Bolivar Belicosos Finos PMR MAY05

[El Capitan]

I have to admit that I had quite high expectations for this cigar especially now it has some age on it. I decided to give myself a treat to look forward to after a busy week away on a business trip. Finally Friday came and I hurried home from the airport and set about relaxing with this 5 yo Boli, paring it with an icy cold frothy (Heineken from the 5L draft keg).

Construction: 9/10, very fine veins and silky, light brown Colorado colour

Aroma: Some nice cocoa, spice, dried fruit

Pre draw: Just right, slightly restricted

1st 3rd: I am immediately surprised how mild this Campana starts out. Medium to light body, cloves, fresh grass, and some background white pepper/spice. Medium amount of smoke produced, and I'm not picking up at all the thick and pasty smoke I have heard others describe with this Boli.

2nd 3rd: Settles into medium quickly, I'm hit with a very pleasant cedar and leather nuances with the white pepper showing up every 5 or so puffs. The burn has been a little uneven, nothing to troublesome. Towards the end of the 2nd 3rd it almost becomes harsh with bitterness and salt making an appearance.

Final 3rd: Now swings into medium to full and I am now left with strong tobacco and nicotine in spades. More smoke as expected now she has opened up, but I get the feeling that I am not going to be still tasting this for hours afterwards.

To sum up I was left a little underwhelmed by this cigar, it was quick burning and only took me 55 mins to smoke. I was hopping I might be able add these to my save for special occasions category, but I am left with a very nice for a weekend treat. 86/100.

I would be interested in others opinion, perhaps better smoked young?

Thank you for reading.

[finecigar]

Nice and thorough! I am sorry the BF didn't rate higher for you. All of my experience I have never had one fall short of a 90. That may just be my personal preference with this particular cigar. Anyhow, Thanks for the review- I enjoyed it. Keep it up.

[CIGARHead]

Great review! Shame is wasn't what you were expecting. In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with '07-'08s. Some of the best coming out of Cuba if you like strong, earthy cigars. I haven't smoked any '09s, but if they are definitely on the comback trail from 4-5 years ago.

[El Capitan]

Nice and thorough! I am sorry the BF didn't rate higher for you. All of my experience I have never had one fall short of a 90. That may just be my personal preference with this particular cigar. Anyhow, Thanks for the review- I enjoyed it. Keep it up.

Thanks Fine. Yes I had only heard great things recently about the BF, so I think I will try another from the box next weekend and let you know what my experience is 2nd time around. Cheers.

[El Capitan]

Great review! Shame is wasn't what you were expecting. In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with '07-'08s. Some of the best coming out of Cuba if you like strong, earthy cigars. I haven't smoked any '09s, but if they are definitely on the comback trail from 4-5 years ago.

Thank you for the kind words Head. Were they off the mark 5 years ago? I think I will try to get my hands on a '08 to compare.

[android]

Shame it was off for you...u will need to try another for the r a great smoke.

[Colt45]

Thanks for the review, I've smoked a number of '05s and found them similar to your experience - good cigars, but nothing really special (there were

one or two from the batch that I enjoyed more than the rest). They lacked depth on the palate, any kind of richness - oomph. I've not tried more recent

production, but would not hesitate given the recommendations of members here.

[CIGARHead]

Thank you for the kind words Head. Were they off the mark 5 years ago? I think I will try to get my hands on a '08 to compare.

shoot me your address and I'll send ya an '07 that will change your mind of the BBF. Strong and earthy, dark baking chocolate and spice. Beautiful cigar. Just send a pm and I'll get it out to ya this coming week.

[El Capitan]

Thanks for the review, I've smoked a number of '05s and found them similar to your experience - good cigars, but nothing really special (there were

one or two from the batch that I enjoyed more than the rest). They lacked depth on the palate, any kind of richness - oomph. I've not tried more recent

production, but would not hesitate given the recommendations of members here.

Thanks Colt. Head and I are going to do a swap so I can try the 07' I will post another review on that one. Looking forward to it.

[OZCUBAN]

Hi all I recently had a BBF recently not sure on the year but i suspect it was an 08,my experience was much the same as elcaptain's,was left quite miffed and wondered what all the fuss was about ,after i had heard so much about them,will try some more soon and see if i was just unlucky.

Oz

[CigarmanTim]

I struggled through 2 cabs of them and couldn't wait to see them gone. I am in the minority.

[alan2]

I have a box from '07 and they are just as CIGARHead described. Fantastic cigars IMO.

[Buch0]

Surprise response to the BBF to be honest, I have not tried any from 05 or prior dates but the ones I have smoked of a more recent production are near exact to what CIGARhead has mentioned.. Lashes of chocolate, varnished wood and cocoa pour out of them. Definatley one of my favourite cigars and a long time staple in my collection.

Will be interesting to see how the swap goes, look forward to the following review. Great job on this one by the way el captain.

[El Capitan]

Thanks Buch, we should each have our cigars in a week or so. I will post back here then as I sure Cigarhead will.

Surprise response to the BBF to be honest, I have not tried any from 05 or prior dates but the ones I have smoked of a more recent production are near exact to what CIGARhead has mentioned.. Lashes of chocolate, varnished wood and cocoa pour out of them. Definatley one of my favourite cigars and a long time staple in my collection.

Will be interesting to see how the swap goes, look forward to the following review. Great job on this one by the way el captain.