Connoisseur’s Corner: Bolivar Coronas Gigantes (1995)
Bolivar was always the Cuban cigar brand you reached for when you wanted a bold cigar, something with power and a kick. Named for Simón Bolívar, the Venezuelan military man who led many Latin American countries in the fight against Spanish rule, his stern visage stares from the center of each Bolivar band. This well-aged Churchill is no longer made (the size was cut from the portfolio nine years ago), and it’s a shame, as it’s a glorious size, rich and rewarding. It has that signature Bolivar power from the first puff. Leather, buttercream, black peppercorn, wood and coffee bean all play on the palate, working in harmony as the cigar slowly turns to ash. The finish is long, cedary, and when you retrohale the smoke it leaves a wisp of wasabi in your nostrils, a last kiss of that old Bolivar power. —David Savona
From first glance, this cigar is lovely. The dark, brown colorado wrapper is still streaked with black oils. While the draw was a little firm at the start, as it warmed, the cigar opened up and burned perfectly. Notes of caramel and cocoa, and a strong spiciness on the finish remained down to the final inch. This cigar has years of life left. —Gordon Mott
Unbanded and unassuming, this smallish smoke punches far above its weight. It’s only 5 5/8 inches long with a 46 ring gauge, downright diminutive by today’s standards, but it delivers considerable strength. It’s floral, with some buttercream, wisps of leather and a finish that’s as long as a Tolstoy novel. Such a shame it’s no longer made. —David Savona
A Depression-era clear Havana made in the United States with Cuban tobacco by Congress Cigar Co. Nearly a century has turned the cellophane a dark tint of amber. The cigar takes to flame immediately, starting with a surprising leathery snap. After a few rough spots, this box-pressed little perfecto settles into warm notes of nutmeg and cappuccino. —Gregory Mottola
