Bolivar Libertador RE Francia TEB OCT 07

[perfectform]

This sublime size bomber came out of a 10 count dress box (1126/4000) from the 2007 re-release of the France regional edition.

Nice wrapper and construction appealing to the eyes and the nose. I thought it was a tad bit overfilled. Not a strong aroma at cold, a little fresh tobacco is all.

The cut revealed a perfect draw, a little bit restrictive. Huge smoke volume in this big boy.

Lit it up and was greeted with very pleasant mild to medium, and extremely smooth smoke. Caught some lemon-cheesecake going on along with just a smidge of the real Bolivar earth. Nice opening.

Coasting along the first third was more of the same lemony, light tobacco flavors. Very enjoyable. Reminded me very much of an ED 109 which is one of my favorites. No Bolivar punch to the nuts here so far. Draw remained perfect, burn not so much. Erratic throughout, but not offensive.

Second third brought an about face with the flavors. In came biscuit notes and out went the lemon curd, to a large degree. A little bitter chocolate on the back end. Still very enjoyable.

End of the second third and wham! All citrus and biscuits gone in a heartbeat, replaced with extreme toastiness. I looked at it and thought, now here is the Bolivar in this regional. Got a little body blow at this point.

Final third saw a lightening of the toasty notes, bringing back an underlying of the citrus I caught prior. Still highly enjoyable.

Overall, a lovely cigar that put me on a roller coaster, flavorwise. This is in my opinion what the cubans were reaching for with the RE's. Stay true to the mark but put a different spin on the existing blend. If not a grand slam, then at least they hit a home run, to me.

Not usually a fan of this format but it did me right. Glad I have more in the humidor to enjoy down the line. A solid 89

[Guest rob]

Great Review and photos, mate.

I've never tried these but am always keen to see how true to character ELs and REs are to their marques.

Good to see you got the Bolivar out of this one.

[Hacigar]

very very nice photos

thanks..

[mk05]

Let's light up that 1492 next, shall we?

[kidmac]

Nice review and that is a great looking cigar!

[backslide]

Great review, i adore French re's