Bolivar Gold Medal PSB Ene 08

[vivalanation734]

PBS ENE 08

Bolivar Gold Medal

6.44" (165mm) x 42

Cut: Guillotine

Construction: Superb. Two noticeable veins on the wrapper, but nothing major.

Pre-light Draw: Perfect draw with hints of honey and vitamin c/mineral-like taste on the tongue. Slight spice on the lips.

Pre-light Aroma: Sweet cedar

This review is more of a "stream of consciousness" format, just so you know....

1st Third: First puff is straight sweet woodiness with a lingering spice. Phenomenal. The smoke on this thing is thick and creamy and coats the palate nicely. A few puffs in and this thing is creamy as all get out with a nice sweet almond flavor accompanied by rich campfire wood. There is a slight harshness to this smoke when blown through the sinuses, but it is still very enjoyable. The first ash fell on my lap only about 3/4 of an inch. Oh well.... The flavor makes up for this. The burn is a little jagged, but nothing a torch can't fix. Mmm... just got a whiff of sweet cinnamon. Truly delightful. As the first third is coming to a close, the strength is increasing as is a heavy dose of pepper.

2nd Third: About an inch or so into the second third and this thing is being dominated by rich cedar flavors with an underlying sweetness and creamy thickness. Just got a quick dose of chalkiness that was actually quite enjoyable. It feels as though it almost cleansed my palate a little. This smoke is so complex and enjoyable... so far it's ranking as one of my favorite BGMs to date. That classic citrus flavor is now making its way into the mix.

Final Third: As the last third begins, the sweet creamy cedar flavor is still dominant with hints of sweet spice and citrus. The strength is still on the rise and the smoke isn't harsh. Did I mention that this thing is excellent? The ash has been falling off in 3/4 inch increments, but thats fine in my book for a 42 RG cigar. Hints of vanilla are now complementing the subtle spice nicely. This cigar finished beautifully. I have 0 complaints.

Final Rating: 92 with some more potential for future aging.

Will I buy more: Yes (once they are on sale again, silly college budget lol)

Should you buy some: Yes. Go buy a box. Now.

My first BGM was a gift from a good cigar buddy of mine. I had been having tough luck with Habanos and he decided to provide me with some to try out, this being one of them. I was stoked. From what I knew, Bolivars had a flavor profile I would like: full bodied, earthy, spicy, with hints of citrus and so much more. This was going to be a match made in heaven. After smoking one for the first time I immediately bought a box of 10 (on sale for $70). These are great cigars and the 08's are smoking beautifully right now.

Pics:

[android]

Thanks for the review...i love them.

[shrink]

I enjoy these lonsdales, too. Although they have a distinctly different profile than the other production Bolivars. I'm looking forward to seeing how these age over the years.

[thechenman]

Thanks...that was a great review. Been looking to try these, but never really knew what to make of them. You've helped me make up my mind.

[vivalanation734]

Thanks...that was a great review. Been looking to try these, but never really knew what to make of them. You've helped me make up my mind.

Glad I can help! They are a phenomenal smoke.

[MontrealRon]

Many thanks for the excellent review.

The BGM has been a great success.

Though it may not be as great as the original releases,

(or so some say), it is a fine cigar, at a reasonable price.