Description
Why This Robusto Still Turns Heads
I remember my first Bolivar Royal Corona back in ’98 – picked it up at a little shop in Old Havana, smoked it on the Malecón at sunset. That cigar punched me square in the face, and I loved every minute of it. Thing is, Bolivar has always been that brand. No subtlety, no apologies, just full-throttle Cuban tobacco doing what it does best. The Royal Corona vitola is their Robusto offering, and it’s got this reputation among aficionados as being one of the most consistently powerful smokes in the Habanos portfolio. Some guys find it too much. I think those guys need to reassess their life choices, but that’s just me.
What you’re getting with this cigar is pure Vuelta Abajo tobacco – the real deal from Cuba’s premier growing region – rolled into a format that’s become the standard bearer for medium-sized cigars worldwide. We’re talking about a smoke that doesn’t mess around with gentle introductions or gradual flavor builds. This thing comes out swinging from the first draw and doesn’t let up until you’re down to the nub. If you’re looking for a mellow afternoon companion, keep walking. But if you want to know what full-bodied Cuban tobacco tastes like when it’s done right? Pull up a chair.
The Bolivar Legacy in Your Hand
Bolivar as a brand dates back to 1902, named after the South American liberator Simón Bolívar – which tells you something about their approach right there. These aren’t cigars named after elegant Spanish ladies or romantic Caribbean islands. This is a brand that picked a revolutionary general as its namesake, and the cigars reflect that bold choice. The marca has always catered to smokers who want strength and character, not delicate nuance.
The Royal Corona sits right in the sweet spot of the Bolivar lineup. It’s not as massive as the Belicosos Finos or as intimidating as the Coronas Gigantes, but it packs all that signature Bolivar power into a more manageable 50-minute format. I actually think this might be the best introduction to the brand – well, if you’ve already got some Cuban experience under your belt. Don’t make this your first Habano unless you enjoy the sensation of your knees buckling.
Who’s this cigar for? Experienced smokers who appreciate full-bodied profiles. Guys who’ve worked their way through Partagás and Ramón Allones and are ready for something with even more oomph. The kind of person who drinks their coffee black and their whisky neat. You know what I’m talking about, right? This isn’t a beginner’s cigar, and I won’t pretend it is just to move boxes.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Royal Corona (Robusto) |
| Length | 4.9 inches / 124 mm |
| Ring Gauge | 50 |
| Wrapper | Cuban (Vuelta Abajo) |
| Binder | Cuban |
| Filler | Cuban Ligero-Heavy Blend |
| Strength | Full |
| Smoking Time | 45-60 minutes |
What Actually Happens When You Light This Thing
The cold draw – if you bother checking it before lighting up – already gives you hints of what’s coming. There’s this earthy, almost barnyard quality mixed with dark cocoa. Not the sweet hot chocolate kind. More like baker’s chocolate, maybe 85% cacao. Already you’re thinking: okay, this is serious.
First third hits you immediately. I’m not exaggerating when I say this cigar doesn’t ease you in. The draw is typically firm but not tight – Cuban construction can be inconsistent, but the Royal Coronas I’ve had over the years tend to be well-made – and the smoke production is generous. You’re getting leather right away, mixed with espresso and this peppery kick that sits on your palate. The retrohale? Spicy enough to make your eyes water if you’re not ready for it. Some pepper, some earth, some raw tobacco power. This is what people mean when they talk about “Cuban twang” – that distinctive taste that only comes from Vuelta Abajo tobacco.
The burn is usually pretty even, though I’ll be honest – you might need a touch-up once or twice depending on how fast you’re smoking and what the humidity‘s like where you are. The ash holds for about an inch, maybe a bit more, before dropping. It’s not the tightest ash you’ll ever see, but it’s solid. Dark gray, slightly flaky.
Second third is where things get interesting – actually, scratch that – where things get MORE interesting, because the first third was already plenty interesting. The strength doesn’t let up (spoiler: it never does), but you start picking up some complexity underneath all that power. There’s a woody note that comes through, cedar maybe, and this sweetness that’s almost molasses-like. Not enough to call it sweet, but enough to balance out some of that aggressive pepper from earlier. The leather notes are still there, now joined by coffee – not bright coffee, more like day-old French roast that’s been sitting on a burner. I mean that as a compliment, somehow.
If you’re not paying attention to your pacing, this section will let you know. Smoke this too fast and the nicotine will catch up with you. I learned that lesson the hard way during a poker game in 2006 – had to sit out two hands because the room started spinning. Rookie mistake for a cigar this strong.
Final third: this is where the Royal Corona separates casual smokers from the diehards. The strength ramps up even further, which seems impossible but happens anyway. You’re getting more earth, more tobacco, more of everything that makes Bolivar what it is. Some bitterness can creep in if your cigar’s running hot, so slow down. The retrohale in this section is intense – all spice and leather and this raw tobacco flavor that coats your sinuses. I genuinely don’t understand why some people nub these cigars down to nothing – by the time you’re at the last inch, you’ve gotten the full experience. But if you’re determined, the smoke stays cool enough to finish it completely.
How It Stacks Up
| Cigar | Strength | Smoking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolivar Royal Corona | Full | 45-60 min | Experienced smokers wanting power |
| Partagás Serie D No. 4 | Medium-Full | 50-70 min | Those wanting complexity with strength |
| Ramón Allones Small Club Corona | Medium-Full | 40-50 min | Balanced afternoon smoke |
What to Drink With It (And When to Smoke It)
This cigar demands a serious pairing. I’ve tried it with beer – doesn’t work, gets overwhelmed. Wine? Forget it unless you’re drinking something massive like an Amarone. What works: dark rum (I’m partial to aged Guatemalan or Jamaican rums), peaty Scotch (Laphroaig or Ardbeg if you’re feeling adventurous), or strong espresso if you’re smoking in the morning. Yes, I said morning. This is a breakfast cigar for some people, though personally I prefer it after a heavy meal.
A buddy of mine swears by pairing it with bourbon – specifically high-proof stuff, nothing under 100 proof – and I’ll admit that works pretty well. The sweetness of the bourbon plays nicely against all that earthy tobacco. But my go-to? A pour of smoky Scotch and this cigar on a Saturday evening. That’s the combination that works for me.
Occasion-wise: this is an after-dinner cigar, or an end-of-week celebration smoke. Not something you fire up on a Tuesday afternoon unless you’ve got nowhere important to be afterward. The nicotine content means you want food in your stomach and time to recover if needed. Weekend golf? Save it for the 19th hole. Business meeting? Absolutely not.
How strong is the Bolivar Royal Corona really?
No joke, it’s legitimately full-bodied. If you’re used to Montecristo No. 4 or Hoyo de Monterrey, this will be a significant step up in strength. I’d say it’s comparable to Partagás Serie D No. 4 but with less sweetness and more raw power. Make sure you’ve eaten before smoking one.
Do these cigars need aging, or can I smoke them right away?
You can smoke them fresh, but honestly? Give them at least six months if you can wait. Young Bolivars can be harsh – all that ligero needs time to marry and mellow out slightly. I’ve got some from 2019 that are smoking beautifully now, way better than when I first got them. That said, if you order a box and can’t resist trying one immediately, I won’t judge you.
What’s the difference between Royal Corona and Bolivar’s other vitolas?
The blend is similar across the line, but the ring gauge and length affect the experience. Royal Corona at 50 ring gauge gives you more filler tobacco and a slightly cooler smoke than thinner vitolas like the Corona Junior. Compared to the Belicosos Finos, you’re getting a shorter smoke without the torpedo cap. Same punch, different delivery system basically.
Why does the draw sometimes feel tight on these?
Cuban construction can be inconsistent – that’s just reality. Bolivars sometimes get rolled a bit firmly, especially in certain factories. If you get a tight draw, you can try the thumb-massage technique (gently roll the cigar between your fingers) or use a draw tool. It happens. Part of the Cuban cigar experience, for better or worse.
Can beginners smoke this cigar?
Should they? Probably not. Can they? Sure, but they might regret it. I’ve seen new smokers try Bolivars and end up green in the face. If you’re relatively new to cigars, work your way up through some milder Cubans first – maybe some Hoyo de Monterrey or H. Upmann. Come back to this once you’ve got some experience with full-bodied smokes.
How should I store these to keep them in good condition?
Standard Cuban storage rules apply: 65-68% humidity, around 65-70°F if you can manage it. These aren’t particularly finicky, but like all Habanos, they’ll dry out if you neglect them and get beetles if you keep them too warm. Check your humidor regularly, especially in summer. And if you’re planning to age a box long-term, consider going slightly lower on humidity – around 62-65%.
What’s the best way to cut and light a Royal Corona?
I use a straight cut, nothing fancy – just take off the cap cleanly and you’re good. Some guys like V-cuts, which work fine too. For lighting, take your time with a torch or cedar spill, rotate the cigar, get an even light on the foot. Don’t char it or blast it with heat. These are well-constructed cigars that deserve a proper light. Once it’s going, you’re off to the races.
The Bottom Line on This Smoke
The Bolivar Royal Corona isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s exactly why it’s worth your time. This is a focused, powerful, unapologetic cigar that delivers exactly what the Bolivar brand promises: full-bodied Cuban tobacco in its most straightforward form. No gimmicks, no gentle introductions, just ligero-heavy Vuelta Abajo leaf rolled into a classic Robusto vitola.
If you’re an experienced smoker looking for something with serious backbone, or if you’ve been curious about what the fuller end of the Cuban spectrum tastes like, order a box. These cigars reward patience – both in aging and in smoking – and they pair beautifully with strong drinks and good company. Just make sure you’re ready for what you’re getting into. This isn’t a cigar that apologizes for being intense, and neither should you for wanting something with some real character.
