Confessions of a Bolivar Belicosos Virgin

[bigfunkyg]

Perhaps my title is somewhat inapproiate but fitting to my circumstance. Ever since reading multiple reviews about this stick in have been dying to try a Bolivar Belicosos Finos having never smoked one. I was waiting to place my first order from CC to try one but was attending an accounting conference today that happened to be across the street from my local reputable tobaccanist. I bit the bullet and paid $25 (CAD) per stick and had the opportunity to smoke it tonight with my cigar buddy which he provided the 12 year old Highland Park single malt as a pairing.

Sometimes in life you build somthing up so much that you can only dissapoint yourself, but not in this case...

I expected a slightly darker wrapper, but construction was very good and pre-draw was near perfect. First taste I was taken by the boldness of the cigar. Once adjusted to that my impression was good but flavor wise I wasn't tasting anything overly unique of any good cuban. Second third was great with tasting hints of coffee and chocolate which were really good. But the last half to third is when the party really got started.

During this portion I drew on the cigar and was absolutely blown away. I had never tasted anything like that. A mixture of rich leathery chocolate and woody tastes was absolutely heavenly. I could not compare that flavors to any other cuban I had smoked. The majority of the last third was exactly this, almost pure cigar bliss. I will usually smoke a good cigar to the point where it will burn my fingers, but this one was still good at this point but did demish slightly.

Based on the "COLT20" system I would rate it as follows:

Flavor - 6/7

Complexity - 5/7

Performance - 2/3

Enjoyment - 3/3

Total - 16/20

I regret to admit I didn't check the box code before I bought so I can't convey that information. What a beautuful smoke. I would put this against a Cohiba Robusto, Monte #2, RnJ Short Churchill any day. Can't wait to smoke another.

Bigfunkyg

[Colt45]

Thanks for the review - it sounds fantastic. I am curious as to the year, but a great cigar is a great cigar.

[sliver54]

Nice review, thanks for posting. When they're on, they're an outstanding smoke and more than capable of hanging with CoRo and Monte 2.

[Tampa1257]

Nice review, thanks for sharing.

[CigarmanTim]

I bought two boxes. Letting them rest. Good review.

[Northshore04]

I love BBF's too. Sadly, I'm down to my last few. I'll have to fix that real soon.

[Dr.G]

Nice review.

I had one last night. Perfect construction and draw. Spicy coffee flavours, the spice that came to mind was cloves; Medium-full bodied.

Very enjoyable!

Cheers,

George

[rfenst]

Nice review.

I had one last night. Perfect construction and draw. Spicy coffee flavours, the spice that came to mind was cloves; Medium-full bodied.

Very enjoyable!

Cheers,

George

I broke my cherry on one tonight too from '07 Earth/peat, fruity sweet and tobacco. It was a bit too tannic/young.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I love that full bodied profile with leather, cedar, and cream that you get from these. I need to get a box now that I think of it.

[BonVivant]

Very nice review. Thank you. Have to re-visit those...

[whistlebritches]

When in the mood for a great campana......this is it.I love the coffe,spice and earth found in this cigar.All classic Bolivar characteristics.............................I am an unabashed Boli HO.

Ron

[rfenst]

Hey Ron!

Much more peaceful here, huh?

[Kangaroo495]

Fully agree with this review. As a relatively inexperienced smoker, I could never understand how people can determine the tastes of chocolate, coffee and ESPECIALLY LEATHER! WTF? To me, cigars either taste good or bad, and all taste different to each other. However, having recently tried the Bolivar BF, I was struck by nothing less than... LEATHER! I could also taste sweetness, which I took for chocolate or coffe or something like that.

Would be good to see a Coronas Gigantes review here. I also like this smoke, but find it to have a tight draw and an impossibly harsh finish (can't smoke the 3rd 3rd!). Wonder if anyone else has the same impression...

[Colt45]

Would be good to see a Coronas Gigantes review here.

You should be able to find a number of BCG reviews here in the review section. I've not found them to be harsh at any time,

but that may be because I've been smoking '03s.