Origin : Cuba
Format : Short Robusto
Size : 102 x 19.84 mm
Ring : 50
Intruduced in : 2008
Hand-Made
Price : 9.50 € / piece
Bolivar Petit Libertador is the first regional edition to be reviewed on this site. To be honest, I am quite sceptical about the regional editions concept – 2 years of marketing courses make me think that we pay extra dough for a feeling of uniqueness. Let’s see whether this is true.
Appearance : Rating:
Looks quite rustic, one major vein is running through a colorado claro wrapper. Then of course, there is this double band which indicates that you’re holding a limited edition. It sure looks good.
Construction : Rating:
It is a bit loose near the foot, but otherwise well-packed. The sour pre-light smell is divine – this is what surges in my mind when I think back about this cigar. I had no problems at all with cutting and lighting this short robusto, the draw was on the tighter side but comfortable. It burned well.
Flavor : Rating:
I am always expecting a spectacular performance from a short and expensive cigar. Isn’t it supposed to concentrate as much flavor as possible in a smaller format? It definitely was not the case here. Upon lighting, I was pleasantly punched in the nose by a hurl of red and black pepper. From the very beginning, the Petit Libertador is powerful, full-bodied and excessively peppery. Woody flavors make their way in the second third, they are quite similar to what I am used to detect in Bolivar Royal Coronas. This is where I can also feel that the cigar is too young (introduced in 2008) to be fully enjoyed right now – a lot of leather and hints of ammonia which can be avoided if you take your time (which is a good strategy, by the way). The last third is quite heavy and needs to be paired with a drink (cognac or whisky).
Value : Rating:
Definitely overpriced. You pay at least 2 euros for the regional edition band.
Overall Rating : Overall Rating:
Bolivar Petit Libertador is not a bad cigar, but it didn’t meet my high expectations. I am now even more suspicious about regional editions. I really don’t see why I should pay more for a cigar that is far inferior to, say, Montecristo Petit Edmundo or even Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto. Don’t you think?