The Bolivar Libertador is an LCDH (La Casa Del Habano) Exclusive released in 2013. The factory name for this toro-sized cigar is Sublimes 54 x 164 (6.5″) It has the large Bolivar band C, with La Casa del Habano second band. The packaging is a Semi Boite Nature Box of 10 cigars. The box itself has a 1930s style papeleta (end paper label).
This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed. All of our cigars reviewed are shipped to the panelists with Boveda packs to ensure optimal smoking experience.
Vital Stats:
Vitola: Toro
Length: 6.5″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Cuba
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
Factory: Francisco Pérez Germán Factory
Blender: Habanos S.A.
Number of reviewers: 4 – Adam B. (Bushboy) Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd) Matt C. (Big Matt) Kyle (kaleehb)
Price: $18.40
Age: 1 Year 6 Months (Box Date January 2014)
Release Date: 2013
Contributed by: ihavanas.com
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Initial Impressions
Appearance: 89
“Large cigar with a medium brown wrapper. Solid roll with tight visible seams and a few large veins. Cap is a well applied cold draw shows the perfect resistance.” -Kyle (kaleehb)
Aroma: 89
“The outer wrapper has a very mild hay aroma. The foot shows off a bit more aroma, mostly in the form of cedar and graham cracker.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
First Third
Flavor: 90
Strength: Mild-Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium
“Very distinct sweetness and notes of cinnamon on the pre light draw. Slightly toothy with great smoke output. Imagine sucking on a dried orange peel through a box of raisins. Prevalent dried fruit sweetness mixed with cedar. Leathery finish. Burn line around most dominant vein has been stubborn and causing about a 1/2 inch square to lag behind.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“The first third of this cigar teed up a mild strength stick working towards medium. The complexity and body is medium but questionable, and I say that because detecting just one nuance puts me into a conundrum because the flavors are all over the place. However I can detect citrus, mild fruit and herb qualities. The finish is clean and leaves the palate crisp. On the retro there is light cream and baking spices. This is a good cigar experience because I’m curious where this cigar will take me in the final two thirds.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
Second Third
Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Flavors from first third remained the same, although varied in dominance. The sweetness of dried fruit is still the main characteristic. Cedar overtook the leather on the finish and almost has a bitterness to it. Not an unpleasant taste, just a hint. The vein producing the uneven shelf of a burn has improved to only about 1/4 inch error now. I have had to touch it up twice.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“In the second third the profile of the cigar began to emerge. There is citrus, fruit, leather, and tons of coriander or Chinese parsley. There is a “twang” which I can describe as a citrus note that is slightly sour but still desirable. Salt develops on the retrohale reminding me of early windy mornings by the sea. Even though I am blind reviewing a cigar, I catch myself smoking and reminiscing of enjoyable past events. To me this is a very good experience. Draw is firm but perfect for this blend. The finish develops and coats the mouth cinnamon, salt and peat notes.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
Final Third
Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
“Pleasantly, the bitterness that crept in subsided. The final third was a welcomed transition to a nutty buttery taste. Dried fruit off the draw, and cashew finish. Unexpected and appreciated.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“This is a very good cigar that seems to have peaked in the second third, but in the final third it is still a very good cigar. In the final third I detect peaty notes, coriander, leather, citrus, every baking spice on the shelf, twang, and salt. The retro is salt, bitter cherry, cream and cinnamon; pepper flirts with the profile but never makes a formal entrance. Cigar reminds me of a lot of smokes I have had the chance to enjoy from Little Havana, Miami.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
Overall Impressions
Draw: 93
“Draw showed the perfect resistance through the first two thirds and became somewhat loose during the final third. Overall, no issues.” -Kyle (kaleehb)
Burn: 88
“Burn was a little wonky at times but still very good. It required zero touch-ups and never got hot even down at the nub.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
Construction: 88
“Cigar was rolled great. I typically do not smoke cigars of this size, however, the presentation on this stick would have me think twice before passing this one up.” -Kyle (kaleehb)
Overall Strength: Medium
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Overall Experience: 89
“Although these flavors are not in my wheelhouse, the overall experience was enjoyable. I switched from water the bourbon about halfway through, and they complimented each other nicely. Tasted notes I did not pick up before.” –Adam B. (Bushboy)
“When all of the factors are combined, this cigar was not good at all. Harsh and sour flavors, burn issues, and poor appearance make it impossible to give a good rating to this cigar. If I had not been reviewing the cigar I would have tossed it on the ground early in the process, but I finished it for the sake of the review. Not good.” –Matthew T. (A Huge Nerd)
“This cigar started off as a head scratcher in the first third but then transformed into an excellent experience in the second third before falling off slightly in the final third. If this is a young cigar it potentially could become a top contender for a redux with additional age, as I’d like to think it could become an excellent experience with more rest in my humidor. Additionally, if this stick is available in multiple vitolas, I would really like to try this cigar in a smaller format such as a corona gorda. Bravo to the blenders behind this premium cigar experience.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
“Overall, this was a very good smoking experience. Solid, quality cigar that if given the correct price point would be a consistent smoke for me, especially when hanging with the “guys” to play cards or tailgate.” -Kyle (kaleehb)
Vital Stats:
Initial Impressions
Aroma: 89
First Third
“Burn was a little wonky at times but still very good. It required zero touch-ups and never got hot even down at the nub.” –Matt C. (Big Matt)
“Overall, this was a very good smoking experience. Solid, quality cigar that if given the correct price point would be a consistent smoke for me, especially when hanging with the “guys” to play cards or tailgate.” -Kyle (kaleehb)