Description
The Bolivar Belicosos Finos stands as a monumental achievement in the world of Habanos, widely regarded by connoisseurs as the definitive expression of the full-bodied Cuban cigar. As the only figurado in the regular Bolivar production line, this Campana vitola is an “iron fist in a velvet glove,” offering an uncompromising profile of earth, wood, and intense spice. Crafted for the experienced palate, it delivers a sophisticated journey through layers of roasted nuts, dark cocoa, and aged leather, all encased in a tapered head that allows the smoker to customize the intensity of the draw. Whether you are seeking a robust companion for a celebratory evening or a cornerstone for your long-term collection, the Belicosos Finos represents the pinnacle of Havana’s artisanal craftsmanship and the bold legacy of the Bolivar brand.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 25 | Box of 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 25 units arranged in traditional layers | 10 units in a compact, elegant format |
| Packaging Type | Dress Box (Labelled Box) with classic Bolivar lithography | Dress Box (Labelled Box) ideal for shorter-term storage |
| Ideal For | Serious collectors and daily aficionados | Gifting or sampling the vitola before bulk aging |
| Humidity Protection | Cedar lining for optimal moisture retention | Cedar-enhanced interior to maintain oils and aroma |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | Belicosos Finos (Campana) |
| Length | 140 mm (5.5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 (20.64 mm diameter) |
| Wrapper | Premium Cuban Leaf (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuba |
| Filler | Cuba (Full-bodied blend) |
| Strength | Full |
| Body | Robust and Rich |
| Smoking Time | 60-90 Minutes |
| Factory | Habanos S.A., Cuba |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
The Bolivar brand, established in 1901 by José F. Bolívar Ingletti in the heart of Havana, carries a name that resonates with power and liberation. Named after the legendary South American liberator Simón Bolívar, the brand was designed from its inception to be as potent and impactful as the historical figure it honors. While many Cuban brands sought to find a middle ground in strength, Bolivar carved out a niche for the “power smoker,” utilizing the richest leaves from the Vuelta Abajo region to create a profile that is famously robust and unapologetically Cuban.
Throughout the 20th century, the Bolivar Belicosos Finos emerged as the flagship of the portfolio. Its unique Campana shape—a slightly shorter, stouter version of the traditional Piramide—became a symbol of prestige. This specific cigar has long been associated with the literary and cultural elite; legendary figures such as Ernest Hemingway were known to favor the intense, earthy character of Bolivar cigars during their nights in Havana. Today, the brand remains under the stewardship of Habanos S.A., maintaining its reputation as the strongest line in the regular production catalog, rolled by the most skilled torcedores to ensure that the complex blend of filler leaves provides a consistent, high-performance smoke.
The legacy of the Belicosos Finos is not merely in its strength, but in its balance. It is a cigar that demands respect and attention, offering a historical link to the golden era of Cuban tobacco. For the modern collector, owning a box of Bolivar Belicosos Finos is more than a purchase; it is an acquisition of a piece of Cuban history, representing over a century of blending expertise and a commitment to the “Full” strength category that few other brands dare to inhabit.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The experience begins with an immediate declaration of intent. Upon lighting, the Bolivar Belicosos Finos greets the palate with a surge of damp earth and toasted cedar. The initial puffs are medium-to-full in body, characterized by a sophisticated spice rack of cinnamon, nutmeg, and white pepper. As the cherry settles, a subtle citrus sweetness emerges on the finish, providing a bright counterpoint to the heavy tobacco base. The smoke production is voluminous, creamy, and thick, coating the mouth and preparing the senses for the intensification to come.
Second Third – The Heart
As the cigar transitions into the middle third, the strength moves firmly into the full-bodied territory. The profile becomes more “savory” and “organic,” with dominant notes of fresh hay, dried grass, and roasted almonds. The construction of the 52 ring gauge allows for a cool draw even as the intensity builds. At this stage, the earthy core deepens, taking on a mineral quality that is quintessential to the Vuelta Abajo terroir. The spice transitions from white pepper to a deeper black pepper, lingering on the retrohale with authority but without harshness.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third is where the Belicosos Finos earns its legendary status. The flavors coalesce into a rich, dark symphony of dark cocoa, espresso beans, and heavy leather. There is a magnificent salty caramel note that appears intermittently, adding a layer of luxurious complexity. Despite the increasing heat near the nub, the cigar remains remarkably smooth, avoiding the bitterness often found in lesser full-bodied smokes. The woody notes turn towards charred oak, and the spice remains persistent, providing a powerful, resonant finish that stays with the smoker long after the cigar is rested in the ashtray.
Finish
The aftertaste is exceptionally long and palate-coating. It leaves a lingering sensation of rich tobacco, leather, and dark chocolate. This is a cigar that stays with you, inviting reflection on the 90-minute journey. The “finish” of a Bolivar is often described by aficionados as “chewy,” a testament to the high oil content of the premium wrappers used for this vitola.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Deep Earth, Roasted Coffee, Black Pepper |
| Secondary Notes | Toasted Almonds, Cedar, Leather, Cinnamon |
| Tertiary Notes | Salty Caramel, Nutmeg, Hay, Dried Citrus Peel |
| Finish | Long, Creamy, Resinous, and Rich |
| Aroma | Pungent Tobacco, Cocoa Foot, Burnt Wood |
Aging and Collector Value
The Bolivar Belicosos Finos is a prime candidate for long-term cellaring. Due to its high concentration of ligero leaves and robust nicotine content, the “edges” of a young Bolivar can be sharp. Aging acts as a polisher for this diamond in the rough. Within the first 1 to 2 years, the initial aggression of the pepper notes begins to subside, allowing the underlying sweetness of the cocoa and the creaminess of the nuts to take center stage.
For the serious collector, the 3 to 5-year mark is often considered the “sweet spot.” During this period, the oils within the wrapper and filler harmonize, leading to a more integrated smoking experience where the transitions between thirds are seamless. Samples aged for a decade or more have been known to develop “vintage” characteristics, such as musk, exotic incense, and a softened, velvety texture that is highly sought after at auction. To maximize aging potential, we recommend storing these in a stable environment at 70% RH and 21°C (70°F). The firm construction and thick ash of the Belicosos Finos ensure it can withstand years of slumber without losing its structural integrity.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Double Espresso | The concentrated bitterness and oils of the coffee mirror the cigar’s espresso and cocoa notes. |
| Peated Islay Scotch | The smokiness of the whiskey complements the earthy, leathery profile of the Bolivar. |
| Aged Dark Rum | The molasses sweetness of a premium Cuban rum provides a perfect foil to the cigar’s heavy spice. |
| Cognac (XO) | The dried fruit and oak notes of a mature Cognac elevate the cedar and nut flavors of the blend. |
| Stout or Porter | The roasted malts and chocolate undertones of a dark beer harmonize with the final third’s intensity. |
| Vintage Port | The heavy body and dark fruit sweetness of Port balance the robust nicotine strength of the smoke. |
Authenticity Verification
In the world of luxury Cuban cigars, authenticity is paramount. We ensure that every box of Bolivar Belicosos Finos meets the rigorous standards set by Habanos S.A. to guarantee you are receiving a genuine, hand-rolled masterpiece.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Every box features the official holographic seal on the upper right corner, which includes a unique barcode and hidden security features visible under UV light.
- Box Code Verification – The underside of each box is hot-stamped with the factory code and the month/year of production, allowing for full traceability to the specific workshop in Cuba.
- Factory Stamp – Look for the “Totalmente a Mano” (Totally by Hand) and “Tripa Larga” (Long Filler) stamps, confirming the traditional artisanal methods used.
- Triple Cap – Each Belicosos Finos features the signature Cuban triple cap, expertly applied to the tapered head, showcasing the skill of the torcedor.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification or does not meet our strict quality control standards, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015, we prioritize the integrity of your collection above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bolivar Belicosos Finos suitable for beginners?
Generally, no. Due to its full-bodied strength and high nicotine content, the Bolivar Belicosos Finos can be overwhelming for those new to cigar smoking. It is recommended for those who have already explored medium-bodied Cubans and are looking for a more intense, complex experience. Beginners should approach this cigar slowly, ideally after a full meal.
How does it compare to the Montecristo No. 2?
While both are iconic piramide/belicoso shapes, the Bolivar is significantly stronger and earthier. The Montecristo No. 2 tends to be more medium-to-full with prominent notes of cream and wood, whereas the Bolivar Belicosos Finos is unabashedly full-bodied with a focus on spice, leather, and deep mineral earth. The Bolivar is often seen as the “bolder brother” of the two.
What is the ideal way to cut the tapered head?
Because the Belicosos Finos has a tapered (pointed) head, we recommend using a sharp guillotine cutter. Start with a shallow cut to preserve the taper; this concentrates the smoke and intensifies the flavor. If you find the draw too tight, you can take a slightly deeper second cut. Avoid using a punch cutter, as it is not designed for this vitola shape.
Does this cigar require a long rest after shipping?
Like all premium Habanos, the Bolivar Belicosos Finos benefits from a period of stabilization. We recommend resting the cigars in your humidor for at least 2 to 4 weeks after arrival to allow the humidity levels to normalize before smoking. However, for the best experience, allowing them to age for 1 year or more will significantly enhance the flavor profile.
