When a famed Cuban marque releases a limited-edition vitola for a specific corner of the globe, the cigar community takes notice. The Bolívar Short Bolivar Asia Pacific Regional Edition is a case in point—combining the brand’s signature intensity with a compact size that fits neatly into the busy lives of modern smokers. This release, aimed squarely at enthusiasts in the Asia Pacific region, offers a rare chance to own a piece of Bolívar history that never entered the broader market.
Compact Form, Bold Character
At first glance the Short Bolivar looks deceptively simple, yet its proportions are the result of careful refinement. Officially designated the “Petit Edmundo” in the factory, this vitola condenses the classic Edmundo profile into a shorter, more concentrated smoke. Handmade construction ensures that each stick delivers the full‑bodied flavor expected from Bolívar, while the reduced length shortens the smoking session without sacrificing depth.
- Factory name: Petit Edmundo
- Ring gauge: 52
- Length: 110 mm (approximately 4 ⅜ inches)
- Weight: 10.76 g
- Construction: Handmade
The 52‑ring size provides a robust draw, allowing the blend to showcase its signature spice and earthy undertones in a more concentrated timeframe. For those who appreciate a quick, intense experience, the Short Bolivar fits the bill perfectly.
Distinctive Banding and Visual Identity
One glance at the band arrangement tells a seasoned collector that this is no ordinary Bolívar. The primary band mirrors the classic Bolívar “C” emblem, a hallmark of the brand’s heritage. Beneath it, a secondary band—reserved exclusively for the Asia Pacific market—features regional branding and a unique color scheme. This dual‑band configuration instantly signals the cigar’s territorial exclusivity, making it recognizable among the myriad of regional releases that Habanos S.A. has issued over the years.
For collectors, the secondary band serves as a quick identifier when browsing humidor stock or trading with fellow aficionados. Its presence confirms that the stick was produced specifically for distribution in the Asia Pacific zone, adding an extra layer of provenance to each piece.
Packaging, Production Numbers, and Rarity
Each Short Bolivar is tucked into a numbered slide‑lid box that houses 25 cigars. The numbering is not merely decorative; it provides a verifiable record for authenticity, a crucial factor in a market where counterfeit products occasionally surface. The production run was capped at 7,400 boxes, a relatively modest volume compared with the brand’s standard releases. This scarcity heightens the appeal for both smokers and investors, as the limited supply can drive demand far beyond the initial retail price.
The boxes themselves are marked with the regional identifier, further emphasizing the exclusive nature of the release. Collectors often seek out these numbered boxes to complete a themed display or to ensure they possess a genuine, limited‑run specimen.
Launch Date and Collector Outlook
The official debut of the Short Bolivar Regional Edition was set for January 1, 2008. From that moment, the cigar was earmarked for distribution exclusively within the Asia Pacific territory. Because the edition never entered the broader global market, its availability elsewhere depends on secondary market sales, private trades, or specialty retailers who managed to secure a small allocation.
The Bolívar marque is renowned for delivering a full‑bodied smoke characterized by rich tobacco, leather, and subtle pepper notes. The Short Bolivar maintains this profile while offering a more condensed experience, making it an attractive option for those who crave the brand’s intensity but have limited time for a full‑size cigar.
For collectors, the combination of limited production, distinctive regional branding, and the brand’s storied reputation creates a compelling acquisition. As the years pass, the Short Bolivar’s rarity is likely to increase, reinforcing its status as a coveted piece in any well‑curated humidor of Cuban cigars.
