Bolivar Belicoso Finos 2014 (BGRW)

[MasterYotti]

This is my very first review of a cigar, hopefully it can add some value to others out there!

Story:

I joined FOH a little over a month ago but have been smoking cigars more and more over the past 2 years, constantly learning about this awesome hobby of ours. During our honeymoon in Jamaica, I wanted to get my first Cuban cigar to see what made them so special and after a few taxi rides we ended up at the La Casa del Habano in Montego Bay at the Half Moon Rock Resort. The owner, Rajkumar, and I talked for quite awhile as he showed me many different cigars as he told me about the brands/histories. We had great conversation and I explained to him how I wanted to get my first Cuban cigar experience. After making my initial purchases, Raj asked me what year my wife and I met. He came back from the humidor with an aged SLB of Bolivar Belicoso Finos 2014 (the year we met), picked out three sticks and handed them to me. I went to pull out my wallet and he smiled and said “Enjoy my friend, save these for a special occasion.” I couldn’t believe his generosity and was extremely thankful to have such an awesome experience at his store. Long story short, I ended up smoking the first stick on the last night of our honeymoon and the second stick on our anniversary last year. The third stick has continued to age, hopping from humidor to humidor for the past 2 years as my collection has grew and I was gifted a NewAir unit; this cigars’ final resting place. This cigar has become quite special to me and I know it isn’t the most exclusive or rare stick out there, but for me I look back at this cigar and attest that it is the cigar that started it all for me. It solidified early-on my passion for this hobby and grew my love for Cuban cigars. Staring at the cigar in my hands I can’t help but smile and be brought back.

Pre Lighting Notes

Aroma/Appearance: Very rustic, feels relatively smooth. The visuals of the leaves standout and reminds me of the often forget truth (at least for me) of Tobacco as a plant. It has a perfect caramel brown Colorado wrapper, with an aroma of sweet graham cracker. When compressing the cigar, there is a slight give and crinkle. Music to the ears. There is more of that savory spice on the foot.

Cold Draw: There is a little bit of suppleness when cut, and the draw resistance is exactly where I want it to be (slightly snug but open enough for a solid draw). The flavor here is of a toasted tobacco, a bit earthy.

1st Third

With the first draw I am hit with pleasant toasted tobacco notes and some savory spices. After a few draws I retrohale and it is light on spice, but helps me pick up some more sweetness. There is a small amount of salt on the tongue, not getting much cocoa or chocolate at this point. Definitely some cinnamon and some nuttiness I can’t quite place. Overall this cigar is starting off very smooth, just like I remembered falling in love with. The ash is nice and tidy white with a tinge of light tan. The burn is nearly perfect with no touch-up, it self-corrected a weird burn line that started in the beginning. By the end of the first third, the retrohale contained a little more spice to liven up the nostrils, never becoming uncomfortable. The draw still remains perfect, and the ash hangs on.

Rating: 13/15

2nd Third

This transition was fairly clear, the body picks up a bit (tad past medium). The tastes lingering on from first third, but now with coffee beans. There is no bitterness to be found, beautiful toasted tobacco with a little sweetness. Very pleasant smoke! I am starting to see little white speckles in the ash (never have figured out what these are). The burn line is angled but don’t feel the need to correct it. There is deep notes of earthy leather developing more and more. Alongside this flavor is some creaminess. The spice is much more muted at this point and I feel as though it has to be due to age on the cigar. The draw has continued to be consistently great. Lastly there is a lovely touch of light caramel flavor, which leaves a little sweetness on the tongue. Right before the final third the ash is ready and drops softly into my tray. Unfortunately before I could take a picture as I rarely see a BBF with that much ash hanging on.

Rating: 14/15

Final Third

The transition here has been more muted, but the flavors are out and more intensified! There is the smallest touch-up required on a part of the wrapper that wasn’t fully burned when the ash dropped. The toasted tobacco is still dominating with some cedar notes coming in. It reminds me of walking through a forest after rain with a wafting intoxicating aroma in the air. The strength has definitely picked up and I only noticed when my head started to float just a little higher! Now I am getting some fruitiness that is hard to identify, but still containing the distinct Bolivar flavor profile throughout this cigar. The band is ready to come off, and the draw remains impeccable. Finishing up, the retrohale is surprising full of spice that “stings the nostrils,” although it is much more tolerable that Sex Panther cologne by Odeon. Sorry Brian Fantana…

Rating: 13/15

Construction

The cigar never needed relighting. There was only one minor light I performed on the wrapper, but honestly it was not necessary. For being a Bolivar I was surprised to have the ash hold as long as it did. In the past I find that they drop more often. The draw, the draw, THE DRAW! I think this is due to the time down, but also the advice I received here on FOH to keep my humidor setup at 62% RH, couldn’t have asked for a better experience there.

Rating: 5/5

Bonus Point for Smoothness (completely subjective) but this attribute is always important to me! I think it is mostly likely due to the age on the stick.   + 1

Conclusion 46/50 = 92%

What can I say, it is everything i had hoped for! It reminds of me of why I always have to have some BBFs in the humidor, hopefully I can old onto some sticks long enough to age them! I have always loved that signature flavor I have come to associate with Bolivar. While smoking this stogie, I thought about how much this hobby has helped me grow in my patience, to stop and smell the roses. It helps me to carve out some time to relax and just sit in my thoughts, not to be rushed. What at wonderful excuse to enjoy this special cigar, thank you Rob for putting this competition together and getting me outside of my comfort-zone to write my first review!

[zappaFREAK]

What a great story! BBF is one of my favorites. May you smoke many more on your journey.

[MasterYotti]

Just now, zappaFREAK said:

What a great story! BBF is one of my favorites. May you smoke many more on your journey.

Thank you! It was quite a start to my infatuation with Cubans! Definitely still early in my journey, but I am excited to create many more memories like this!

[Chibearsv]

Nice review and great story. Keep em coming. 

[MasterYotti]

7 minutes ago, Chibearsv said:

Nice review and great story. Keep em coming. 

I appreciate it, definitely liked the process of doing this so I will probably take you up on that!