Description
Why the Bolivar Gold Medal Deserves Your Attention
Look, I’ve been smoking Cuban cigars since my first trip to Havana back in ’96, and I’ve watched the Bolivar brand evolve over the years. Here’s the thing – the Gold Medal is one of those vitolas that doesn’t get the attention it deserves, and honestly, I think it’s because people get distracted by the more popular sizes in the lineup. But this cigar? It’s a hidden gem that showcases everything Bolivar does right – full-bodied flavor, impeccable construction, and that signature earthy character that makes you remember why you fell in love with Cuban tobacco in the first place.
What you’re about to read comes from genuine experience – not just one smoke, but multiple sessions over the years, in different settings, paired with different drinks. I’ll walk you through what makes the Gold Medal special, how it smokes from first light to final puff, and whether it’s the right choice for your humidor. And I’ll be honest about its quirks too, because no cigar is perfect.
The Bolivar Legacy Meets a Classic Vitola
Bolivar as a brand has always been the muscle car of the Habanos portfolio. Founded way back in 1902, it was named after Simón Bolívar, the legendary South American liberator, and the cigars live up to that bold name. These aren’t subtle sticks – they’re full-flavored, no-apologies Cuban cigars that announce themselves from the first puff.
The Gold Medal vitola brings that Bolivar intensity in a format that’s become increasingly popular among seasoned smokers. Thing is, this isn’t a limited edition or some fancy release – it’s part of the regular production lineup, which means consistency. And with Cuban cigars, consistency matters more than people realize. The blend uses premium tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region, which if you know anything about Cuban tobacco, is the gold standard. That rich, volcanic soil produces wrapper, binder, and filler leaves that just… they hit different, you know?
Who’s this cigar for? I’ll be blunt: if you’re new to cigars, start somewhere else. The Gold Medal is for smokers who’ve built up their palate, who appreciate a cigar that doesn’t hold back. It’s for that evening when you’ve got time – real time – to sit and appreciate what you’re smoking. Not a quick smoke during lunch, but a proper session.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Gold Medal |
| Length | 6.5 inches / 165 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Long Filler Blend |
| Strength | Full |
| Smoking Time | 75-90 minutes |
The Smoking Experience: From First Draw to Final Inch
Okay, so let me walk you through what actually happens when you light one of these up. And I know this sounds dramatic, but the pre-light experience tells you a lot. The wrapper on a properly stored Gold Medal has this beautiful oily sheen – not wet, just… alive. The cold draw gives you hints of leather and earth, maybe some barnyard notes if you’re paying attention. Not the prettiest description, but if you smoke Cubans, you know exactly what I mean.
First third – and here’s where Bolivar shows up to the party – you get hit with this wave of earth and leather right out of the gate. No gentle introduction, no easing you in. It’s full-bodied from the jump. There’s a spicy kick on the retrohale that made me cough the first time I tried it years ago (I was younger, less experienced – don’t judge). The pepper isn’t overwhelming though; it’s more like… it’s there to remind you this is a serious cigar. Behind that initial punch, you start picking up some coffee notes, maybe dark chocolate if the cigar’s been aged properly. The burn line? Typically razor-sharp. Bolivar construction has always been solid in my experience.
Moving into the second third – wait, let me back up. The ash on these holds for a solid inch and a half, maybe two inches if you’re careful. It’s that dense, compact ash that tells you the tobacco was rolled right. Anyway, the second third is where things get interesting. The spice mellows just a touch, and these deeper, earthier flavors come forward. I’m talking rich soil, aged leather (like a worn saddle, not a new belt), and this woody character that reminds me of cedar but darker. More complex. Some people pick up cocoa here – I get it sometimes, depends on the stick.
The final third is where opinions split. Some guys put it down with an inch left because the strength ramps up and it can get a bit intense. Me? I smoke it until my fingers burn because that’s when you really taste what the filler tobacco is doing. The flavors concentrate – more coffee, more earth, less of the smooth leather from earlier. It gets a bit tarry if you’re not careful with your pacing. Real talk: if you’re smoking too fast, this final third will punish you. Slow down, take your time, and it rewards you with this rich, almost creamy finish that seems impossible given how bold it started.
The aroma throughout? Heavy. Your clothes will smell like you smoked. Your car will smell like you smoked. But it’s that good Cuban tobacco smell – earthy and rich, not stale or bitter. My wife knows when I’ve had a Gold Medal versus something milder. She’s not always thrilled about it, but hey, some battles you choose not to fight.
How Does It Stack Up?
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolivar Gold Medal | Full | 75-90 minutes | Experienced smokers seeking bold, earthy complexity |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Full | 50-70 minutes | Those wanting shorter smoke with similar intensity |
| Ramón Allones Specially Selected | Medium-Full | 60-75 minutes | Smokers who want richness with slightly more balance |
What to Drink With It (Because Pairing Matters)
Here’s where I get opinionated. This cigar is too bold for most lighter spirits – I’ve tried it with a lighter rum and the cigar just bulldozed right over it. What works? A full-bodied rum, something like Havana Club 7 Year or better yet, a Zacapa 23. The sweetness and weight of aged rum complements without competing. I had one with a Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva last month and – no joke – it was one of those perfect pairing moments where both the cigar and the drink taste better together.
Coffee people – and I’m talking strong espresso or Cuban coffee – you’re in luck. A Gold Medal with a proper café cubano in the morning? That’s a weekend ritual worth establishing. The coffee echoes what’s already in the cigar, and somehow it all just works.
Whisky drinkers, go bold. An Islay Scotch if you like peat, or a high-proof bourbon if that’s your thing. I’ve paired it with Laphroaig 10 and the smoke-on-smoke combination was… intense but good. Not for everyone, but if you’re the kind of person who orders neat whisky with no ice, try it.
Timing? This is an evening cigar. After dinner, when you’ve got nowhere to be. I genuinely don’t understand people who smoke full-bodied Cubans in the morning on an empty stomach – that’s asking for trouble. Give yourself a proper meal first, then settle in for the Gold Medal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What strength level is the Bolivar Gold Medal really at?
It’s solidly full-bodied, no question. I’d put it right up there with other full-strength Bolivar offerings. If you’re comfortable with cigars like the Partagás Lusitanias or the Bolivar Royal Corona, you’ll handle the Gold Medal fine. But if you’re still in the medium-bodied world, work your way up to this one. It’s not trying to be subtle.
How long should I age a Bolivar Gold Medal before smoking?
Here’s the thing – they’re good fresh if you like that punchy, aggressive character. But give them six months to a year in your humidor at proper humidity (65-70%), and they smooth out beautifully. The earth and leather notes become more integrated, less in-your-face. I’ve got some with three years on them that are phenomenal – the spice has mellowed but that core Bolivar character is still there. Patience pays off with these.
What’s the ideal ring gauge length ratio for someone trying this vitola size?
The 42 ring gauge at 6.5 inches length gives you this elegant, classic proportion that’s becoming harder to find these days. It’s not a thick cigar – the thinner ring gauge actually concentrates the flavors more than those fat 54+ ring gauge cigars everyone seems to want now. If you prefer longer, thinner smokes over short, fat ones, the Gold Medal’s dimensions are perfect. The draw is usually spot-on, not too loose or tight.
Can I smoke this if I usually prefer medium-bodied cigars?
I’ll be honest with you – it’s a jump. Not gonna lie, if you’re solidly in medium territory, maybe try a Bolivar Petit Corona first to get used to the brand’s style. The Gold Medal is a commitment. That said, if you’re ready to push your palate and you smoke on a full stomach with a good drink, you might surprise yourself. Just don’t make it your first full-bodied Cuban. That’s a recipe for feeling lightheaded and not enjoying the experience.
What flavors dominate in the Bolivar Gold Medal?
Earth and leather are the stars of the show – that classic Cuban profile turned up to eleven. You get coffee notes throughout, especially in the second half. The spicy character on the retrohale is consistent but not overwhelming. Some sticks show more cocoa or dark chocolate, particularly if they’ve been aged. The wrapper from Vuelta Abajo brings this richness that’s hard to describe – it’s that terroir thing people talk about with Cuban tobacco. The filler blend keeps everything cohesive even as the flavors evolve from third to third.
How does the construction and burn quality hold up?
In my experience – and I’ve smoked maybe a dozen of these over the years – the construction is consistently excellent. The burn line stays even without much attention, the ash is dense and holds well, and the draw is typically perfect. Are there occasional duds? Sure, it’s Cuban cigars, that’s part of the deal. But the hit rate is high. The wrapper rarely cracks or peels if stored properly. Habanos quality control on regular production Bolivar has been solid lately, at least from what I’ve seen.
Is the Bolivar Gold Medal a limited edition or regular production?
It’s regular production, which honestly is part of its appeal. You’re not chasing some limited edition release or regional edition that disappears after one year. The Gold Medal is a consistent offering in the Bolivar lineup – well, as consistent as Cuban cigars get. That means you can buy a box, smoke a few, age the rest, and buy another box next year knowing roughly what you’re getting. No FOMO, no inflated secondary market nonsense.
Final Thoughts From the Humidor
Between you and me, the Bolivar Gold Medal is one of those cigars I always keep in my humidor. Not for every day – it’s too intense for that – but for when I want something that reminds me why I got serious about Cuban cigars in the first place. The full-bodied profile, that earthy leather character, the way it evolves over an hour and a half… it’s the complete package.
Is it for everyone? Absolutely not. If you prefer smooth, mellow smokes or you’re just starting your cigar journey, there are better options. But if you’re ready for a cigar that delivers bold, uncompromising flavor from a legendary Cuban brand, the Gold Medal won’t disappoint.
The wrapper quality, the construction, the classic vitola proportions with that 42 ring gauge – everything about this cigar speaks to traditional Cuban craftsmanship. It’s not chasing trends or trying to appeal to the mild cigar crowd. It knows what it is, and it does that one thing exceptionally well.
Stock your humidor with a few of these. Smoke one fresh to understand the power, then revisit them after six months or a year to experience how age transforms that aggressive spice into something more refined. Pair it with a proper drink, give yourself the time it deserves, and you’ll understand why some of us keep coming back to Bolivar despite all the other options out there.
