Description
Why the Bolivar Petit Coronas Might Be the Most Underrated Cuban You’ve Never Tried
I’ve got a problem with how people talk about Bolivar cigars. Everyone obsesses over the Royal Coronas or the Belicosos Finos – and don’t get me wrong, they’re phenomenal – but they sleep on the Petit Coronas. Honestly? That’s their loss. This little powerhouse has been in production since the 1950s, and it’s still one of the most consistent Cuban smokes you can buy. If you’re the type who thinks size equals quality, or that petit formats can’t deliver full flavor, this cigar will change your mind. Fast.
What makes me keep coming back to this vitola? It’s that classic Bolivar punch packed into a 5 x 42 format that you can actually finish during a lunch break. No compromises on flavor, no watered-down experience. Just pure, concentrated Cuban tobacco doing what it does best.
What Makes This Cigar Special – And Who It’s For
The Bolivar marca has always been about strength and character. When Simón Bolívar’s name got slapped on these boxes back in 1901, it wasn’t an accident. They needed a brand that embodied power and revolution, and that’s exactly what you get when you light one up. The Petit Coronas maintains that DNA perfectly.
This isn’t a beginner’s cigar – let me be blunt about that. If you’re just getting into Cubans, maybe start with a Montecristo or a mellower Cohiba. But if you’ve been around the block, if you appreciate a cigar that doesn’t apologize for being full-bodied, then this belongs in your humidor. I’m talking about smokers who want that earthy, robust Cuban profile without dedicating two hours to a Churchill or a Double Corona.
The wrapper is gorgeous Vuelta Abajo leaf – that legendary region in Cuba that produces some of the finest tobacco on earth. When you handle a fresh Bolivar Petit Coronas, you can feel the quality. The construction is typically excellent, with that slight give when you pinch it gently. The veins are minimal, and that oily sheen catches the light just right.
Who’s this for? The experienced smoker who values intensity over length. The person who wants a genuine Cuban experience but doesn’t always have 90 minutes to spare. Anyone who thinks petit formats are somehow inferior – you need this cigar to prove yourself wrong.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Petit Coronas |
| Length | 5 inches / 127 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban blend (Vuelta Abajo region) |
| Strength | Medium to Full |
| Smoking Time | 45-60 minutes |
The Smoking Experience – Third by Third Breakdown
The cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming – barnyard, hay, maybe some cocoa if the cigar’s been resting properly. I always do a straight cut on these rather than a V-cut. Personal preference, but I find it opens up the draw nicely without being too loose.
First third hits you right away. That’s classic Bolivar – no warm-up period, no gentle introduction. You get earth and leather immediately, with this underlying pepper that tickles the back of your throat. The retrohale – and you should absolutely retrohale these – brings out coffee notes and a cedar quality that reminds me of walking into a proper Cuban tobacco warehouse. The smoke production is generous, creamy texture coating your palate. I had one during a poker game last month, and my buddy Marcus – who usually goes for milder stuff like Hoyo de Monterrey – tried a few puffs and his eyes went wide. “This is what Bolivar is about,” I told him. He gets it now.
Second third is where things get interesting. The pepper calms down slightly – not gone, just more integrated – and you start picking up these darker flavors. Espresso, definitely. Sometimes I get hints of dark chocolate, though that depends on the individual cigar and how long it’s been aging. The earth remains constant throughout, but it’s joined by this mineral quality that’s hard to describe. Almost like wet stone? I know that sounds weird, but you’ll know it when you taste it. The burn line stays razor-sharp if you’re not puffing too fast. These cigars reward patience.
Final third is where you separate the experienced smokers from the newbies. The strength really builds here – we’re talking solid medium-to-full now, maybe even pushing full if you’ve got a particularly potent box. The flavors concentrate and intensify. More leather, more earth, with this pleasant bitterness that’s not harsh but definitely present. Some people purge their cigars in this third to cool them down, but honestly? I just slow my puffing and enjoy the ride. The ash typically holds for about an inch before dropping, nice and gray with occasional white striations.
Construction-wise, I’ve rarely had issues with Bolivar Petit Coronas. The draw is usually firm but not tight – exactly what you want. The burn might wander occasionally if you’re smoking outdoors in wind, but a quick touch-up fixes it. The ash is solid, not flaky. These are well-made cigars that reflect Cuba’s best rollers at work.
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolivar Petit Coronas | Medium to Full | 45-60 min | Experienced smokers wanting intensity in a shorter format |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Medium to Full | 50-70 min | Those preferring robusto size with similar strength |
| Ramon Allones Small Club Coronas | Medium | 40-50 min | Smokers wanting petit format with slightly less punch |
Perfect Pairings – What to Drink and When to Smoke It
Coffee. Strong, black coffee. That’s my go-to pairing with the Bolivar Petit Coronas, especially in the morning or early afternoon. The bitter notes in a good espresso or Cuban coffee complement the earthy tobacco perfectly. I’m talking about real coffee though, not some sugary latte nonsense.
If we’re talking spirits, go with a robust rum. Havana Club 7 Year works beautifully – that aged complexity stands up to the cigar without fighting it. Or try a añejo rum like Diplomatica Reserva Exclusiva if you want something with more sweetness to balance the earth and leather. Whisky works too – I’ve had excellent experiences with peaty Islay scotches like Laphroaig or Ardbeg. The smoke-on-smoke combination might sound like overkill, but trust me, it creates this incredible layered experience.
Time of day? I reach for these after lunch or in the late afternoon. They’re too punchy for first thing in the morning unless you’ve got an iron stomach and you’ve already eaten. They’re perfect for that 3 PM break when you need something substantial but don’t want to commit to a two-hour smoke session. Weekend afternoons on the patio, watching a game, working through emails – that’s Petit Coronas time for me.
How does the Bolivar Petit Coronas compare to other Cuban petit formats?
It’s definitely on the stronger end of the spectrum. Most petit coronas from other Cuban marcas like Montecristo or Cohiba run milder – medium at most. The Bolivar brings that full-bodied punch that the brand is known for, so you’re getting way more intensity per inch than you would from most competitors. If you want a petit format with real power, this is your cigar.
Do these cigars need aging, or can I smoke them right away?
You can smoke them fresh, but they really shine with some rest. I’d give them at least six months if you can wait – a year is even better. Fresh Bolivars can be a bit harsh and one-dimensional. After some aging, the flavors integrate beautifully and that pepper mellows into something more complex. That said, I’ve smoked plenty straight from the vendor and still enjoyed them. Your call based on your patience level.
What’s the best way to store Bolivar Petit Coronas?
Standard Cuban cigar storage applies – 65-68% humidity, around 65-68°F temperature. I keep mine slightly on the drier side, around 62-65% RH, because I find Bolivars smoke better when they’re not too moist. Too much humidity and they can get plugged or burn unevenly. Keep them separate from flavored cigars if you have any, and let them rest after shipping before you light up.
Are these good for beginners or only experienced smokers?
I’ll be honest – probably not the best choice if you’re new to cigars. The strength can be overwhelming if you’re not used to full-bodied smokes, and you might miss the nuances that make this vitola special. Start with something mellower like a Montecristo No. 4 or a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, then work your way up to Bolivar. That said, if you’ve been smoking for a while and want to step up your game, this is an excellent bridge into stronger Cuban territory.
How do these compare to the Bolivar Royal Coronas?
The Royal Coronas is longer and gives you more smoking time – we’re talking 60-90 minutes versus 45-60 for the Petit. Flavor-wise, they’re in the same family – same earthy, powerful profile – but the Royal Coronas has more room to develop and evolve through the smoke. The Petit is more concentrated, more immediate. Think of it like espresso versus a full cup of strong coffee. Both excellent, just different experiences based on what you’re looking for.
What occasions are best for smoking a Bolivar Petit Coronas?
Any time you want a serious smoke but don’t have all afternoon. I love these for golf rounds – you can finish one between nine holes easily. They’re great for lunch breaks if you work somewhere you can step out. Evening walks with the dog. Poker nights when you’re playing multiple hands. Basically anywhere you’d want a corona or robusto but need to shave 20-30 minutes off your smoke time. Not really a celebratory cigar for special occasions – that’s more Churchill or Double Corona territory – but perfect for regular enjoyment when you want quality without the time commitment.
Can I pair this with beer instead of spirits or coffee?
Absolutely, though choose carefully. Light lagers will get steamrolled by this cigar – you need something with body and character. A good porter or stout works wonderfully, especially something with chocolate or coffee notes like Founders Porter or Left Hand Nitro Milk Stout. Strong Belgian ales can be interesting too – the spicy phenolics play nicely with the pepper in the tobacco. IPAs are hit or miss depending on the bitterness level. My advice? Go darker and stronger with your beer choice to match the cigar’s intensity.
Final Thoughts on This Underrated Cuban Classic
The Bolivar Petit Coronas doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, and I genuinely don’t understand why. Maybe it’s because people overlook smaller formats, or maybe the Bolivar brand gets overshadowed by the marketing machines behind Cohiba and Montecristo. Doesn’t matter to me – means more availability for those of us who know what we’re doing.
This is a working person’s Cuban cigar. It’s got all the pedigree and quality you expect from tobacco grown in the Vuelta Abajo region and rolled in Cuba, but it fits into real life better than those massive vitolas that require clearing your afternoon schedule. The strength is legit, the flavors are complex if you pay attention, and the construction is consistently solid.
If you’re ready to experience what Bolivar does best without committing to a marathon smoke session, add a box of Petit Coronas to your collection. Let them rest if you can manage the patience, pair them with something bold, and smoke them when you’ve got an hour to actually appreciate what you’re tasting. You won’t be disappointed.
