Simon Bolivar may have only had a short life he died at the age of 47 but in that time he achieved an enormous amount. As well as this brand of cigars, one of the nations he helped to found (Bolivia) is named after him. He travelled extensively throughout South America and the Caribbean, fighting the rule from distance by Europe and assisting burgeoning nations with the creation of their constitutions. His name has become intrinsically linked to the quest for self-governance, and towns in not only the countries he freed, but his ancestral homeland of Spain, today host statues in his honor. To associate a new cigar brand with such a revered figure was a brave move indeed, and one which paid off handsomely.
By the middle of the 1950s Bolivar cigars were highly prized. Most of the production was moved to the
Partagas factory, as ownership of both brands came under the same control, where it continues to this day. Fittingly for a military and political leader of such considerable might, Bolivar cigars are known for almost unmatched strength, as well as a full body and rich flavor profile. All cigars in the vitolario are classified as full-strength, and are made totally by hand using long-filler tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region. A degree of credit for the strength and richness of the cigars is due to the generous use of ligero leaves in the blend found at the top of the plant, so harvested last by the Cuban method, these leaves have extra exposure to the sun and are picked last so absorb more nutrients, giving them the richness of flavor which have become the Bolivar trademark.
The superb flavors of Bolivar have led to them being chosen by distributors on more than thirty occasions for the
Regional Edition programme. This ranks them amongst the most highly-favored brands for these exclusive releases, and in 2013 the Libertador originally a Regional Edition for France in 2006 – was promoted to
Regular Production, albeit for sale only in
La Casa del Habano franchises. The rest of the brand’s line-up comprises classic Cuban shapes, including the ever-popular
robusto and
Mareva vitolas.
Bolivar Royal Corona: The classic shape 50 ring gauge by 4 ⅞ inches – and available in tubos to protect it during travel, this is the consumate Bolivar cigar. Around 45 minutes of full-bodied smoke, with flavors of roasted nuts and black pepper. For the true aficionado.
Bolivar Belicosos Finos: A pyramid shape with a thick 52 ring gauge, this cigar is packed full of nutty, spicy, chocolatey flavors. It is one of the most popular from Bolivar, and in 2020 was the first cigar outwith the 6 Global Brands to be made into a Reserva the line of cigars rolled with tobacco aged at least three years before being shaped into the cigar.
Bolivar Petit Coronas: Another classic shape, this time the Mareva. Many Cuban brands use this vitola, as it has the perfect balance of convenience and flavour. Bolivar’s edition will coat your palette with leather, spice and nuts for about 35 minutes.
As well as the many Regional Edition over the years, Bolivar have been selected to produce four
Limited Edition cigars the joint-highest total from the non-Global Brands. The
Soberanos of 2018 was the recipient of particular praise, as the statuesque size of the vitola (a 54 ring gauge by 5 ½ inch
Duke) offered smokers even more opportunity to enjoy the Bolivar flavors.
Choosing the name of Simon Bolivar to adopt for a new brand was a risky choice. His exploits, and the reverence of them, throughout the world give him a special place in people’s hearts, and to have been perceived as dishonoring his name or taking advantage of his reputation could have been a death-blow to a fledgling business. Instead, José Fernández Rocha created a blend of tobacco as bold as its namesake, won the favor of smokers everywhere and began a legacy which is now able to compete with any in the world of tobacco. Bolivar cigars may not be for the faint of heart, thanks to their power and richness, but they are universally known for their excellence. True aficionados will tell you that a Bolivar is very often best.
Brand Founded: 1902
Strength: Full
Construction: Handmade, Tripa Larga
Continuous Production Cigars: 7.
