Bolivar Bonitas

[bolivr]

I first got on to Bolivars after I bought some single tubos from the duty free. All the cigars were not stored properly, sitting in drafty glass display cases in air conditioning so I passed on the Monte 4s figuring my money would be likely best spent on tubos that may have at least a little moisture left in them. That little tubo made a big impression and so I sought out more in the marca.

Today’s Bonitas (40 RG X 126mm) vitola ‘Londres’ is from a dress box of 25 and coded BPL May 05. These are not expensive cigars and I can’t help thinking I have been lucky to get a box that has shown consistency from the first one lit nearly two years ago. I have about seven left and every one has been a gem as far as draw and burn are concerned. I have another box from Czar, POS Dic 08 which is so far untouched and fingers crossed it will be as good.

So it’s a nice still and sunny day on the coast. It’s rare to have no breeze so have to make the most of it. My smoking buddy today is my little mate the west highland pup in picture 3. He slept through much of the 45 minutes or so it took to smoke the BolBon.

At cold the BolBon is fairly light on aroma but a good long sniff shows a degree of rich tobacco. There’s not the barnyard pungency you get with other cigars and so no promises made of a rich smoke (that may not eventuate). No promises, no disappointment. A test draw after clipping just provides more of the same flavor and the draw is a little loose for my preference. I have taken to punch cutting larger ring smokes lately and may have to do the same with the rest of these. The shape of the cigar flairs slightly to the foot and is a little box pressed. There's a tidy wrapper and cap you can see in the pictures, especially for such a bargain cigar.

It takes the torch lighter pretty keenly and the first draw brings a good volume of smoke, only medium body and straight out of the box it’s leathery and bready. Through the nose its mild and I get a reminder I am not fully over the cold that has slowed me down this week. Anyway, along with the leather which has settled to old horse saddle with a bread and malt undertone, this cigar travels along consistently for the rest of the smoke. Now and then there are hints of muskiness. It went out of its own accord with just under 50mm to go. There was some harshness creeping in nipping at the end of my tongue so I will leave it there.

Overall very happy. These cigars have never let me down, delivering a fine flavoured smoke stick after stick. They may not show a lot of complexity, neither salt nor sweet and no great subtlety but rather a good robust smoke ideal in the afternoons. Numerical I would give it 87 but take that with a grain of salt as it is my first review.

Mike

[hansa]

I can only agree with that.

Last year I was able to get myself a box from 2001.... They were so tastfull, the box was empty in a couple of weeks !

[Colt45]

Excellent review

[Habanos2000]

I just love Bolivar's when they're on the mark. Can't beat them! Thanks for the review.

[El Presidente]

Great review Mike!

These are forgotten gems. When construction is right they seldom disappoint. I have found some to be little firecrackers while others right in the batting zone of classic Bolivar flavour.

[bolivr]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Agreed Prez, they deserve more attention, not well known but somehow they fly under the radar of HSA deletions. Correction, looks like the dress box of 25 is on the deletion list since I just bothered to check.

[Guest rob]

Numerical I would give it 87 but take that with a grain of salt as it is my first review.

Great first effort, mate. Really well done.

[sounddust]

Thanks for the pics and reviews. I prefer the CJs for a small Boli, but these are great as well!

[whistlebritches]

Love the Bonita.....great little smoke.

BTW nice review.

Ron

[Kangaroo495]

Had this last night, thought it was good, but I'd say the Coronas Junior is better.

[aavkk]

thanks for a great review of a cigar that I've never had.

[dochowl]

Good review and enjoyed the pics... I've got to say that the Bonitas are great for the size. They pack a ton of flavor into a small little cigar. I'm finishing off a box from '07 that has been nothing but great. Thanks again.

[neal875]

Good review and enjoyed the pics... I've got to say that the Bonitas are great for the size. They pack a ton of flavor into a small little cigar. I'm finishing off a box from '07 that has been nothing but great. Thanks again.

As Rob so correctly stated, these are almost always spot-on when the construction is right. Unfortunately, they are now discontinued--another victim of the small cigar elimination program. Try one if you like a solid, Bolivar taste in a small package.

[dochowl]

Yikes... hadn't heard they were discontinued. May have to put this on my pickup list. Thanks for the info.