CRC: Bolivar Corona Extra FPG OASU

[gormag38]

This cigar was generously included as an extra when I last purchased some singles from another BOTL. The BOTL knew that I loved the vitola (as I was buying some TEB BCEs) and was thoughtful enough to include it in my package. Looking through CCW and using the old NIVELACUSO dating system, OA refers to June and SU refers to 1998. The factory, FPG, is more obvious in that it's the Partagas Francisco Perez German factory. All of this is just a long way of saying that this cigar is from June 1998 and was rolled at the Partagas factory. 

This cigar has that old school Cuban look, when bands weren't on every single vitola and 50 cabs were plentiful. There's an elegance when you open up an old cab of Cuban cigars and they're inside without bands or any other real identifiers. Times have certainly changed that's for sure. What I'd give to go back to the days before foot bands.

After cutting the cigar I had very little resistance cold drawing; due to this and the age of the stick I figured things would burn more quickly than I was used to. 

Upon lighting it up I found that the flavors were still bright yet well rounded. Baking spices, cream and cedar were evident. As I finished the first third it was evident that flavors were not going to transition with this cigar. Frankly, this was okay with me. The flavors were good/great from the get go.  During the last third, however, the cigar became slightly more bitter. I'm guessing this was due to the very cold temps and my subsequently quickened smoking time. I left the smoke with about 3/4 inch left. A good experience overall outside of the last third. 

Looking back, I still favor 07/08 examples of BCE more than this older example. I'm sure the blend was a little different back in the late 90s. Perhaps other members who have been around for a while can shed some more light on whether or not the blend changed during that time period. Still, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to try an example that was 25+ years old. A summer day would have likely enhanced my smoking experience but 'Oh well.' Smoke em if ya got em. 

89/100 

[PartagasIV]

Nice review and cigar. Probably the deepest thing I have stock-wise, and I agree on preferring 07/08--I find maybe a tad less strength in them than '98, but a lot more finesse, nuance, and flavor.

[gormag38]

5 hours ago, PartagasIV said:

Probably the deepest thing I have stock-wise,

Need a new best friend? I can help you with your stock on these.  😁😉

5 hours ago, PartagasIV said:

I agree on preferring 07/08--I find maybe a tad less strength in them than '98, but a lot more finesse, nuance, and flavor.

Ya know I was quite surprised by how much 'strength' the '98 still had. It was different than what more recent Boli has for sure...almost like a rustic, earthy strength that was still noticeable in the cigar.