ayedfy Posted January 20, 2014 Posted January 20, 2014 It's been a while since I've reviewed anything, so I thought I'd get my palate warmed up for the upcoming blind tastings! Bolívar Gold Medal. Cuban, box code: RAS SEP 09. Vitola size: 6.5x42. Cold observations: Neat, firm wrapper. Reasonably dark colour, with a mild, creamy sweetness picked up on the aroma at cold, and similar on the tight cold draw. Opening third: Medium-full bodied entry, driven by a creamy espresso character. Herbal quality is here with dill and oregano, although it's considerably less savoury than what I tend to associate with Bolívar. Charred oak and a subtle hint of peppercorns strengthen the bitter element introduced by the espresso. Middle third: Sweetness moving to the centre - cane sugar and rich caramel. Now the herbs are starting to open up into that savoury presentation, nicely complementing the dominant sweeter aspect. Dry bitterness drops ever so slightly; still there, but taking a backseat to the sweet-savoury dual. Body dropping to a cool medium. Final third: Returning to a fuller body. Holding the sweetness remarkably well at this point - where similar cigars often lose out to back-end bitterness - and developing into more of a chewy dried fruit character. Savoury element falls away, while the espresso returns to add complexity in its place. Delicious complexity and an engaging development throughout. I heard varying opinions on this when it was younger, so I imagine the age has certainly helped this along well. 93/100
Larsy Posted January 20, 2014 Posted January 20, 2014 Love the Gold Medals that Ive had. They pack quite a punch!
Colt45 Posted January 20, 2014 Posted January 20, 2014 Thanks for the review - I've some in storage I'm looking forward to
beamer Posted January 21, 2014 Posted January 21, 2014 Thanks for the review. Happy to have a few boxes of these left. What a silly discontinuation.
ramon_cojones Posted January 21, 2014 Posted January 21, 2014 Had one of these last night courtesy of shlomo and it was probably the most enjoyable boli I've had save for vintage ones. I found none of the sweetness and more partagas like elements (strength, spice) to it, not complex either. Solid, consistent smoke with a favorable profile. Don't really like the foil though.
TM-US Posted January 30, 2014 Posted January 30, 2014 BGM are awesome cigars. I'm pissed that Habanos SA discontinued these.
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