For the discerning cigar aficionado, few releases generate as much anticipation as the Regional Edition series, and the 2009 release for the German market stands as a prime example of this exclusivity. The Bolívar Especiales No.2 was not merely another addition to the portfolio; it was a deliberate resurrection of a historic format, bringing a classic shape back to life for a limited audience. This cigar serves as a testament to the Bolívar brand's robust heritage, offering German enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience a vitola that had long vanished from standard production lines.
Reviving a Historic Vitola
The concept behind the Edición Regional program is often to provide specific markets with sizes that are otherwise unavailable, and the Especiales No.2 fits this mandate perfectly. By reintroducing this specific format, Habanos allowed collectors to revisit a shape that holds significant historical weight within the Cuban cigar lexicon. The release was strictly allocated to Germany, creating an instant collector's item that appeals to those who track the lineage of the Bolívar marca. This practice of breathing new life into dormant sizes ensures that the history of cigar making is not lost to time, but rather celebrated through these exclusive drops.
The Art of the Delicados Format
At the heart of the Especiales No.2 is its factory name: Delicados. This designation refers to a specific shape that is both slender and elongated, requiring a high level of craftsmanship to construct properly. Unlike thicker ring gauges that allow for a complex filler blend, a 38 ring gauge demands precision. The blender's skill is put to the test here, as the narrow width concentrates the flavors, ensuring that the signature power of the Bolívar brand is delivered without harshness. The length provides a prolonged smoking experience, allowing the flavors to develop and evolve significantly over time.
Detailed Specifications
- Factory Name: Delicados
- Dimensions: Measuring 192 mm (7½ inches) in length with a ring gauge of 38.
- Weight: Each cigar has an official weight of 10.29 grams.
- Construction: Entirely handmade.
This combination of length and slender girth creates an elegant visual profile, distinguishing it from the more robust robustos or gordas that dominate modern humidors. For the smoker, this translates to a cooler burn and a focus on the wrapper leaf's influence on the overall taste profile.
Packaging and Band Variations
The presentation of the Bolívar Especiales No.2 reflects its premium status and limited nature. The entire production run was capped at a mere 2,400 boxes, making it a rare find on the secondary market today. These cigars were housed in numbered dress boxes, each containing 25 units. To protect the delicate wrappers and maintain optimal humidity during storage and transport, the cigars were bundled in aluminum foil—a traditional method often reserved for the most slender and fragile vitolas.
Identifying the Bands
Identification is crucial for collectors, and this release features specific band configurations that denote its regional exclusivity. The primary band is the standard Bolívar design, accompanied by a secondary band marked "Alemania" to signify its German destination. However, a fascinating nuance exists for the eagle-eyed collector. Pre-release samples were distributed featuring the earlier Type C standard Bolívar band, whereas the final production boxes featured the updated Type D band. This subtle variation adds an extra layer of intrigue for those dedicated to cataloging the evolution of Cuban cigar bands.
A Snapshot of the Release
The Bolívar Especiales No.2 was officially launched on January 1, 2009, marking a significant moment for that year's calendar of releases. As part of the Edición Regional series, it joined a prestigious lineup of cigars tailored for specific territories, but its status as a reinstated production size gave it a unique edge. While many Regional Editions are entirely new blends or sizes, this release was a nod to the past, preserving the classic elegance of the Bolívar brand for a new decade. With such a low production count and a distinct shape, the Especiales No.2 remains a highlighted chapter in the history of German-exclusive cigars.
