Bolivar Lonsdale 2004 BWRC

[Wailbait]

Today is a great day to smoke a Bolivar.  For many reasons.  It’s a lovely day.  I don’t work til 5pm.  That book is not going to read itself.  Most importantly, of all the Marcas, Bolivar is my least represented.  It’s not that I don’t like them but I have found them to be a bit strong for my tastes when young so they have a prerequisite nap more so than most.  A friend gave me a Soberano recently.  It was fine enough but there were no flavors that would not have been better if it took a 5 year nap.

This cigar was a gift.  04 Lonsdale.  Great box press vibe.  Not much aroma at cold but an easy prelight draw. 

First third is a gem.  It’s quite mild and doesn’t have the kickiness that I associate with newer Bolivars.  Very little spice, mostly wood and leather notes but quite harmonious.  

I drank water for the first 30 minutes but then I figure -what the heck- time for an easy Manhattan.  Second third brought in some spice notes which the drink certainly picked up.  It was a pretty stewed fruit-y Manhattan (Dolin and Capilletti split) and I wish I were smoking an old RASS at this point. 

Final third ramped up but never got out of line.  This was a refined and elegant cigar. It likely was more flavorful a few years ago but what remained was subtle and intriguing.  I would have more Bolivars if they were all like this.  

I’d give it a 93 (probably realistically a 92 but I just love the Lonsdale size so darn much!)

 

 

 

 

 

[Connoisseur Kim]

I wish I can get Lonsdales a lot!

[Raskol]

Nice pictures & good review. Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[JoeyBones777]

I wish every marca had a lonsdale in current production. 

[TheMonk]

Great job! Shame that current production Lonsdales are so rare nowadays.

[Wailbait]

Lonsdales and plain ol’ coronas are my favorite.  Still can’t believe only Monte and  Quai make an available corona.