Origin : Cuba
Format : Short Edmundo
Size : 110 x 21 mm (4.3 x 52)
Ring : 52
Intruduced in : 2008
Hand-Made
Price : $12 each
I would like to thank FinestCubanCigars.com for providing these cigars for review. For over 10 years they ship Cuban cigars from Hong Kong at competitive prices.
I’ve been lucky enough to sample several regional editions recently, here is my first one from Pacific Asia. I decided to get smart and took the picture of the cigar with the Temple of Heaven in the background, then remembered that there were also special REs for China. How do they call it? “Fail”?
Anyway, Bolivar Short Bolivar is a short edmundo, reminding me very much of the Petit Libertador, released the same year. I would probably be unable to tell these two apart if you removed the second bands. Even though the sizes vary slightly, I expected to find a similar flavor profile… and I was not far off. For some reason, I liked the Short Bolivar better though.
Appearance : Rating: 
The overall presentation is encouraging despite several wrapper imperfections. The triple cap is accurately applied and easily comes off when prompted. Well-rolled, it seems to be slightly softer near the foot. I spend more time than I usually do smelling the cigar as it exhales an amazing flavor of sweet, strong tobacco.
Construction : Rating:
Only one complaint for this otherwise beautifully constructed cigar – uneven burn. A couple of times I had to use the lighter to correct the burning line – do not wait until it gets out of control. This little powerhouse produced incredible quantities of smoke and drawed fine.
Flavor : Rating:
I begin by toasting the foot of this Short Bolivar, then it’s time for the first pull. Powerful, it brings a good dose of fresh nicotine that makes my tongue and nostrils tingle. There’s black pepper in the bouquet. A lot of black pepper, actually. As the flavor settles down, I find the usual Bolivar notes – toasted bread, roasted coffee, wood. The smoke is thick and buttery, pleasantly coating the palate despite an obvious power. In the second third, toasted & roasted notes continue to dominate, there is also less pepper and more wood in the bouquet. Medium- to full-bodied, the cigar provides a long finish and leaves a feeling of satisfaction.
Value : Rating: 
At $12 each by box, that’s not a cheap cigar even by Cuban standards.
Overall Rating : Rating:
So, what can we say about the Short Bolivar? Is it a good cigar? Sure, especially if you enjoy the brand’s flavor profile. Is it worth the money? Probably, if you factor in the rarity, the price of the second band and the (considerable) ageing potential. If you are a collector, enjoy Bolivars and this particular format, then it’s a safe box purchase. Otherwise, there are ways to better spend your money.
This post was written by Denis aka Inspector, who founded CigarInspector.com back in 2007. Click here for his latest articles and more information.
