Bolivar Simones (Regional Edition Canada)

Bolivar Simones (Regional Edition Canada)

Origin : CubaBolivar
Format : Corona Extra
Size : 127 x 19 mm (5 x 48)
Ring : 48
Intruduced in : 2007
Hand-Made
Price : ~$20

Let me start off by saying that I am a huge Bolivar fan. I’m not always sure how to describe the distinct flavor I get from this brand, but I certainly enjoy it. That said, here we have a regional edition exclusive to Canada. Let’s see how it compares.

Appearance : Rating: ★★★★★
This is a very nice looking cigar that sports a medium brown wrapper with very fine veins. It is adorned by the classic Bolivar band and a nicely contrasting exclusivo band . . . a classic looking cigar.

Construction : Rating: ★★★★★
In my experience, construction is a big question mark when dealing with sticks from the island. Well, there was no question in this instance, as the draw and burn were impeccable. The feel of the cigar was spot on . . . neither too heavy nor light, balancing nicely in the hand . . . slightly soft to the touch.

Bolivar Simones (Regional Edition Canada)

Flavor : Rating: ★★★★½
Pre-light, this stogie did not have much of an aroma. However, upon clipping the head, a wonderful, rich tobacco smell brought a smile to my face. An easy light led to nice leathery tastes that quickly turned to a sweet, peppery spice. These tones turned to cedar and, at times, an almost chocolate flavor.

It’s hard to break down a small stick like this into thirds. However, about a third in, the peppery spice picked up a little and left a wonderful aftertaste on the back of the throat. At times, it was accompanied with a sugary sweetness. Around this point (about halfway in), the smoke turned to a nice display of roasted nuts and ended with the rich, earthy tobacco flavor profile that appears singular to the Bolivar line of smokes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this cigar, especially the latter portions. That rich Bolivar flavor is addictive to me and I find myself in awe after each pull. I deducted half a point only because this cigar is far from reaching its potential, as it is still very young. At some points, I detected some slight tannic tastes to confirm this. Regardless, it is full of delicious flavor.

Bolivar Simones (Regional Edition Canada)

Value : Rating: ★★★☆☆
At $20 a stick, as much as it pains me to say, this cigar is overpriced. Make no mistake, it’s an excellent smoke, but the same flavors can be found in a Bolivar Belicoso Finos or Royal Corona. Considering these are roughly a third of the price, it’s hard to justify purchasing this cigar. One would hope that the exclusive release will provide a more consistent cigar, but this is an uncertainty.

Overall Rating : Rating: ★★★★☆
If not for price, this would be a stick to hoard. It is a full-flavored, easy smoking experience that is extremely satisfying. It exhibited the classic Bolivar flavor profile and looks to only get better with age.