Bolivar Royal Corona

[skalls]

Was a rough day today, but glad the work week is over. What better way to start the weekend than with a cigar and grilling a nice steak for dinner.

I picked up a BRC, ULA Oct14, which came from a PSP box I bought here. I don't think the pictures do the wrappers justice, but they are very oily. Tons of flavor, but does lead to some minor burn issues.

Pre-Light:

The cigar smells like a barnyard. It's kind of eerie how many do smell like that, and some people may think that's offputting but thats typically a sign of good things to come. Also getting a sweat smell from the cigar along with dark chocolate. The cigar also has that typical boxed press. As said before the wrapper is very oily, silky smooth and supple to the touch. Upon cutting I get a fairly loose draw, which is surprising given how dense the cigar feels.

1st Third:

I'm impressed with the smoke output. Gives off tons of it, which is very rich, thick, oily and chock full of flavors. Flavors are dominated by dark chocolate, earth, leather and a hint of caramel. The finish is very long lasting and sweet.

2nd Third:

The smoke output continues to be great. I did have to do a minor touch up where the part of the wrapper around a minor vein didn't want to stay lit. The chocolate and leather flavors are now dominating the palate The caramel has disappeared entirely. White pepper has now appeared in its place though. It's barely there though.

Final Third:

Cigar went out twice. One of which was my fault getting distracted by the grill and my neighbor. The other time it just went out. Leather is now the predominant flavor I'm getting. The dark chocolate is still present but has lost its edge. The white pepper has also become more aggressive and I got a nice little zing. The smoke output wasn't as good as the first 2/3 of the cigar.

Final Thoughts:

Loved the smoke output and the flavors. Didn't like having to touch the cigar up or it going out on its own. Ended the cigar after 55 minutes, which was a bit shorter than I had wanted it to last.

Despite my complaints the cigar overall performed well and delivered the flavors I wanted from it.

90/100

[ksblazer]

Nice review and pic's

The Bolivar Royal Coronas used to be my least favorite of their line up years ago. But over last few years that has changed and now it's one of my favorites.

[ayepatz]

BRC's are always a easy draw, best to use punch than clip

Yup, that's been my experience, too.

[JamesNYC]

Nice review and pics.

Makes me think I should light up one of my BRCs.

I have some boxes from ULA '14, but different months.

Glad you had warm enough weather to have a nice smoke.

[Corylax18]

I had a BBF yesterday that could be described the same way construction wise. Very firm feel to the Cigar throughout, but excellent draw. Nice review.

[TheMonk]

Nice review, thanks!

[LeafLover]

Had one this morning '14. Amazing start to the day. Beginning was sweet like cotton candy with a roasted tobacco spine. 2nd third lost half of the sweetness, last third was one part sweet one part dark chocolate. So good!

[Optic101]

Nice review. They do get even better with some more time.

[Ralphanator]

I had one a month ago I think it was an 2014 I liked it very much. It's on the top of my list for future purchases!

[Ethernut]

Some of the most memorable cigars I've ever had were bolivar. If I could have only the ones that were great, I'd probably never want anything else!