Bolivar Petit Corona 2016 Review (BWRC) 

[CaptainQuintero]

  First off, it's one of those rare occurrences in life where you find yourself in the same position as Fuzz: I'm not a huge Bolivar fan. But to be fair, my first cigars from the marca were very early on and they were the BBF and Gold Medal  certainly not for the feint of heart! Years later I discovered the brilliant Corona Extra just as it was vanishing from the world. There sadly ended my foray into Bolivar. I do enjoy them as a change of pace cigar now and again, slowly dipping into the last few BCE and Demi Tasse I have. The blind tasting comp a few years ago opened my eyes to the BRC when they are on form, so the door certainly isn't closed on Bolivar.

 This little stick was a single I picked up a few years ago on a whim and it's been sat patiently for his chance. The first cigar of the year as spring has sprung here and it's bright sunshine, warm low sun.

  Straight up on lighting you're hit with a solid whack of malty bran with a definite aftertaste of almond, construction is great and draw is fine; a little on the tight side but rather that than loose.

 The burn is brilliant, 3 years old and none of the harsh metallic notes I find creep into young Bolivar are no where to be seen. I had brought a book outside to read but this is too relaxing to spoil. I hate having a winter off-season with cigars but it really does make you appreciate things when the weather picks up.

 This little guy is chugging away like billio, straight into the second third with clouds of smoke, great stuff. The flavours stay the same, lots of bran, malt and a hint of nuts. The occasional whiff of milked expresso come in but it's gone as soon as it appears. The body is starting to pick up here, same flavours but it's almost as if the stick is looking for a fight.

  Into the final third and this is no great example of evolution. Again the same flavours dominate, zero change, but again the body is steadily ramping up. We're not into BBF territory yet, but this little guy has ambition.

  Wrapping up as I get to the band a bit of youth is creeping in; the odd metallic note and hints of hot earth, time to put it down.

  Overall a thoroughly pleasent smoke, nothing world shattering but a solid experience, reminds me of some of the cheaper Partagas, Punch offerings.

88/100 great construction, decent flavours just let down by a lack of evolution. Would any more age on this bring about any change? Don't think so, this one was destined to be a solid and average stick, it's bad temper gave it a couple of bonus points