Bolivar Especiales No.2, 5th Avenue, LRE JUN09

[Ginseng]

This was the weekend of my birthday, which also coincided with the culmination of a major international project at work which was nearly three years in the making. So I decided to pull out a little something special from a deep cooler.

This is the Bolivar Especiales No.2, 5th Avenue. These cigars are an elegant 38x192mm, a size I find flexible and enjoyable. Expectations were high and so I purchased three units. Aside from their initial inspection at the vendor, the dressed boxes have not been opened since I received them in 2009. The box from which I sampled today  is #1,245 of 2,400. 

The experience prelight

The presentation is classic and flawless. No extraneous ostentation or ornamentation save for the plastic medallion indicating the order of release. It's perhaps a serendipitous coincidence that the presentation resembles that of the Romeo y Julieta Cazadores, another perennial and reliable favorite of mine. 

The aroma upon opening the foil-laminated paper liner was of clean, medium tobacco with a touch of floral tones. The wrappers are fine and leathery but not rustic, and to my eye, a medium colorado. The overall construction was unfussy but neat. Clearly handmade with appropriate care. 

Cold aroma at the foot is clean, clear tobacco with hints of leather and light pepper. They still smell "young."

The smoking experience

Lighting was perfect and the burn established readily. There was a slight soft channel at the lower inch by the foot and this manifested in short-lived valley in the early ash which soon resolved itself. The draw was perfect being neither tight nor loose, in fact just right for a cigar of this aspect ratio: medium light, allowing for a relaxed draw and the occasional deeper pull. 

Most of the initial 25% was light and clean, honestly without too much distinct weight or character. Just pleasant. After that point, the profile noticeably turned heavier with a surprising pulse of oily, rich mouthfeel and denser flavor. The middle 60% developed gradually but surely into a classic Bolivar profile: rich, leathery with some sweet wood notes, and soft pepper. Otherwise, satisfying, well-fermented, and high-quality tobacco. Very satisfying. 

The cigar stayed well-behaved until the very, very end. It became stronger but never harsh. Throughout its length, it left the palate clean, with tobacco and a mild, refreshing tangy note. 

Retro-haling, and dual-pulling revealed an extremely satisfying density of rounded spice, middle and bottom tobacco notes. Again, pure and clean. A genuine pleasure. In the end, of the 192mm, I combusted about 180mm and enjoyed every millimeter of that. Highly recommended for fans of Bolivar and this vitola.

PS. I apologize for the pictures, aside from the first, being presented in reverse order. Apparently being a moderator doesn't necessarily mean you know how to post pictures in order.

[Bijan]

Great review! Love the vitola.

22 minutes ago, Ginseng said:

PS. I apologize for the pictures, aside from the first, being presented in reverse order. Apparently being a moderator doesn't necessarily mean you know how to post pictures in order.

Depends if you are posting from phone or computer. In my experience on the phone (I'm on Android) it posts them in the order you click on them while selecting them. On the computer it posts them in the order they are listed or the order you attach them if you do it one by one. Not sure about iPhone/iOS.

[JohnS]

35 minutes ago, Ginseng said:

PS. I apologize for the pictures, aside from the first, being presented in reverse order. Apparently being a moderator doesn't necessarily mean you know how to post pictures in order.

Thanks for the review! And it's nice that someone fixed the photos for you! 😁

[Ginseng]

59 minutes ago, Lrabold89 said:

Really nice review Wilkey !...great looking box ...haven’t heard of these

Then I do believe you're going to have to try one. Cheers!

[MPS]

These are absolute treasures. Always special to smoke one. Happy birthday! 

[Nino]

Great review Wilkey and great pictures - that is an unicorn cigar and happy to share your view.

I m keeping a Bolivar Especiales Nr 2 from 1985 to smoke on a special occasion shortly and hope it delivers as well as its predecessors ... 🙂

PS : nice to see you also using the PB-207 !

[leebert]

ibid - thanks for the review!

I had a box of those but traded them for BRC's - still have the BRC's (~08) - for some reason, despite my crazy love for that vitola and marca, it didn't click - seeing your review makes me wonder... go crazy this way 🙂

[Habana Mike]

Great review Wilkey! We miss you around here.

Have most of a box left myself and agree they are a fantastic smoke. Love the Cazzie-like foil wrapper as well.

May be getting back up to NoVa one of these days soon and will definitely give you a shout. Cheers. 

[SirVantes]

Great review!  I last had one 3 or 4 years back, and it was very tight but packed with flavour.  Can't imagine what a joy it would be with a perfect draw!