmond, had trouble keeping it alight. Might leave them alone for a while.

[headstand]

My 08s burn fine and have a trouble free draw. I agree with JJ's review: I was expecting more oomph and/or complexity. Really like the vitola.

Nice photos.

[Skitalets]

I really like these sticks but everyone I have had wont stay lit if you leave it alone more than 3 or 4 minutes. I had to re light my last one over ten times and I was hot boxing it... so retarded.

I don't know many cigars with this small a RG that *will* stay lit without being drawn on for 3+ minutes.

I must say I really love these cigars. They are tasty, top 5 smoke for me.

[Schumi5]

Defintitely seems like one of those cigars that divide opinions pretty strongly. Haven't tried them myself but they always tempt me if nothing else to have in the humidor for the appearance. Will have to give them a shot before they are all gone. Thanks for the review and great pics!

[Michel1968]

Nice pictures and review!

A bit of a shame to read many anticipate on BGM's supposed strength which 'in real life', might lead to a let down.

[theholmesmob]

Recently some friends were in Cuba and as a favor for providing them with a wealth of information (from where else but FOH !!!) they grabbed me a box of these.

They look great in their gold foil and right now I'm just trying to let them rest for as long as possible before I bust one loose. This will be a first .....

[Charltonc]

They are hit or miss. I prefer Bolivar Petit coronas.

[#2 man]

Thanks for that review Jay loved that last picture !!

[jerseyjay]

Thanks for feedback, All ! Looks like mixed experience as expected. I will revisit this once again at some point to nail it down but I have had the same experience with each one. Decent but nothing special. That is only my opinion though.

[Lunettesman]

Any idea how they have developed nowadays? Thanks guys. 

[JohnS]

4 hours ago, Lunettesman said:

Any idea how they have developed nowadays? Thanks guys.