Description
Experience the pinnacle of Cuban cigar artistry with the **Bolivar New Gold Medal**, a La Casa del Habano exclusive meticulously handcrafted to deliver an unforgettable smoking journey. This **full-bodied** Lonsdale-sized puro, measuring a generous 6 1/2 inches with a 48 ring gauge, is a true testament to Bolivar’s legacy of power and prestige. Prepare to be captivated by a symphony of flavors, where **earthy richness** intertwines with **fruity sweetness**, complemented by nuanced notes of **nutty coffee, supple leather, aged wood, warming spices, and zesty citrus**. The Bolivar New Gold Medal promises a luxurious and evolving experience from first light to final, lingering finish.
Box Features and Packaging Options
| Feature | Box of 10 |
|---|---|
| Cigars per Box | 10 |
| Packaging Type | Dress Box |
| Ideal For | Special Occasions, Gifts, Aging |
| Humidity Protection | Moderate (recommended humidor storage) |
Cigar Specifications
| Vitola | New Gold Medal (Partagás 15) |
| Length | 165 mm (6 1/2 inches) |
| Ring Gauge | 48 |
| Wrapper | Cuban |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban |
| Strength | Full |
| Body | Full |
| Smoking Time | 1–1.5 hours |
| Factory | Partagás |
| Brand Owner | Habanos S.A. |
Brand Heritage
Bolívar, a name synonymous with power and prestige in the world of Cuban cigars, was founded in 1901 by José F. Rocha. The brand pays homage to Simón Bolívar, the legendary South American revolutionary, embodying his spirit of strength and unwavering determination. From its earliest days, Bolívar has been crafted in Havana’s most iconic factories, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Cuban cigar excellence.
Bolívar cigars are renowned for their bold flavors and full-bodied profiles, appealing to aficionados who seek a truly robust and satisfying smoking experience. The brand’s commitment to using only the finest Cuban tobacco ensures that each cigar delivers a complex and nuanced flavor profile that evolves throughout the smoke. The revival of the Gold Medal as a La Casa del Habano exclusive further cements Bolívar’s position as a purveyor of luxury and exclusivity within the Habanos portfolio.
Tasting Profile
First Third – The Opening
The Bolivar New Gold Medal begins with an impressive display of mild strength that gradually builds, revealing a captivating blend of **fruity sweetness**, **nutty undertones**, and a foundational **earthy core**. A subtle sweetness dances on the palate, accompanied by a hint of saltiness, a testament to the cigar’s freshness. The smoke is dense and smooth, carrying a vibrant **citrus tang** that awakens the senses.
Second Third – The Heart
As the smoke progresses, the strength noticeably intensifies, delivering a “robust kick” that Bolivar is known for. The texture becomes chewier, while the **nuttiness** persists alongside a more pronounced **earthiness**. Notes of **coffee-roasted sweetness** emerge, complemented by an increasingly intense **leather** character. The initial **fruity notes** subtly recede, allowing the deeper, more complex flavors to take center stage.
Final Third – The Crescendo
The final third of the Bolivar New Gold Medal is a testament to its complexity and depth. A heavy **citrus tang** lingers on the palate, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the richer flavors. The retrohale reveals a long and intricate finish of **fruitiness, toasted tobacco**, and **earthiness**. The cigar maintains its weighty depth without succumbing to overwhelming bitterness, showcasing the masterful blending of the Cuban tobacco.
Finish
The finish of the Bolivar New Gold Medal is remarkably long and lingering, dominated by a vibrant **citrus** note, accompanied by subtle nuances of **fruit, earth**, and **toast**. Clean yet memorable, the aftertaste is a true reflection of Bolivar’s bold and distinguished heritage, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.
Flavor Wheel
| Primary Notes | Earth, Leather, Citrus |
| Secondary Notes | Nut, Coffee, Fruit |
| Tertiary Notes | Wood, Spice, Toast |
| Finish | Citrus, Earth, Toast |
| Aroma | Wood, Spice, Earth |
Aging and Collector Value
The Bolivar New Gold Medal, a 2023 release, possesses significant aging potential, promising a rewarding evolution for patient aficionados. While initially displaying a touch of bitterness, this characteristic is expected to soften over time, yielding to a deeper and more harmonious complexity. The subtle sweetness and bright citrus notes suggest an excellent capacity for development, making it a prime candidate for long-term aging.
Over the course of 1-2 years, the Bolivar New Gold Medal will likely achieve peak harmony, allowing the various flavor components to meld seamlessly. With 5+ years of aging, the cigar will evolve into a layered and luxurious experience, showcasing a greater depth of nuance and complexity. The earthy and leathery base will deepen, while the nutty and coffee notes will intensify. The strength will gradually balance, resulting in a smoother and more refined smoking experience.
For optimal storage, maintain a relative humidity of 65-70% and a temperature of 65-70°F within a quality humidor. While the gold foil provides short-term protection, removing it for long-term storage is recommended to allow the cigar to breathe and age properly. The Bolivar New Gold Medal’s exclusivity as a La Casa del Habano release, combined with its exceptional flavor profile and aging potential, makes it a highly sought-after cigar for collectors and discerning smokers alike.
Perfect Pairings
| Beverage | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Aged Cuban Rum (12+ years) | Enhances the fruity and nutty sweetness of the cigar, while complementing the leather notes. |
| Single Malt Scotch Whiskey (Peaty Islay) | Complements the coffee, earth, and pepper kick of the cigar, creating a complex and satisfying pairing. |
| Espresso/Strong Coffee | Amplifies the roasted notes of the cigar, enhancing the long and flavorful finish. |
| Cognac (XO or VSOP) | The citrus tang of the cigar pairs beautifully with the spicy depth of a well-aged Cognac. |
| Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao or higher) | Provides a rich and decadent counterpoint to the cigar’s full-bodied flavors, creating a luxurious and indulgent experience. |
| Spiced Rum | The cigar is complimented by the spices in the spiced rum. |
Authenticity Verification
We guarantee the authenticity of every Bolivar New Gold Medal cigar we offer. We understand the importance of authenticity to our discerning clientele, and we take every precaution to ensure that you receive only genuine Habanos cigars.
- Habanos Holographic Seal – Each box of Bolivar New Gold Medal cigars features the official Habanos holographic seal, a sophisticated security measure that is difficult to replicate.
- Box Code Verification – You can verify the authenticity of your box by checking the box code against the Habanos S.A. database.
- Factory Stamp – The factory stamp, applied to the bottom of the box, provides further assurance of the cigar’s origin and production date.
- Triple Cap – Authentic Cuban cigars, including the Bolivar New Gold Medal, feature a meticulously applied triple cap, a hallmark of Cuban craftsmanship.
Our Guarantee: If any cigar fails Habanos verification, we provide a full refund. Trusted by collectors since 2015.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Bolivar Gold Medal and the New Gold Medal?
The primary difference lies in the ring gauge. The original Bolivar Gold Medal had a 42 ring gauge, while the New Gold Medal boasts a thicker 48 ring gauge, providing a more substantial and flavorful smoking experience.
Where can I buy the Bolivar New Gold Medal?
The Bolivar New Gold Medal is a La Casa del Habano (LCDH) exclusive, meaning it is primarily available at authorized LCDH stores worldwide. Due to its limited production, availability may be restricted.
How strong is the Bolivar New Gold Medal?
The Bolivar New Gold Medal is considered a full-bodied cigar, representing the robust end of the Cuban cigar strength spectrum. It delivers a powerful and complex flavor profile that is sure to satisfy experienced cigar smokers.
Does the Bolivar New Gold Medal come in boxes?
Yes, the Bolivar New Gold Medal is presented in elegant 10-cigar dress boxes, adorned with the Bolivar logo and the distinctive red LCDH band, signifying its exclusive status.
