These bold smokes get their name from a bold man. Simon Bolivar liberated much of South America from Spanish rule during the 19th century. The Bolivar brand was created in 1902 and is based today at the Partagas factory in the heart of Havana. Matching the might of the man, Bolivar is widely considered to be among the strongest, and full bodied cigars manufactured by Habanos S.A.
While Bolivar’s are touted for their bold strength, one would be remiss to not highlight the nuance, subtlety and elegance of the mark as well.
The Stats
- Origin Country: Cuba
- Wrapper: Cuban
- Binder: Cuban
- Filler: Cuban
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 52
- Smoke duration: One hour and thirty minutes
- Rarity: Regular production
The Verdict
- Appearance & Construction: 13 / 15
- Flavor of First Third: 9 / 10
- Flavor of Second Third: 9 / 10
- Flavor of Final Third: 9 / 10
- Smoking Experience: 19 / 20
- Overall Experience: 34 / 35
OVERALL RATING: 93
The Bolivar Belicoso Finos was a joy to review from cold draw to nub. Visually the belicoso shape is elegant; the torpedo tip is well formed and the end tapers out gently. The oily dark tan wrapper has tight visible seams and minimal veins. The cold draw yields wood, pepper and earth and hints that this is going to be a bold and complex smoke. The first third is a sweet treat dominated by cocoa, coffee bean, leather and earth. Supporting notes include hazelnut, caramel, malted milk, and floral honey. There is pepper but it’s all flavor and no bite. In the second third some of the sweet profile persists, however the pepper, earth and leather increase in intensity. A light pencil shavings comes and goes, the chocolate takes on a rich bittersweet quality and the nuttiness is more toasted. In the final third the pepper ramps up again taking on a white pepper tingle, but not overpowering. The cocoa, leather and earth are still bold, the wood has taken on a pronounced cedar note and a subtle dark fruit note joins the party. Spice and strength ramp up in the last 2″, I tap out at 1.5″ as the heat passes my preference. In a rare turn of events for a figurado (and a Cuban one no less) the draw is perfect and this stick required no touch ups. The Belicoso Finos lives up to its reputation of big and bold, but what makes this cigar unique is how delicate and nuanced flavors weave in and out of the bold notes. High marks for nuance, balance and fun transitions.