Are Bolivars losing their punch?

[PeeJay]

When I started smoking cigars I stayed away from Bolivars for a while because they had a reputation for being strong and suited only to the experienced smoker. Now they same to be changing course. Recently I smoked a Libertador that if I had been blind tasting I would have said was an Upmann or a Hoyo. I had a similar experience with a Geniales too. Just this week [MENTION=1090]RobustoClubHavana[/MENTION] smoked the Lusiador; the new Portuguese regional, and he said it was delicious but mild. Discuss ...

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[Tomm783]

You?ve picked up on something I was curious about when I was reviewing the Corona Gigantes while on holiday, which was from 1998. I was curious if they would now be milder (albeit discontinued) now. Perhaps the Boli experts can shed some light...


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[Shaun]

The thinner ring Bolivars have always been the big hitters for me.

[Alexw33]

I think I’m too new to cigar smoking to pass comment but I struggle with the concept of strength in cigars in general. I get the concept of body and sometimes use the terms interchangeably as I don’t recall even once feeling any effects of nicotine from a cigar. Perhaps as an ex-cigarette smoker I have a fair tolerance or maybe there is more to it.

I often hear that Cubans of today are “watered down” versions of what they once were (predominantly when talking about Bolivar and Partagas) and are much more approachable when young. Has anyone here been in the hobby long enough to offer more of an insight?

[Specialized_j]

I smoked an RC last year and considering I’m not a daily smoker, I could tell it was stronger but nothing unmanageable.

[mrnutt]

I smoked my first ever Bolivar a few weeks back (a BF) and found it to be quite punchy and strong, though not as much as I thought it might be, mind you I had had a decent lunch not long before firing it up.

I wouldn't say it put me on my ass but I was glad to have eaten well before and had nothing else to do that afternoon.

Taste wise though I found Partagas to have some more punch but that is coming from a unrefined newish palate

[anz3001]

I haven’t had enough Bolivar to know...I must rectify that.

[7kingsguy]

Having smoked a lots of ncs i can honestly say ive never had a cuban i would consider anything more than medium. Bolivars in my experience have a little strength but never anything overpowering. Cuba just doesnt blend that way.

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[Hookmaker]

Not much experience but I did smoke quite a number of Padr?ns during the last 6 months and also sampled my way through a lot of Cubans at the same time. Some weeks ago I broke a box of Bolivar ER Bulgaria and my feeling was that it was way up there with the Padr?ns which I consider to be full and strong cigars.

[PeeJay]

Perhaps blended for a Slavic palate

[Emaresee]

When I started smoking cigars I stayed away from Bolivars for a while because they had a reputation for being strong and suited only to the experienced smoker. Now they same to be changing course. Recently I smoked a Libertador that if I had been blind tasting I would have said was an Upmann or a Hoyo. I had a similar experience with a Geniales too. Just this week @RobustoClubHavana smoked the Lusiador; the new Portuguese regional, and he said it was delicious but mild. Discuss ...

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I too have steered away for sometime. but have found aged bolis not to have the reputed thump. i have some PC's to try from a recent split with [MENTION=13417760]Wigan[/MENTION] so will sample them in due course and share a view...

[smokey joe]

The Bolivars I smoke (pc & belicosos) are not as strong as some similar sized Cuban counterparts, in my opinion.

[grumpybaldy]

Not much experience but I did smoke quite a number of Padr?ns during the last 6 months and also sampled my way through a lot of Cubans at the same time. Some weeks ago I broke a box of Bolivar ER Bulgaria and my feeling was that it was way up there with the Padr?ns which I consider to be full and strong cigars.

Which Padron would you recommend to get the typical flavours of the brand? Would this be the same one to experience a really full/strong one?

[JoeyGunz]

I can't remember the last boli I smoked with less than 5 or so years on, I did smoke a Libertador but it was a wind tunnel and didn't have much about it.

[JoeyGunz]

Okay I have a Boli CG, Box Code - PUR MAR 16, might have to take the flame to this in the name of science.