Bolivar Royal Corona

Description

The evening air carried that particular stillness that makes you want to slow everything down. I’d settled into my favorite leather chair on the terrace, watching the last golden light paint the horizon while the city below began its nightly transformation. Tonight called for something substantial, something with the rich character to match the perfect weather and my contemplative mood. The Bolivar Royal Corona waiting beside my lighter seemed to understand the moment perfectly.

I’ve always respected Bolivar’s reputation for delivering full-bodied Cuban cigars that don’t apologize for their intensity, and this Royal Corona exemplifies everything the marca stands for. After years of smoking Cuban regular production cigars, I can honestly say this smoke is among the most reliable for those moments when you want guaranteed satisfaction without compromise.

Flavor Profile: A Journey Through Cuban Terroir

Opening Third: Gentle Introduction

The cold draw immediately gives you information about what’s coming – wood and spices dominate, but there’s an underlying earthiness that hints at the Vuelta Abajo soil where these tobaccos grew. I’ve found that a properly aged Royal Corona opens with surprising smoothness despite its full-bodied reputation. The first few puffs deliver nutty undertones with delicate floral notes, almost like walking through a Cuban tobacco barn at harvest time.

Vanilla emerges early too. Not artificial sweetness, but that natural vanilla you get from well-fermented Cuban filler. The draw stays consistent from the start, which tells you immediately whether you’ve got an authentic piece or not.

Middle Third: Where Complexity Blooms

This is where the Bolivar Royal Coronas truly shows its breeding. The wood notes deepen into something richer – think aged cedar mixed with fruity spices that remind me of mulled wine on a winter evening. Cocoa starts developing around this point, not overwhelming but definitely present in the smoke.

Leather appears too, that distinctive taste you only get from properly aged Cuban tobacco. The tobacco flavors themselves become more pronounced, creating a spectrum of earthy complexity that keeps evolving with each puff. In my experience, this middle section represents the best balance the cigar offers – full-bodied but never harsh, complex without being confusing.

Final Third: Bold Conclusion

Here’s where this smoke shows its true strength. The spice kicks up noticeably, and earth becomes the dominant flavor, mixing with bitter chocolate that can turn metallic if the cigar hasn’t had enough humidor time. I guarantee you’ll notice the intensity increase – this isn’t a cigar that fades quietly.

The final third demands attention and respect. If you’ve been puffing too quickly, you’ll taste it here. But when smoked properly, those pronounced flavors of spice and dark chocolate create a memorable finish that explains why this particular vitola has maintained its rank among serious Cuban cigar enthusiasts for decades.

Construction and Appearance

The wrapper on an authentic Royal Corona displays that bright Colorado color with red reflections that immediately catches your eye in good light. When you run your fingers along the surface, it should feel smooth – not rough or bumpy like many fakes I’ve encountered over the years.

The construction itself tells a story. These come box-pressed when you buy them in dress boxes of 25, which gives them a distinctive slightly flattened appearance that some smokers love and others take time to appreciate. I’ve grown to prefer it – the shape seems to concentrate the flavors differently than a perfectly round cigar.

Factory construction has been consistently good in recent years. The filling feels optimal when you gently squeeze the cigar between your fingers – not too tight, not too loose. This translates directly to how well it draws and burns, which ultimately determines whether your smoking experience matches what the blenders intended.

Technical Specifications

Who Should Smoke This Cigar

I wouldn’t recommend the Bolivar Royal Corona to someone just starting their Cuban cigar journey. This is definitely full-bodied territory, and if you’re used to milder smokes, it might overwhelm your palate. However, if you’ve been smoking medium-strength cigars for a while and want to add some intensity to your rotation, this makes an excellent stepping stone.

Experienced smokers will appreciate the complexity and evolution throughout the smoke. It’s substantial enough for special occasions – I’ve shared these at weddings, business celebrations, and those perfect weekend afternoons when you have nowhere to be for the next hour.

The 30-45 minute smoking time makes it ideal for situations where you want a complete experience without committing to a two-hour churchill. Perfect for after dinner, during a good conversation, or when you’re settling in with a book and a proper drink.

Perfect Pairings

For spirits, I’ve found that aged rum complements the woody and spicy notes beautifully. Try it with a 12-year Havana Club or a quality Guatemalan rum if you can find one. The caramel and vanilla notes in aged rum create an excellent contrast to the earthier flavors in the cigar.

Whiskey works too, particularly single malts with some peat character. A good Islay Scotch won’t compete with the cigar’s intensity – instead, they enhance each other. I’ve also enjoyed this same cigar with high-quality bourbon, especially those with higher rye content that add their own spice to the mix.

For non-alcoholic options, the research suggests malted beer or rich espresso, and I completely agree. A strong Cuban coffee creates an incredible pairing – the bitter coffee flavors actually make the chocolate notes in the cigar more pronounced. Porter or stout beers work similarly, with their roasted malt character complementing the tobacco’s natural earthiness.

Storage and Aging

Store these at exactly 70% relative humidity and 21°C (70°F) in your humidor – standard conditions for any Cuban cigar, but particularly important for full-bodied smokes like this. I’ve noticed that Royal Coronas stored at lower humidity develop draw problems, while higher humidity can make them burn unevenly.

The aging potential is excellent. Fresh boxes can taste a bit harsh in that final third, but give them six months to a year in proper storage and the flavors integrate beautifully. The bitter chocolate notes become smoother, and that metallic finish I mentioned earlier virtually disappears with age.

For those interested in the complete journey from plantation to perfection, proper storage represents the final critical step in the process. I recommend checking your hygrometer regularly and investing in quality humidification – these cigars deserve it.

Cutting and Lighting

Use a straight cut about 2-3mm from the cap. The 50 ring gauge gives you plenty of surface area to work with, so don’t cut too deep – you want to open up the draw without damaging the wrapper structure.

For lighting, toast the foot evenly with a butane lighter or cedar spill. Take your time here – rushing the light will affect the burn for the entire smoke. Once you see an even orange glow across the foot, take your first few puffs slowly to establish an even burn line.

Authenticity Guide

Fake Royal Coronas are unfortunately common, so knowing what to view for authentic markers becomes crucial. Genuine boxes feature standard Habanos bands (marked A, B, or C) and come in dress boxes of 25 or tubes of 10. The dress boxes have been semi-plain since 1969, while the tube option started in 2009.

Check the wrapper carefully – authentic cigars show that bright Colorado color with red reflections I mentioned earlier. The touch should be smooth, never rough or bumpy. Construction quality provides another clear indicator: genuine Royal Coronas have optimal filling that creates consistent draw and even burn.

Box codes and holograms must match current Habanos standards. When you order from reputable sources, they’ll provide this information upfront. Poor construction, uneven draw, visible veins, or inconsistent burn patterns usually indicate fakes. The investment in authentic Cuban cigars pays off dramatically in smoking experience.

For more detailed guidance on preserving cigars fresh and ensuring authenticity, experienced collectors recommend building relationships with trusted merchants who can verify age and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Royal Corona compare to other Bolivar vitolas?

The Royal Corona offers the most balanced introduction to Bolivar’s full-bodied character. It’s stronger than the Petit Coronas but more approachable than the longer formats like Churchill or Double Coronas. The 50 ring gauge provides good flavor concentration without the overwhelming intensity you might get from larger vitolas.

Should I age these cigars before smoking?

Absolutely. Fresh Royal Coronas can show harsh edges, particularly in the final third. Six months minimum in your humidor will smooth out those rough spots significantly. A year of proper storage transforms them completely, integrating all those complex flavors into a much more refined smoking experience.

What’s the difference between box-pressed and round versions?

Box-pressed Royal Coronas come from the 25-count dress boxes and develop a slightly flattened shape from storage pressure. This can concentrate flavors differently and sometimes creates a more even burn. The tubed versions maintain their round shape. Both contain the same tobacco blend – it’s mostly personal preference.

How can I tell if my Royal Corona is properly humidified?

A properly humidified Royal Corona will give slightly when you gently squeeze it, then return to shape. The wrapper should look smooth and oily, not dry or cracked. Most importantly, the draw should feel effortless – not tight or plugged. If you’re getting draw problems, the cigar likely needs more humidity time.

Is this a good cigar for gifting?

Excellent choice for experienced smokers who appreciate full-bodied cigars. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for someone new to Cuban cigars or those who prefer milder smokes. If you know the recipient enjoys strong, complex tobaccos, the Royal Corona makes an impressive and memorable gift that shows real thoughtfulness and knowledge.

For those looking to master Cuban cigar smoking, the Royal Corona provides an excellent education in how full-bodied Cuban tobacco should taste and perform when everything comes together perfectly.