Bolivar Petit Coronas have really gone downhill

[bigkev]

Bolivar PCs used to be one of my top smokes. I purchased a box last year on here and 2 more this year and I'm halfway through my second box. Really disappointed in the burn and quality. Almost every one frequently goes out 2-3 times and runs badly. I am constantly trying to get them burning right. Also, taste is not what it used to be. Anyone else experiencing this? On the other end, I also got boxes of Monti #2, #3 and #4 and every one has burned perfectly and has smoked outstanding.

[NSXCIGAR]

When you say "used to be" how long ago are we talking about? I ask because I noticed a distinct difference in BPC in 18-19 but before and after is pretty consistent to what they've been for 20 years. 

[Chas.Alpha]

30 minutes ago, NSXCIGAR said:

When you say "used to be" how long ago are we talking about? I ask because I noticed a distinct difference in BPC in 18-19 but before and after is pretty consistent to what they've been for 20 years. 

🥇

[SCgarman]

I have a 2011 box that were fantastic when young. They are flavorless turds 10+ years later. You would think full flavor Bolivar would have legs to last for decades?

[Adisaputra]

Apart from BBF, I’m not sure about aging Bolivar long term. At least BPC, BCJ and BRC don’t show a promising long term aging for me. Curious to know what others might think about this. 

[NSXCIGAR]

5 minutes ago, Adisaputra said:

Apart from BBF, I’m not sure about aging Bolivar long term. At least BPC, BCJ and BRC don’t show a promising long term aging for me. Curious to know what others might think about this. 

I can't speak to 10+ years but 7-10 has been a sweet spot for pretty much all the Boli I've had, particularly BBF. 

[Adisaputra]

1 minute ago, NSXCIGAR said:

I can't speak to 10+ years but 7-10 has been a sweet spot for pretty much all the Boli I've had, particularly BBF. 

That seems about what I’ve experienced. BRC after 10 years tend to decline in flavor, in my experience. Personally I wouldn’t consider Bolivar to be aged long term, although still curious what will happen after the second maturation took place in the next 25+ years LoL

[Lfhard]

I think it might have to do with which Bolivar you’re trying to age long term. I’ve had some fantastic BBF with 7 years on them and am still working on a box of Bolivar Tubos #1 from 2015. The Tubos are smoking amazingly as well could be because they are in the Tubos but who knows. 

[NSXCIGAR]

1 hour ago, Adisaputra said:

still curious what will happen after the second maturation took place in the next 25+ years LoL

We're all waiting to see what the long-term results are for post-2000 CCs. As of now it seems that most cigars from 2000-2005 have already peaked or even expired. Whether they undergo a rebirth after 25 years remains to be seen. 

[JohnS]

5 hours ago, Lfhard said:

I think it might have to do with which Bolivar you’re trying to age long term. I’ve had some fantastic BBF with 7 years on them and am still working on a box of Bolivar Tubos #1 from 2015. The Tubos are smoking amazingly as well could be because they are in the Tubos but who knows. 

I can also attest to this. I'm going through a box of Bolivar Tubos No.1s from mid-2015 and of late they have been exemplary.

[Rhinoww]

MSU Bolivars are things that make people chase dragons. Can’t say much about recent codes as I haven’t bought in over a year. But still. Seems like fighting words 🤣

[GVan]

Several separate issues in response to your question.  (1) Really depends on the year and the box code as some above have already replied.  Several of us did chase the MSU & TUA Boli PC and CJ codes from 2018 through 2021  (@Chas.Alpha can back me on this).  I have found the late 18's and mid 19's to be awesome cigars - smoking really well right now and haven't yet started into the 20 boxes but expect good things as they continue to age. I go by the rule if they're smoking great now - smoke them now.  So I would expect most of my Boli PC's won't last much past 5 to 7 years of age.  (2) As far as the "used to be one of my top smokes" question - like @JohnS said above - I too have some of the 2015 Boli PC tubos and my palate says that these are stronger and very flavorful cigars with a few years to go on them until they peak. My smoking notes from the first few said they were wet, strong and let them rest for a few more years before smoking. I am still on the program of trying one very 6 months until I think they are ready to go. I only have one box and wish I'd bought more as these have legs!  (3) The "burning right" comment I can also relate to. I have a 50 count box of 2018 Parti Shorts that the back half of the cigars will not burn. Amazing given it's a minutos. The first half is a great little smoke but I always get frustrated with the relights on the second half - the wrapper is fireproof. So, it seems, as a "natural product' this does occasionally happen. My solution has been to put that box away and I have not touched it for over a year. My hope is that the back half burn issue will work itself out as the cigar ages. Luckily, I have some 2019 Parti Short dress boxes that are smoking lights out right now. (4) I have no clue why - but, I have never had the above issues with any of my 2016 through 2018 Monte 2s and 4s. Those are some of the most consistent smoking cigars in my collection.

If you continue to be frustrated with the Boli PCs, PM me - they are one of my favorites as well.

[bigkev]

16 hours ago, GVan said:

Several separate issues in response to your question.  (1) Really depends on the year and the box code as some above have already replied.  Several of us did chase the MSU & TUA Boli PC and CJ codes from 2018 through 2021  (@Chas.Alpha can back me on this).  I have found the late 18's and mid 19's to be awesome cigars - smoking really well right now and haven't yet started into the 20 boxes but expect good things as they continue to age. I go by the rule if they're smoking great now - smoke them now.  So I would expect most of my Boli PC's won't last much past 5 to 7 years of age.  (2) As far as the "used to be one of my top smokes" question - like @JohnS said above - I too have some of the 2015 Boli PC tubos and my palate says that these are stronger and very flavorful cigars with a few years to go on them until they peak. My smoking notes from the first few said they were wet, strong and let them rest for a few more years before smoking. I am still on the program of trying one very 6 months until I think they are ready to go. I only have one box and wish I'd bought more as these have legs!  (3) The "burning right" comment I can also relate to. I have a 50 count box of 2018 Parti Shorts that the back half of the cigars will not burn. Amazing given it's a minutos. The first half is a great little smoke but I always get frustrated with the relights on the second half - the wrapper is fireproof. So, it seems, as a "natural product' this does occasionally happen. My solution has been to put that box away and I have not touched it for over a year. My hope is that the back half burn issue will work itself out as the cigar ages. Luckily, I have some 2019 Parti Short dress boxes that are smoking lights out right now. (4) I have no clue why - but, I have never had the above issues with any of my 2016 through 2018 Monte 2s and 4s. Those are some of the most consistent smoking cigars in my collection.

If you continue to be frustrated with the Boli PCs, PM me - they are one of my favorites as well.

Parti Shorts are one of my favorites and I also had some issues with them in my last box last year. They seemed to really vary along with color, burn and flavor; also had some burning challenges. Ill let the BPC age some more and just smoke the Monti's as they have all been outstanding and very consistent.

[SCgarman]

16 hours ago, GVan said:

Several separate issues in response to your question.  (1) Really depends on the year and the box code as some above have already replied.  Several of us did chase the MSU & TUA Boli PC and CJ codes from 2018 through 2021  (@Chas.Alpha can back me on this).  I have found the late 18's and mid 19's to be awesome cigars - smoking really well right now and haven't yet started into the 20 boxes but expect good things as they continue to age. I go by the rule if they're smoking great now - smoke them now.  So I would expect most of my Boli PC's won't last much past 5 to 7 years of age.  (2) As far as the "used to be one of my top smokes" question - like @JohnS said above - I too have some of the 2015 Boli PC tubos and my palate says that these are stronger and very flavorful cigars with a few years to go on them until they peak. My smoking notes from the first few said they were wet, strong and let them rest for a few more years before smoking. I am still on the program of trying one very 6 months until I think they are ready to go. I only have one box and wish I'd bought more as these have legs!  (3) The "burning right" comment I can also relate to. I have a 50 count box of 2018 Parti Shorts that the back half of the cigars will not burn. Amazing given it's a minutos. The first half is a great little smoke but I always get frustrated with the relights on the second half - the wrapper is fireproof. So, it seems, as a "natural product' this does occasionally happen. My solution has been to put that box away and I have not touched it for over a year. My hope is that the back half burn issue will work itself out as the cigar ages. Luckily, I have some 2019 Parti Short dress boxes that are smoking lights out right now. (4) I have no clue why - but, I have never had the above issues with any of my 2016 through 2018 Monte 2s and 4s. Those are some of the most consistent smoking cigars in my collection.

If you continue to be frustrated with the Boli PCs, PM me - they are one of my favorites as well.

Unfortunately those fireproof wrappers will not correct themselves with time. I have a few 2012 very dark wrappered RASS. These cigars were from a full box, and all the cigars had fireproof wrappers, that needed constant relights throughout the duration of the cigar. Mind you, this had nothing to do with my RH levels in the cabinet. This fireproof wrapper "issue" was perhaps more problematic than construction issues with Habanos cigars. Others have  experienced these wrappers also. BTW, I have never experienced wrappers like these on any NC cigar, ever.

 

 

[Chibearsv]

For science, I will crack open a newer BPC box and report. For science 😁

[MadMax]

Bolivar has been terrible from 2013 on!!

[MedV3]

8 hours ago, MadMax said:

Bolivar has been terrible from 2013 on!!

Max your pup😍 here is mine . Luv my ACD 

[El Presidente]

1 hour ago, MadMax said:

Bolivar has been terrible from 2013 on!!

....you will find some dissenting opinions on this one 

Bolivar Royal Corona 20/21/22/23. Some of  the best I have smoked since the 90's. 

I can't remember the last bad BBF I had. Some great ones, mostly good to very good. 

Bolivar Libertador until they stopped production (assuming temporarilly), are seriously top shelf cigars. 

Bolivar PC can be hit and miss. I have been smoking more of  the Nudie N4 as it delivers 80% of a great Boli PC at 65% of the price. Everytime. 

 

[MadMax]

7 hours ago, MedV3 said:

Max your pup😍 here is mine . Luv my ACD

Awesome Med!! We've had 3, all chose my Wife over me!!

6 hours ago, El Presidente said:

....you will find some dissenting opinions on this one 

Bolivar Royal Corona 20/21/22/23. Some of  the best I have smoked since the 90's. 

I can't remember the last bad BBF I had. Some great ones, mostly good to very good. 

Bolivar Libertador until they stopped production (assuming temporarilly), are seriously top shelf cigars. 

Bolivar PC can be hit and miss. I have been smoking more of  the Nudie N4 as it delivers 80% of a great Boli PC at 65% of the price. 

 

I guess I've had bad luck for the last 10 years!

[El Presidente]

6 hours ago, MadMax said:

I guess I've had bad luck for the last 10 years!

Possibly! Or they are not to your taste. 

Fuzz will agree with you 

[MadMax]

17 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

Possibly! Or they are not to your taste. 

Fuzz will agree with you 

Bolivar has been my favorite marca since the 90's. Not anymore!

[Chibearsv]

UBL MAR 23 BPC

It’s no MSU 18 but it’s pretty good if I forgive its youth. No harshness at all but not the flavor punch I’ve been used to. It’s got the right elements of slight sweetness and funky leather, it’s under medium body and is more oily than creamy, as a result, it almost has a kerosene vibe to it but isn’t unpleasant if that makes any sense.  It’s burning great and giving a pleasant buzz.  I think a few years down the road and this can be the well balanced treat I expect but it’s not there yet.  It’s not an ass kicker if that’s what’s expected but I’ll bet this will be a fine cigar a few more years down the road.

[NSXCIGAR]

20 hours ago, Rhinoww said:

MSU Bolivars are things that make people chase dragons. Can’t say much about recent codes as I haven’t bought in over a year. But still. Seems like fighting words 🤣

Indeed. What's really ironic is that the reason I think the MSU BPC is great is because they are so different than typical BPC. Which is why I'm surprised so many other people like them. 

I've had an 18 and 19 box of MSU BPC and the 19s are by far better. Haven't had any 20s. I also had a few ETP 16s and those are the same typical BPC. Again, the 3 year younger 19s blow them away. 

 

6 hours ago, MadMax said:

Bolivar has been my favorite marca since the 90's. Not anymore!

Boli was hands down my favorite brand until around 2002. Now I rarely smoke any. 

[bigkev]

16 hours ago, El Presidente said:

....you will find some dissenting opinions on this one 

Bolivar Royal Corona 20/21/22/23. Some of  the best I have smoked since the 90's. 

I can't remember the last bad BBF I had. Some great ones, mostly good to very good. 

Bolivar Libertador until they stopped production (assuming temporarilly), are seriously top shelf cigars. 

Bolivar PC can be hit and miss. I have been smoking more of  the Nudie N4 as it delivers 80% of a great Boli PC at 65% of the price. Everytime. 

 

Out of the four I tried, the N4 was my favorite; may have to get a box. All sizes did burn/smoke very nicely, but the N4 had a little more "punch", which I prefer.

[vinnyvega]

I just grabbed a box of 2010 LRE. If these are anything like the RC tubos, I'm in trouble.....