Bolivar Gold Medal

Description

First Impressions

The golden shimmer caught my eye from across the humidor at my local LCDH dealer last summer. Something about that metallic wrapper gleaming under the display lights made me pause mid-conversation with the tobacconist. I’d been hunting for something special to mark my promotion, and this particular stick—with its elegant foil dress and familiar red band—seemed to whisper “celebration.”

The Bolivar Gold Medal represents one of those rare moments when tradition meets innovation in the Cuban cigar world. This La Casa del Habano exclusive, posted july 2023 on most release list announcements, brings back a beloved discontinued format with modern refinements. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this reintroduced classic, but I’m glad I took the plunge.

What struck me immediately was the weight. At 15.56 grams, this cigar has serious presence in your fingers—substantial without being unwieldy. The gold foil wrapper creates an almost ceremonial feel, like you’re unwrapping something truly special rather than just lighting up another smoke.

Construction and Appearance

The construction on this LCDH exclusive is exemplary, even by Cuban standards. That gold foil isn’t just for show—it’s applied with precision, starting at the head and covered by the Bolivar band at the foot. The underlying wrapper leaf shows through with a rich, oily mahogany color that promises good things ahead.

What sets the new version apart from its discontinued predecessor is the beefed-up 48 ring gauge. Where the original Gold Medal measured a more slender 42 ring, this modern interpretation fills your hand with confidence. The 165mm length remains unchanged, maintaining that classic grand corona proportion that Habanos does so well.

I’ve found the draw to be consistently excellent across the three I’ve smoked so far. No tight spots, no loose areas—just that perfect resistance that lets you know the roller knew their craft. The foot shows a nice blend of tobaccos without any obvious veining or color variations that might signal construction issues.

The bands deserve special mention. You get the standard Bolivar Band C, but there’s also an LCDH band that confirms authenticity. Don’t lose that second band—it’s your proof of legitimate purchase from an authorized retailer.

Flavor Profile by Thirds

Here’s where this cigar really shines. I’ll be honest—I expected typical Bolivar intensity from the first puff, but the Gold Medal takes a more nuanced approach.

First Third: Gentle Awakening

The opening third surprised me with its restraint. This isn’t the typical Bolivar sledgehammer approach. Instead, you get delightful complexity with mild strength that builds slowly. I picked up distinct earthiness right away, followed by unexpected fruitiness that reminded me of dried apricots.

The nuttiness comes through clean and defined—think roasted almonds rather than harsh peanut shells. There’s coffee in the background, not overpowering but definitely present. What caught me off guard was the heavy citrus tanginess on the retrohale. It’s like getting a squeeze of fresh lime with your morning espresso.

Leather notes start developing about an inch in, adding that classic Cuban richness without overwhelming the lighter flavors. The complexity here is straightforward but satisfying—each flavor has space to express itself.

Middle Third: Building Intensity

This is where the cigar shows its true Bolivar DNA. The strength builds noticeably past the halfway point—what I’d call a robust kick that lets you know you’re smoking a serious Cuban. The earthiness becomes more pronounced, almost mineral-like in its intensity.

That persistent nuttiness continues, but now it’s joined by deeper coffee-roasted sweetness. The texture becomes notably chewy, requiring more deliberate puffing to maintain the flavor balance. Those bright fruity notes from the first third recede slightly, making room for more mature, developed tastes.

The leather intensity really ramps up here, giving each draw a rich, almost tactile quality. I found myself slowing down to savor the progression—this isn’t a cigar you rush through during a quick break.

Final Third: Memorable Finish

The finale delivers everything you’d want from a premium Cuban. That citrus tanginess returns with a vengeance, creating a long, lingering finish that stays with you well after the final puff. The fruitiness becomes more subtle but persistent—like the ghost of those early apricot notes.

Toasted tobacco dominates the direct draw, while the retrohale brings concentrated earthiness that’s surprisingly complex for such a straightforward presentation. The weight and substance live up to Cuban standards without becoming harsh or bitter.

I typically got about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes of smoking time, depending on pace. The final inch remained cool and flavorful—a sign of proper construction and quality tobacco selection.

Technical Specifications

Perfect Pairings

Given the full strength and complex flavor progression of this cigar, I’ve experimented with several pairing options that complement rather than compete with its intensity.

Aged rum works beautifully, especially something like a 15-year Zacapa or Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva. The rum’s sweetness plays nicely with those coffee and nutty notes, while its complexity matches the cigar’s developing strength. I particularly enjoyed it with Ron del Barrilito 3 Stars during the middle third.

For whiskey lovers, a peated Islay Scotch like Ardbeg 10 or Lagavulin 16 creates an interesting contrast. The smoke and maritime character of the whiskey amplifies the earthy notes while the citrus tanginess cuts through the peat beautifully.

Coffee pairings require some thought. A rich Cuban espresso works during the first third, but as the cigar builds strength, I prefer switching to something with more body—maybe a dark roast Guatemala Antigua or Ethiopian Sidamo. The key is matching the intensity levels as they develop.

Wine enthusiasts should look toward full-bodied reds. A well-aged Rioja Gran Reserva or a bold Napa Cabernet can stand up to the cigar’s progression without being overwhelmed. I particularly enjoyed it with a 2015 Marqués de Riscal Reserva during a recent evening session.

Cutting and Lighting Technique

The gold foil wrapper requires special attention during preparation. I recommend using a sharp guillotine cutter—never punch this one. The foil can tear if you’re not precise, potentially affecting the draw and definitely ruining the aesthetic appeal.

Make your cut about 2mm from the head, ensuring you slice through both foil and tobacco in one clean motion. Rotating the cigar while cutting helps prevent the foil from bunching or separating from the wrapper leaf.

For lighting, proper technique becomes crucial with this format. The 48 ring gauge means more surface area to light evenly. I prefer using a cedar strip or quality butane lighter, taking time to toast the entire foot before taking the first puff.

The gold foil can create some initial metallic taste if you rush the lighting process. Take your time warming the tobacco evenly—about 30-45 seconds of careful toasting before drawing. This patience pays off with better flavor development and more even burn throughout the smoke.

Don’t remove the LCDH band until you’re at least halfway through. It serves both as authentication and helps maintain structural integrity during the crucial middle third when strength builds significantly.

Who Should Smoke This Cigar

The Gold Medal isn’t for beginners, despite its gentle opening. That strength progression from mild to full can catch newer smokers off-guard, especially if they’re not prepared for the robust kick that develops past the halfway point.

I’d recommend this for experienced cigar smokers who appreciate classic Cuban profiles but want something with modern refinement. If you enjoy other full-bodied marcas like Partagás or stronger Montecristo releases, you’ll likely appreciate what Bolivar has done here.

Special occasions are where this cigar truly shines. The gold foil and LCDH exclusivity make it perfect for celebrations, business achievements, or marking significant milestones. It’s definitely a “dress up” smoke rather than an everyday cigar.

The 90-minute commitment means you need dedicated time and space. This isn’t a quick lunch break cigar. I’ve found it works best during relaxed evening sessions when you can properly appreciate the flavor development without feeling rushed.

Collectors will want to grab these while available. LCDH exclusives tend to have limited production runs, and given the popularity of the original discontinued version, current availability might not last indefinitely.

Authenticity and Avoiding Counterfeits

With any premium Cuban, especially LCDH exclusives, counterfeit concerns are real. I’ve learned to look for specific markers that separate authentic Gold Medals from fakes flooding certain markets.

The Habanos packing code CB-UW-C/S-10-G/F-10 should appear on authentic boxes. This isn’t something counterfeiters typically get right, especially the specific formatting and placement. Check this carefully before purchase.

Authentic cigars come in dress boxes of exactly 10 pieces. Any other packaging format—tubes, larger counts, different box styles—raises immediate red flags. The LCDH band must be present alongside the standard Bolivar Band C.

The gold foil quality provides another authentication point. Real ones have precisely applied foil with clean edges and proper coverage. Cheap counterfeits often show bubbling, uneven application, or foil that separates easily from the wrapper.

Construction tells the truth. Authentic Gold Medals have consistently excellent draw, even burn, and that specific 15.56-gram weight. Fakes typically show poor draw characteristics, uneven burning, or significantly different weight.

Only purchase from authorized LCDH retailers. This might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. The exclusivity means legitimate examples only come through official channels. Any other source—online marketplaces, non-LCDH shops, “special deals”—should be viewed with extreme skepticism.

Our authentication process ensures every Gold Medal we offer meets these standards, providing the confidence you’re getting genuine Cuban craftsmanship.

Storage and Aging Potential

Proper storage becomes especially important with the Gold Medal due to that foil wrapper. I maintain my examples at 68-70% relative humidity and 66-68°F temperature. Going higher risks the foil separating from the wrapper; going lower can cause cracking in both foil and tobacco.

The gold foil actually provides some protection against humidity fluctuations, but it’s not magic. I use a quality humidor with reliable hygrometer monitoring—proper setup makes the difference between aging gracefully and deteriorating prematurely.

These cigars show excellent aging potential despite being relatively new releases. The full-bodied tobacco blend should develop additional complexity over 2-3 years of proper storage. I’m keeping half my box for future smoking and aging half to compare development.

For longer-term aging, consider the impact on foil integrity. Some collectors prefer smoking these within the first few years while the foil remains pristine. Others report successful aging beyond 5 years with careful humidity control.

Cedar aging works particularly well with this format. The Spanish cedar enhances those earthy and spicy notes while protecting the foil from physical damage. Just ensure your cedar is properly seasoned and humidity-stable.

Temperature stability matters more than absolute temperature. Consistent 66-68°F beats fluctuating between 60-75°F every few days. The proven techniques for Cuban storage apply fully here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this compare to the original discontinued Gold Medal?

The new version features a thicker 48 ring gauge versus the original’s 42 ring, creating a different smoking experience despite identical length. The flavor profile remains true to Bolivar’s DNA but with more modern complexity and refinement. The strength progression is similar—starting mild and building to full—but the increased ring gauge provides better burn characteristics and more consistent draw.

Why is this only available through LCDH stores?

LCDH exclusives represent Habanos’ premium tier, typically featuring special packaging, limited production, or unique formats not available in regular distribution. This exclusivity helps maintain the cigar’s collectible status while ensuring consistent quality control through authorized dealers. It’s part of Habanos’ strategy to offer special releases through their flagship retail network.

Can I remove the gold foil before smoking?

I don’t recommend removing the foil—it’s designed to be smoked with the cigar and actually contributes to the overall experience. The foil burns cleanly with the tobacco and helps regulate the burn rate. Removing it risks damaging the underlying wrapper and defeats the purpose of the special presentation. The minimal metallic taste disappears after proper toasting during lighting.

How long should I age these before smoking?

These smoke excellently right out of the box with no additional aging required. The tobacco comes properly aged from the factory, and the flavor profile is designed to be enjoyed immediately. However, 6-12 months of additional aging can add complexity and smooth out any rough edges. For optimal development, 2-3 years of proper storage will enhance the earthiness and integrate the flavors more seamlessly.

What makes this worth the premium over regular Bolivar cigars?

Beyond the obvious gold foil presentation, you’re getting carefully selected tobaccos in a format that’s no longer available in regular production. The LCDH exclusivity means limited quantities and potentially discontinued status in the future, adding collectible value. The construction quality exceeds even Bolivar’s typically high standards, and the flavor complexity justifies the premium for special occasions or milestone celebrations.