Beneath the Band: Bolivar Gold Medal (New)

[El Presidente]

This series to explore whether a particular cigar is humidor worthy. Cost these days is an issue for many so let's see if we can highlight some absolute standouts. This should particularly assist those new to the cigar world.  

To be fair, most of the cigars we have featured to date have scored exceptionally well. Surprisingly well! 

Scoring is: 1-3 (Poor)   4-6 (Average to good)   7-10  (very good to excellent)  Use the Poll. 

You are more than free to comment away 

Outside the fact that they wear the same foil pyjamas, the Old Bolivar Gold medal 42 × 165mm (6½″) and the "New" Gold medal 48 × 165mm (6½″) share nothing in common.  It certainly isn't price as thinking back to my original price on the "Gold Medal' Lonsdales was $87 for a box of 10. Madness! 

In terms of blend, the "New" Bolivar Gold Medal is a fine and far more refined cigar than the original at the same point of age. It is indeed an excellent blend that is well thought out and nuanced. 

Give me the original whorehouse hellcat any day. In those early days, you never quite knew what you were getting with the Bolivar Gold Medal Lonsdale. Over time it matured from dockside bar wench to finishing school Dux. Still one of my favourites. 

New one? Very good. Doesn't get me heart racing however. 

New Bolivar Gold Medal....Let's kick off the discussion 

 

 

[El Niño]

Love the New Gold Medal! Never tried the old one. 

I've had some draw issues, but others have been perfect. The flavor in the first two-thirds is outstanding – not entirely what I'd expect from a Boli, but very, very welcomed in its own right. Creamy, buttery, salty, figgy goodness with some mild pepper, herbs, and baking spice. I feel like I could call out almost any tasting note on this thing and it wouldn't be wrong. 

Final third showed a bit of youth, in my opinion. I'm excited to see what they're like with 3 or 4 years on them.

[JohnS]

The Bolivar New Gold Medal? Look, I hate the new size (i.e. ring gauge increase), but it's a quality cigar, hands down. I bought up, and I wouldn't necessarily classify myself as a 'Bolivar' guy!

[Lucas Buck]

The lonsdales version is one of my all time favorites. When they got cut in 2012 I think it was I bought 30+ boxes. Finally procured a box of the new ones even though like JohnS I hate they tacked on 6 ring gauges. Haven’t smoked one yet but have heard only good things. It’s a trip paying 50 bucks for these compared to 7ish for the Lonnies. They better be great!