Description
The terrace at La Casa del Habano in Havana’s Hotel Nacional was buzzing with conversation that evening, overlooking the Malecón as the Caribbean sun dipped low. I’d just finished a substantial dinner of ropa vieja and was ready for something bold to close out the night. The tobacconist recommended something with serious character – a pyramid-shaped Cuban cigar that would demand my full attention for the next hour and a half.
That’s when I first encountered the Bolivar Belicosos Finos, a cigar that doesn’t apologize for its intensity. From that first evening on the hotel terrace to countless sessions since, this has become my go-to recommendation for anyone seeking an authentic Cuban experience with serious depth and complexity.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 140mm (5.5 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 52 |
| Shape | Belicoso (Campana/Piramide) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 60-90 minutes |
| Wrapper | Cuban Corojo |
Construction and Appearance
The Bolivar Belicosos Finos showcases everything I love about Cuban craftsmanship. The Corojo wrapper displays a beautiful chocolate-brown color with an oily sheen that catches the light perfectly. When you hold one, you’ll notice how smooth it feels – minimal veins, no soft spots, and a construction that speaks to the skill of Cuban rollers.
The belicoso shape tapers elegantly to a pointed cap, and I’ve consistently found the draw to be just right – not too loose, not plugged. Pre-light, you’ll pick up clear aromas of wood, rich tobacco, and hints of cocoa. The construction holds up beautifully throughout the smoke, producing thick grey ash that easily holds for two inches before dropping.
Every Bolivar belicoso I’ve enjoyed has been hand-rolled using tobaccos from the famous Vuelta Abajo region, which explains the consistent quality and complexity you’ll experience from first light to final draw.
Flavor Profile Through the Smoke
First Third: The Foundation
The opening draws reveal a medium-bodied character that’s deceptively approachable. Don’t let this fool you – it’s building toward something much more intense. I consistently taste strong earth and wood notes right from the start, accompanied by gentle spice that reminds me of cinnamon and nutmeg.
There’s a leather undertone that emerges after the first few minutes, along with black pepper that tingles without overwhelming. The smoke production is generous, and the burn line stays remarkably even if you’ve properly prepared the cigar.
Middle Third: The Transformation
This is where the Bolivar belicoso really shows its character. The strength ramps up to full-bodied territory, and the flavor complexity explodes. Those initial earth notes intensify and are joined by distinct hay and grass flavors that transport you straight to Cuban tobacco fields.
Roasted coffee emerges as a dominant note, complemented by dark chocolate that adds richness to every draw. I often pick up dried fruit – sometimes raisins, sometimes figs – that balances the earthier elements beautifully. The draw typically loosens slightly here but remains firm enough to maintain that thick, satisfying smoke.
Final Third: The Grand Finale
The closing act brings robust spice that demands respect. Wood and cocoa notes continue strong, while leather returns with more intensity than before. Toasted nuts – often almonds or hazelnuts – add another layer of complexity that keeps me engaged right to the nub.
What impresses me most is how cool this cigar smokes, even in the final inches. The balance remains intact, and the finish lingers on your palate long after you’ve set it down. This is where you really appreciate the aging potential these cigars possess.
Perfect Pairings
Given the full-bodied nature and complex flavor profile, the Bolivar Belicosos Finos demands equally substantial drink pairings. I’ve found aged rum works magnificently – specifically a 12-year or older Cuban rum like Havana Club Añejo Reserva or a premium Guatemalan Zacapa.
For whiskey lovers, reach for something with character. A peated Islay Scotch like Ardbeg or Lagavulin complements those earthy, smoky notes beautifully. If bourbon’s more your style, try something barrel-proof like Booker’s or Blanton’s – you need something that won’t get bullied by this cigar’s intensity.
Coffee pairings work exceptionally well, particularly a strong Cuban espresso or a dark roast with chocolate notes. I’ve also enjoyed these cigars with vintage port, where the sweetness provides a lovely contrast to the spice and leather flavors.
Who Should Smoke This Cigar
Honestly, the Bolivar Belicosos Finos isn’t for beginners. The nicotine strength builds considerably, and the complexity requires some experience to fully appreciate. If you’re new to Cuban cigars, I’d recommend starting with something milder and working your way up.
This is perfect for experienced smokers who want a serious evening smoke. It’s ideal after a substantial dinner when you have 90 minutes to dedicate to the experience. Business dinners, special celebrations, or those moments when you want to truly savor something exceptional – that’s when you reach for a Bolivar belicoso.
The strength and complexity also make this an excellent choice for sharing with fellow aficionados. It gives you plenty to discuss and analyze throughout the smoke.
Proper Cutting and Lighting
The belicoso shape requires specific attention when cutting. I always use a sharp straight cut, removing just the very tip of the pointed cap – maybe 2-3mm maximum. You want to preserve that tapered shape while creating an adequate draw. A punch cutter won’t work here due to the pointed construction.
For lighting, take your time with the foot. The ring gauge is substantial at 52, so rushing will create burn issues. I prefer a butane lighter or cedar spills, rotating the cigar slowly to ensure even ignition across the entire foot. Don’t draw too aggressively during lighting – let the flame do the work.
Once lit, allow a minute or two before your first real draws. This settling period helps establish the proper burn pattern that will serve you throughout the smoke.
Storage Requirements
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the Bolivar Belicosos Finos at its peak. I keep mine at 65-70% relative humidity and temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C). These conditions preserve that beautiful Corojo wrapper and prevent the oils from drying out.
If you’re setting up storage specifically for these cigars, proper humidor setup is essential. I’ve found that consistent humidity levels matter more than hitting exact numbers – stability is key.
These cigars have excellent aging potential. I’ve smoked Bolivar belicosos with several years of proper aging, and the harsh edges smooth out beautifully while the complexity increases. If you can resist smoking them immediately, a box will reward patience with even more refined flavors after 2-3 years of proper storage.
Authenticity and What to Look For
Unfortunately, the popularity of Cuban cigars means fakes are common. When examining a genuine Bolivar Belicosos Finos, look for that smooth, oily chocolate-colored Corojo wrapper I mentioned earlier. The construction should feel firm and consistent, with no soft spots or visible gaps.
Authentic examples will have proper Habanos bands with clear, crisp printing. The box should include packing codes like SLB-UW-GPSR-M-n-25, and if you’re buying from Casa del Habano locations or other LCDH authorized dealers, you’ll have proper documentation.
Pre-light aromas should be clean and appealing – wood, tobacco, and cocoa. If something smells off or musty, that’s a red flag. The burn should be even with thick grey ash. Poor construction, loose draw, or inconsistent ash are all warning signs of counterfeits.
My advice? Stick to reputable sources. Whether you’re shopping at an official Casa del Habano, through established retailers like trusted online vendors, or at specialized cigar shops, buying from authorized dealers protects you from fakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong is the Bolivar Belicosos Finos?
It starts medium-bodied but builds to full strength by the middle third. The nicotine content is substantial, so I don’t recommend this for new smokers or on an empty stomach. It’s definitely in the upper tier of Cuban cigar strength.
What’s the difference between Belicosos and Belicosos Finos?
The Belicosos Finos is the current production version, measuring 140mm with a 52 ring gauge. It replaced the older Belicosos format and has become the standard belicoso offering from Bolivar. The flavor profile and construction represent the modern iteration of this classic shape.
How long should I age these cigars?
They’re excellent fresh, but really shine with 2-3 years of proper aging. The harsh edges mellow while complexity increases. I’ve enjoyed some with 5+ years of age that were absolutely spectacular. If you order a box, try one fresh and save the rest for aging.
Can I smoke this cigar in cold weather?
The 60-90 minute smoking time makes cold weather challenging. If you’re determined to smoke outdoors in winter, dress warmly and consider a shorter format. These cigars deserve your full attention, which is difficult when you’re fighting the elements.
What makes Bolivar cigars different from other Cuban brands?
Bolivar is known for bold, full-bodied profiles that don’t compromise on strength. The brand consistently delivers robust flavors with excellent construction. Compared to milder Cuban offerings, Bolivar cigars like the belicoso provide more intensity and complexity, making them favorites among experienced smokers who appreciate traditional Cuban tobacco character.
