Bolivar Petit Corona or Bolivar Corona Junior

[Stick burner]

Which is better? The PC or CJ?  I've enjoyed both and find them to be very similar, what are your thoughts. Is there a better small format cigar that can be enjoyed young?

[dominattorney]

My two cents get thrown in for the corona junior. I find it more complex of a cigar somehow. 

[Jfeath74]

I love the Corona Junior, it is my go to winter smoke. 

[mwaller]

4 hours ago, Stick burner said:

Which is better? The PC or CJ?  I've enjoyed both and find them to be very similar, what are your thoughts. Is there a better small format cigar that can be enjoyed young?

I don't have any experience with older sticks, but recent (2015) BPC seem to lack clearly defined flavors.  For that reason, I prefer the BCJ.  If you want something similar but in the PC format, try the Tubos No. 2. To me, these taste like the BPC *should* taste.  

[Dave001]

4 hours ago, Hutch said:

Until about '06 I would have quickly replied that I prefer the PC. However, since the dumbing down of the blends, I much prefer the CJ. I keep a couple boxes in stock, while I don't have a single post-'08 PC here.

so true I have PCs from 2002 to 2007 and they still pack a punch!

[Stick burner]

28 minutes ago, mwaller said:

I don't have any experience with older sticks, but recent (2015) BPC seem to lack clearly defined flavors.  For that reason, I prefer the BCJ.  If you want something similar but in the PC format, try the Tubos No. 2. To me, these taste like the BPC *should* taste.  

Tubos No2 was the first CC I had that I know was legit and it was amazing. I really enjoyed the flavor profile and the strength

[NSXCIGAR]

For about the last 10 years I've found the BCJ and BPC to be very dissimilar. The BCJ I think is a bit earthier than the BPC and has a dried fruit/raisin note that used to be found in old Bolivar but now exists only in the BCJ. I think the BPC is a bit more conventional chocolate & leather, and good ones have been tough to come by in the last year or two. 

I'd go with the BCJ right now, pretty much hands down. The only caveat is that they seem to have a high frequency of tight draws, but if you're buying from a vendor who inspects thoroughly like Rob that problem can be weeded out for the most part as overfilled tent pegs can fairy easily be spotted. But the BCJ is not a cigar I would buy blind for that reason.

I also would tell you that the Boli Tubos No 2 is smoking better than either of them right now. And if you can handle the Placereas vitola (34 x 125mm), the Tubos No 3 might be the best Bolivar currently in production, although the BCG is right up there, and of course offers a much more complete experience. 

[1LegLance]

5 hours ago, Hutch said:

Until about '06 I would have quickly replied that I prefer the PC. However, since the dumbing down of the blends, I much prefer the CJ. I keep a couple boxes in stock, while I don't have a single post-'08 PC here.

This is exactly how I feel....in the old days it was always the PC, these days it is always the Cjr....

[SticksAndSticks]

WIth the BPC being not super high quality right now can anyone suggest where to go for a really "twangy" cuban in a PC or Minuto vitola? Does the BCJ fill that?

[Ribeye]

For me, it's not a matter of which is better since I enjoy both.  The deciding factor is time.  Do I have 45 minutes or so to relax with the PC.  If not the jr. still delivers on flavor and enjoyment.  

[feral]

BPC

[jwr0201]

Twang... PLPC is great!

[Blakes]

I'm smoking a lot of the BCJ at the moment, a couple of years ago it was the PC (especially 2014 BPC's) IMO it was one of the best cigars of coming out of Cuba in 2014, from what I've smoked since then it does seem to have lost something. For me BCJ has the edge currently. 

[garbandz]

you have enjoyed them both............what's your opinion?

[Philc2001]

13 hours ago, Stick burner said:

Which is better? The PC or CJ?  I've enjoyed both and find them to be very similar, what are your thoughts. Is there a better small format cigar that can be enjoyed young?

IMPO, Boli PCs have declined in flavor and quality in the past few years. I would reach for either Monte #5 or Cuaba Divinos before either of the Bolis. But everyone's tastes are different, so YMMV.

For a nice twangy and flavorful cigar you may also like the LGC MdO #4 and the PLMC. With their small ring gauge they take about the same amount of time to smoke as a PC.

[NSXCIGAR]

7 hours ago, SticksAndSticks said:

WIth the BPC being not super high quality right now can anyone suggest where to go for a really "twangy" cuban in a PC or Minuto vitola? Does the BCJ fill that?

If you're able to pick up some Boli Tubos, as I mentioned, you'll be getting a very strong, rich and unmistakably Cuban cigar. I think the BT2 is currently the best Mareva in production (and the BT1 the best Corona), with the HUPC (soon to be out of production) right behind it, but they are very different cigars. There's also no substitute for a well-aged PLPC, but I just think they're incomplete younger than about 3 years or so, and really start to shine at 5+ years with pretty much unlimited aging potential.

For a Minuto, you can't go wrong with the BCJ as long as it's inspected for tent pegs. They can be very good. I personally prefer the SC El Principe, but the BCJ can be a great cigar, although I will tell you I've always found quite a bit of variation within a box of BCJ. Oddly, I commonly find that 10 sticks are just OK, 10 sticks are good, 3 sticks are lousy and 2 sticks are great. That's been the story with the last 10 boxes of BCJ I've had over the last 3-5 years.

Personally, I would avoid BPC like the plague right now and spend the 2 bucks more per stick for the BT2. That is, if you're looking for a powerful stick with lots of Cuban character. They are a bit pricey, but IMO it's worth the premium. And they seem to have much less variation in quality and are much more consistent. As much as I hate paying for tubos, in this case, they are worth it.

[SticksAndSticks]

1 hour ago, NSXCIGAR said:

If you're able to pick up some Boli Tubos, as I mentioned, you'll be getting a very strong, rich and unmistakably Cuban cigar. I think the BT2 is currently the best Mareva in production (and the BT1 the best Corona), with the HUPC (soon to be out of production) right behind it, but they are very different cigars. There's also no substitute for a well-aged PLPC, but I just think they're incomplete younger than about 3 years or so, and really start to shine at 5+ years with pretty much unlimited aging potential.

For a Minuto, you can't go wrong with the BCJ as long as it's inspected for tent pegs. They can be very good. I personally prefer the SC El Principe, but the BCJ can be a great cigar, although I will tell you I've always found quite a bit of variation within a box of BCJ. Oddly, I commonly find that 10 sticks are just OK, 10 sticks are good, 3 sticks are lousy and 2 sticks are great. That's been the story with the last 10 boxes of BCJ I've had over the last 3-5 years.

Personally, I would avoid BPC like the plague right now and spend the 2 bucks more per stick for the BT2. That is, if you're looking for a powerful stick with lots of Cuban character. They are a bit pricey, but IMO it's worth the premium. And they seem to have much less variation in quality and are much more consistent. As much as I hate paying for tubos, in this case, they are worth it.

Thanks very much for the extensive reply.

Do any of these have that classic tart tobacco/citrus sort of taste to them? Particularly in the Bolivars? I love PLPC and HUPC is excellent, haven't had them with too much age but they are just smooth rich and incredible. It sounds like the BCJ and BT2 are probably what i'm looking for. 

[anacostiakat]

Much prefer the CJ. 

[Smallclub]

1 hour ago, SticksAndSticks said:

Do any of these have that classic tart tobacco/citrus sort of taste to them? Particularly in the Bolivars? I love PLPC and HUPC is excellent, haven't had them with too much age but they are just smooth rich and incredible. It sounds like the BCJ and BT2 are probably what i'm looking for. 

Is that tart/citrus taste what North American call “twang“? I ask because the word doesn't translate in any other language and so far no one has been able to tell me if it is a deformation of “tangy“, which translates and would make sense… as "spicy", "piquant", but IMHO it's also related to depth and intensity of flavors, compared to non cuban cigars…

Anyway, yes I think you'll find that “tang“ in smaller Bolivar's, although not at the same level as in a young PLPC … For citrus the champion is probably the Quai d'Orsay corona claro.

[SticksAndSticks]

Just now, Smallclub said:

Is that tart/citrus taste what North American call “twang“? I ask because the word doesn't translate in any other language and so far no one has been able to tell me if it is a deformation of “tangy“, which translates and makes sense…

Anyway, yes I think you'll find that “tang“ in smaller Bolivar's, although not at the same level as in a young PLPC … For citrus the champion is probably the Quai d'Orsay corona claro.

Yeah, I dug around a bit on the forum and figured it was best to not use "twang" as it seems to not translate. But to me it is that tart citrusy, slightly sour flavor. Tangy is a fairly apt word. I need to dig into QdO some more, the French RE Secretos look amazing but its unlikely i'll ever see any. For now I think BCJ will do splendidly. Thanks much!

[Dave O)))]

BJC is my go to stick at the moment, overtaking the principe. They are fantastic fresh but the nub can be a bit harsh when young. Medium body and full flavour. I am enjoying lots of wonderful floral notes in the first half.

The only BPC I have smoked was too young with too much mongrel imo.

[rhcolbert]

CJ.  Love em 

[Philc2001]

12 hours ago, Smallclub said:

Is that tart/citrus taste what North American call “twang“? I ask because the word doesn't translate in any other language and so far no one has been able to tell me if it is a deformation of “tangy“, which translates and would make sense… as "spicy", "piquant", but IMHO it's also related to depth and intensity of flavors, compared to non cuban cigars…

Anyway, yes I think you'll find that “tang“ in smaller Bolivar's, although not at the same level as in a young PLPC … For citrus the champion is probably the Quai d'Orsay corona claro.

When I refer to "Twang" I am referring to the unmistakable down on the farm, barnyard, ripe, manure and earth aroma that is only found in Cuban cigars. It sounds disgusting, but it is truly addictive and distinctive.  

[Aardwolf]

On 3/29/2017 at 3:49 PM, NSXCIGAR said:

For about the last 10 years I've found the BCJ and BPC to be very dissimilar. The BCJ I think is a bit earthier than the BPC and has a dried fruit/raisin note that used to be found in old Bolivar but now exists only in the BCJ. I think the BPC is a bit more conventional chocolate & leather, and good ones have been tough to come by in the last year or two. 

I'd go with the BCJ right now, pretty much hands down. The only caveat is that they seem to have a high frequency of tight draws, but if you're buying from a vendor who inspects thoroughly like Rob that problem can be weeded out for the most part as overfilled tent pegs can fairy easily be spotted. But the BCJ is not a cigar I would buy blind for that reason.

I also would tell you that the Boli Tubos No 2 is smoking better than either of them right now. And if you can handle the Placereas vitola (34 x 125mm), the Tubos No 3 might be the best Bolivar currently in production, although the BCG is right up there, and of course offers a much more complete experience. 

This is spot on... but I'll still say I prefer the PC.  The size is better IMO.