Bolivar Gigantes

[Ken Gargett]

From a box I picked up in Havana (one that Rob kindly selected). From 2004, though don't have the actual code to hand. Has been a terrific box and almost every one very enjoyable. One problem was that I couldn't keep my hands off them. Goes to show that certainly not everything from around 2004 and 2005 was a disappointment. So expected much the same from this one (it was my second on consecutive nights and the one the previous evening had been very good, tough perhaps not the pick of the box).

Appearance was a light dusty brown with good oils. Opened superbly and was immediately more serious than the one the previous night, as good as that was. Rich, youthful and intense, with flavours of ripe stonefruits, honey, fig, peach (matched nicely with the Remy Martin XO). Layers of flavour, not particularly subtle and was slightly above a medium body. Firm draw, much firmer than the one the previous evening. The underlying honey notes continued throughout. There was a good, though perhaps not great, evolution of flavour. Lots of dense smoke. I enjoyed this for about 2 ½ hours. Can't complain about that.

After the first 2/3rds, I was finding it very pleasant without being great. Was leaning to something around 90, I guess. The last third kicked into gear and lifted the thing. The honey and stonefruit seemed almost even richer and there was more interest here. Really enjoyed this. 91-92.

[hoyopr]

Thanks for the review Ken, I can't wait for Spring and some warmer weather so I can enjoy one of these on the patio.

[android]

Nice review KG.

[thechenman]

Thanks KG. I've got two of them sitting in my humidor waiting for some warm weather or an opportunity to smoke indoors.

[jwm8592]

Can anyone comment on a younger Bolivar Gigantes? How about 2007 or 2008, are they reachable at this young age or do they need alot of rest? I have never had one of these, and would like to try em. I will add that I took the advice of some here who suggested breaking open my box of Sir Winnie's (that I had in a deep sleep) earlier than expected, and oh boy was that a thing of beauty, totally unexpected by me to be this good this early and they're less than 3 yrs old. Any advice and box codes please would be appreciated, thx.

[Quint]

Thanks for the review I agree not everything from those years was disappointing. I had a box of Choix Supreme 2004 I got from Rob that were awesome. Also agree with one of the posters can't wait for it to warm up around here so i can start enjoying some of the big guys...