When Habanos S.A. chooses to celebrate a particular market with a dedicated release, the result often becomes both a collector’s trophy and a smoker’s passport to a unique cultural experience. The Bolívar Emarati Edición Regional Emiratos Arabes Unidos does exactly that, delivering the marque’s renowned intensity in a format that feels tailor‑made for the Gulf’s cigar community. This limited edition blends the storied heritage of the Bolívar brand with a distinct regional identity, creating a smoke that is as bold as the cityscape of Dubai and as refined as the heritage of Havana.
Heritage and the Birth of a Regional Gem
The Bolívar name has been synonymous with full‑bodied Cuban cigars since its founding in 1901. Over more than a century, the brand has built a reputation for delivering powerful, earthy flavors that appeal to aficionados who crave a robust smoking experience. In 2015, Habanos decided to honor the United Arab Emirates by commissioning a special production that would reflect both the local palate and the global prestige of the Bolívar line. The collaboration aimed to give Emirati enthusiasts a product that not only carries the classic Bolívar character but also pays homage to the region’s appreciation for luxury and exclusivity.
Vitola, Dimensions, and Construction
The Emarati employs the Edmundo vitola, a size that has earned widespread popularity among modern cigar lovers for its balance of substance and smoking comfort. This robusto extra format measures 135 mm in length—approximately 5⅜ inches—and sports a 52‑ring gauge, providing a generous draw and a substantial burn time that lets the complex blend unfold gradually.
- Length: 135 mm (5⅜″)
- Ring gauge: 52
- Weight: 13.20 g
- Vitola: Edmundo (Robusto Extra)
- Construction: Fully hand‑made, using premium long‑filler tobacco
- Band: Standard Bolívar “Band C” paired with a distinctive regional band indicating the UAE exclusivity
The construction remains true to traditional Cuban methods: a hand‑rolled filler, a binder, and a wrapper that together deliver the signature Bolívar strength. The 52‑ring gauge ensures that the smoke remains cool and flavorful, while the extra length allows the blend’s nuances to develop over a longer smoking session.
Packaging, Exclusivity, and Release Timing
Each Emarati cigar is housed in a varnished boîte nature box, a classic presentation style that adds an elegant touch to the overall unboxing experience. The boxes are numbered, reinforcing the limited nature of the release. With only 2,000 boxes produced and each containing 25 cigars, the total offering is a modest 50,000 cigars worldwide—a figure that guarantees scarcity and drives collector interest.
Officially catalogued under the 2015 Regional Edition series, the Emarati began reaching retailers in early 2016. This slight lag between the official vintage and the market launch is a common occurrence for regional releases, where logistics and regional distribution channels sometimes dictate the actual arrival date. The timing, however, did little to dampen enthusiasm; the cigar quickly became a sought‑after piece among both regional smokers and international collectors.
Tasting Profile and Overall Impression
On the palate, the Bolívar Emarati opens with a rich, leathery base that gradually reveals notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and a subtle spice that recalls the aromatic herbs common to the Middle Eastern kitchen. The smoke is full‑bodied, mirroring the brand’s historic intensity, yet the Edmundo format offers enough breathing room to prevent the blend from overwhelming the senses. The draw is smooth, the combustion line remains even throughout, and the ash holds firm, indicating a well‑crafted product.
The cigar’s finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering aftertaste of toasted nuts and a faint hint of dried fruit. For those who appreciate a robust smoke with a touch of refinement, the Emarati delivers a balanced experience that honors the Bolívar legacy while catering to the sophisticated tastes of the Gulf market.
In summary, the Bolívar Emarati Edición Regional Emiratos Arabes Unidos stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to adapt its core character to a specific audience without compromising on quality. Its limited production, distinctive packaging, and bold yet nuanced flavor profile make it a noteworthy addition to any collector’s humidor and a memorable smoke for the discerning aficionado.
