2008 RE Canada Bolivar Simones

[maverickdrinker]

Bolivar RE Canada Simones

The 2008 Bolivar RE Canada Simones has a sentimental value to me as it is the first cigar I bought multiple boxes of when I got back into cigars.

The Simones was originally released in 600 50 cabs in 2007.  In 2008, Havana House is rumoured to have pulled the remaining boxes and had them broken down to 25 count SLBs.  The other rumor was that they just had more made.  Who knows?!?  'Officially', there were an additional 1,200 25 count slide lid  boxes released in 2008.  

The cigar itself is a Hermosos No. 4 vitola.  It comes in at a 48 ring gauge and 5 inches in length.  

This box hasn't been cracked since I inspected them in 2008.  Let's see what they are like.

The wrapper itself is a golden hue of brown.  Like a light leather coach.  Very inticing.

The construction is quite good.  The triple cap is like a flat top haircut.  More square than rounded.  Lots of surface space for my punch.

The cigar itself feel very well packed.  Almost too packed.  Not much give when I conduct the sqeeze test throughout the cigar.  I feel a little extra cushion underneath the band.  I hope that this doesn't lead to draw issues.

The foot of the cigar is packed as well.  Please, please have a good draw....

The aromas from the wrapper are roasted nuts, leather, earthiness (like mushrooms?!?)  and cedar.  So far, so good.  In the Bolivar profile.

Time to take this to the flame....  

 

First Third

Starting off muted.  Mostly earthiness and a little bit of cedar.  Like someone turned down the volume.

The draw is tight.  Very restricted.  Might have to get out my Palio to give it a cut.  Will try to poke another hole to open up the draw surface.  Decent amount of smoke however, not the smoke show that I have become accustomed to lately.

After finish is a medium length.  Leather and earth.  Very fleeting.  

The ash is dense and is a "Dirty" white.  Very solid.  Well packed tobacco.  Maybe too packed.

Just ok so far.  No "WOW" factor.  

No harshness at all.  Maybe in a sick phase?  Hope that the flavour profile picks up soon.

Strength is mild to medium level.  Very surprising, considering it is a Bolivar.

Second Third

Hints of roasted nuts start to come around to compliment the leather and earthiness of the cigar.  I believe this RE is true to the marca's flavours.  It just seems that very muted.

The draw is tighter than a guy who has a 38 waistline wearing a pair of size 32 jeans.  THIS IS TIGHT!!!!  Time to punch another hole to see if that does anything.

Having said that, smoke still emanates from both the foot and the head after each laborious draw. 

Did multiple punches to maximize the draw surface area.  Opened it up a little bit.  Acceptable for now.  

Strength has picked up.  Creeping towards medium level.  C'mon baby!  Show me whatcha got.  LOL

Final Third

Now, we're talking.  Better late to the party than never.  Nice flavour profile going on.  If it weren't for the flavours I am getting now, I would have pitched it.

Leather, earthiness, roasted nuts and a touch of expresso have come together to thank me for staying with it.

No sweetness or price at all throughout the cigar.  The strength is a solid medium level.  Its all about the core Bolivar flavours now.

Burn line continues to be razor sharp despite the fairly tight draw.  The ash is holding on strong.  It doesn't want to let go.    

Very nice after finish.  Longer than the first two thirds.  There is a little bitter melon coming in to compliment the leather, earthiness and expresso notes.  

I think i burned through the 'tight' area as the draw has opened up considerably.  Great.  Almost at the end.....

Final Impressions

OOOOhhhhh.....What could have been......

This Bolivar Simones started off slow right out of the gates.  Tight draw, muted flavours, and mild.  Everything a Bolivar is not.  Things started to get better in the second third and really came on point near the end.  Too little, too late....  Until next time......

[shrink]

When "on", these are great cigars. I haven't smoked one recently, so I can't say if they are "sick". I suspect that part of the problem was with the draw. No cigar shows it's stuff when you can't get a mouthful of smoke.

[mk05]

It seems that every time I meet up with my MA guys, someone lights up one of these. Personally, I agree with you, albeit that I've not had a muted one. I think maybe because it was a bit tight? I had one again on Thursday, and I recall it being Bolivar, but with a playful perfumy twist.

Thanks for the background info and the review as always. I was fuming when I missed out on the cab sale.

[bassman]

These never did much for me. Luckily, I only bought 10. I'd rather smoke my 08 PCs or 02 CEs.