Cigar Weekly

Peterg · 04-16-2006, 05:54 PM

Ok well first and foremost, I want to thank Karl (Univibe88) for the awesome smokes he sent as a contest prize, as well as the opportunity to enjoy some sticks from the dark side that I might not have had the opportunity to enjoy otherwise.

As promised, I will review the Bolivar Coronas Extra that he sent me.

The stick was labeled as being from 2001, so it definitely had a decent amount of age on it. From reading other reviews on this vitola, I was afraid that it would perhaps be a little strong for my liking.
Once I retrieved this smoke from my humidor, I retired to my back deck with a tall mug of cool water to enjoy this smoke and watch the sun go down on this beautiful Easter evening. The Boli was firm to the touch but had a little bit of give when squeezed. I grabbed my double guillotine and snipped the capa on this bad boy and took a prelight draw. The draw proved to be just right. A TINY loose for my liking, but pretty close to perfect. It had a slightly spicy taste before it hit the flame, but also tasted of creaminess.
I proceeded to take hold of my Xikar torch lighter and toasted the foot and then took the first couple of draws to get the fun started. Immediately, the spice I had read so much about hit my palette as well as the taste of the warm leather. The cigar did require a few touch ups, but I attribute that to the fact that it was a little windy outside at the time I smoked this, but it was nothing outrageous and it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the cigar. As the cigar went on, the spice became more prominent, and I began to feel a tingle on my tongue and lips. The surprising thing about this cigar is the smooth earthiness. In my experience, a cigar with as much strength and spice as this cigar has, harshness is usually not far away. With this Bolivar, there was a definite smoothness. It's hard to explain, but the best likeness I can give is when someone refers to a beer as "very drinkable." It was powerful, but not overwhelming. As the wonderful hour I spent with this vitola began to wind down, the spice continued as the prevalent flavor, but with a certain mochaish undertone, and maybe a dark coffee flavor. Shortly thereafter, the nub of this finely crafter Cuban piece of art died out in the ashtray.
My overall impression of this cigar was amazing. Probably a little on the stronger/ fuller side of my palette, but definitely a smoke that I enjoyed. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give this one an 8.5. Excellent cigar, and once again thank you to Karl for gifting me this nicely aged specimen.

(That was my first "real" review, so dont laugh )

Peter G

04-16-2006, 05:54 PM	#1
Peterg Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Randolph, NJ Posts: 939	Bolivar Coronas Extra from 2001 Ok well first and foremost, I want to thank Karl (Univibe88) for the awesome smokes he sent as a contest prize, as well as the opportunity to enjoy some sticks from the dark side that I might not have had the opportunity to enjoy otherwise. As promised, I will review the Bolivar Coronas Extra that he sent me. The stick was labeled as being from 2001, so it definitely had a decent amount of age on it. From reading other reviews on this vitola, I was afraid that it would perhaps be a little strong for my liking. Once I retrieved this smoke from my humidor, I retired to my back deck with a tall mug of cool water to enjoy this smoke and watch the sun go down on this beautiful Easter evening. The Boli was firm to the touch but had a little bit of give when squeezed. I grabbed my double guillotine and snipped the capa on this bad boy and took a prelight draw. The draw proved to be just right. A TINY loose for my liking, but pretty close to perfect. It had a slightly spicy taste before it hit the flame, but also tasted of creaminess. I proceeded to take hold of my Xikar torch lighter and toasted the foot and then took the first couple of draws to get the fun started. Immediately, the spice I had read so much about hit my palette as well as the taste of the warm leather. The cigar did require a few touch ups, but I attribute that to the fact that it was a little windy outside at the time I smoked this, but it was nothing outrageous and it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the cigar. As the cigar went on, the spice became more prominent, and I began to feel a tingle on my tongue and lips. The surprising thing about this cigar is the smooth earthiness. In my experience, a cigar with as much strength and spice as this cigar has, harshness is usually not far away. With this Bolivar, there was a definite smoothness. It's hard to explain, but the best likeness I can give is when someone refers to a beer as "very drinkable." It was powerful, but not overwhelming. As the wonderful hour I spent with this vitola began to wind down, the spice continued as the prevalent flavor, but with a certain mochaish undertone, and maybe a dark coffee flavor. Shortly thereafter, the nub of this finely crafter Cuban piece of art died out in the ashtray. My overall impression of this cigar was amazing. Probably a little on the stronger/ fuller side of my palette, but definitely a smoke that I enjoyed. On a scale of 1-10, I'd give this one an 8.5. Excellent cigar, and once again thank you to Karl for gifting me this nicely aged specimen. (That was my first "real" review, so dont laugh ) Peter G