1998 Bolivar Lonsdale (BRW)

[maverickdrinker]

 

The wrapper is a light hazelnut hue. Fairly smooth to the touch with slight veins. Little bumps here and there. Construction is excellent. Firm throughout the cigar with a slight give when squeezed. The triple cap looks like a rounded flattop and the foot is well packed. Aromas of maple syrup, milk chocolate, hazelnut and touches of earth.

 

 

First Third

 

The draw is a little tight however, the smoke production is good. The burn is sharp and the ash is a ‘dirty’ grey. All good to start.

 

The retrohale is subtle. Makes you pay attention as there is a lot going on. Roasted nuts, grassy notes, with touches of earth, leather and light oak.

 

The after finish is a little fleeting. Leather, earth, grassy notes and light oak at the forefront, followed by touches of oolong tea, gravel, expresso and chalk. The flavours dissipate quick due to the lack of strength. Very well integrated and has nice complexity. Hope the strength level picks up.

 

 

Second Third

The retrohale brings integrated layers of light oak, grassy notes, with touches of eucalyptus, leather and earth.

 

The after finish shows the roasted nuts more prevalently and integrates with the light oak, grassy notes, eucalyptus, leather and earth. Softer layers of oolong tea, expresso, chalk and gravel. Very complex and subtle. Has most staying power on the palate due to the increase in strength. Would like to see the volume turned up a bit more though...

 

 

Final Third

 

The retrohale brings a gentle layers of light oak, oolong tea, grassy notes, leather and earth. Very vibrant as it moves through the nasal passages.

 

The after finish shows the complexity and nuance of the flavour profile in all its glory. Light oak, oolong tea, grassy notes, leather and earth at the forefront. Eucalyptus, gravel, chalk, roasted nuts and expresso on the back end. The strength level allows the flavours to envelop of the palate and has the staying power so you can really enjoy the flavours. Beautiful close however, disappointing that it came up in only the last third.

 

 

Final Impressions

 

This has such potential. The final third was stunning. Unfortunately, the draw wasn’t there to sustain the strength level. The flavours were on point. More modern as it didn’t have the weight of flavours that ​I associate with Bolivar. Core flavours were all present, just needed the power. Very curious to see what this could have been if the draw was there. The 2010 Bolivar Royal Corona showed what old school Bolivar is all about. Made me take a 3.5 hour nap afterwards. Lol. 82 points

 

 

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[JohnS]

Thank you for your thorough review of this long-discontinued, yet not forgotten, Bolivar classic! Sorry it didn't turn out for you! 

[PigFish]

Thanks for sharing. Smoke one this weekend myself!

 

[maverickdrinker]

  On 7/13/2020 at 3:07 PM, PigFish said:

Thanks for sharing. Smoke one this weekend myself!

 

How was yours? Curious to get your thoughts my friend.


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[PigFish]

Was going to write a review, but don't think I will have the time.

Mine was also very firm draw. Okay by me, I like that.

Mine had little personality, meaning that while there were 3 or 4 flavors in the mix, they were consistent and constant. This cigar was just rock solid, start to finish. The cigar was good, not great, but well above average as far as cigars these days.

Major impressions include:

• mocha
• malt
• sweet basil
• marzipan

minor ... gasoline. 

It was a good cigar. I needed something larger than one of the many 'petites' that I regularly smoke. Not over the top. I don't really care for the points system, but would have rated it better than your 82. These Lonsdales I would rate less than the RGs and Diplos that I generally prefer.

Cheers! -R

[Habana Mike]

Great review!

Reminds I have a partial box in deep storage.....

[maverickdrinker]

  On 7/13/2020 at 6:04 PM, PigFish said:

Was going to write a review, but don't think I will have the time.
Mine was also very firm draw. Okay by me, I like that.
Mine had little personality, meaning that while there were 3 or 4 flavors in the mix, they were consistent and constant. This cigar was just rock solid, start to finish. The cigar was good, not great, but well above average as far as cigars these days.
Major impressions include:

• mocha
• malt
• sweet basil
• marzipan

minor ... gasoline. 
It was a good cigar. I needed something larger than one of the many 'petites' that I regularly smoke. Not over the top. I don't really care for the points system, but would have rated it better than your 82. These Lonsdales I would rate less than the RGs and Diplos that I generally prefer.

Cheers! -R

Thank you for sharing your thoughts my friend. Interesting how we both had tight draws.

I also like some of your descriptions. Sweet basil and gasoline were particularly helpful. There are time’s where I get a sweet, vegetal/herbal note that I don’t know how to describe until you mentioned sweet basil.

In terms of scores, it’s something I don’t normally do. I used the 2010 Bolivar Royal Corona as my benchmark so take it with a grain of salt. Both were excellent cigars in their own right. What was interesting was how different they were, in terms of complexity and strength level.

Mike, May want to dry box one before you smoke it unless you like a tight draw. Would be curious to get your view when you smoke one.

Cheers gents


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[ChanceSchmerr]

Damn, I should bust one of my few examples out this week, just to compare. Thanks for the inspiration!

[maverickdrinker]

  On 7/14/2020 at 2:21 AM, ChanceSchmerr said:

Damn, I should bust one of my few examples out this week, just to compare. Thanks for the inspiration!

Hey man. Good to see you posting. Hope you are well


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[ChanceSchmerr]

  On 7/14/2020 at 5:34 PM, maverickdrinker said:

Hey man. Good to see you posting. Hope you are well


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Good to see you too, dude!

Last time I was in T.O., I remember asking about you.  Hope you are keeping well!