For Canadian cigar enthusiasts and international collectors alike, the Bolívar Simones represents a truly exceptional offering from Habanos S.A.'s celebrated Edición Regional program. This exclusive vitola brings together the legendary reputation of the Bolívar marca with the prestige of a Canadian-specific release, creating a smoke that commands attention in both the humidor and the marketplace.
The Story Behind the Release
The Simones made its debut as part of the 2007 Edición Regional lineup, designed specifically to honor the Canadian market. This inaugural release arrived in elegant numbered slide-lid boxes containing 50 cigars each, with only 600 boxes entering circulation worldwide. A second, equally limited edition emerged in 2008, though these cigars didn't actually reach retailers until 2009 due to distribution complexities. This subsequent run featured more compact 25-count boxes, with production doubled to 1,200 boxes, offering collectors a slightly more accessible entry point while maintaining the exclusivity that defines regional releases.
Technical Specifications
The Simones vitola, internally referred to as Hermosos No.4, exemplifies the larger ring gauge formats that have become synonymous with premium regional releases. Measuring 127mm in length with a 48 ring gauge, this robusto-style vitola provides sufficient mass for the intricate flavor development that discerning smokers demand from their premium Cubans. Each stick weighs a substantial 10.86 grams, reflecting the quality tobacco selection and expert construction that the Bolívar marca demands.
Key Measurements
- Vitola Name: Simones
- Factory Name: Hermosos No.4
- Ring Gauge: 48
- Length: 127 mm (5 inches)
- Weight: 10.86 grams
- Construction: Handmade
Presentation and Visual Distinction
Visual identification of the Simones proves straightforward for those familiar with regional exclusives. The cigar sports the traditional Bolívar primary band, instantly recognizable to aficionados worldwide. Below this sits the distinctive secondary band announcing its Canadian market designation, creating a dual-band configuration that signals both the brand's heritage and the release's geographical exclusivity. The numbered boxes in which these cigars are housed add another layer of collectibility, with each container bearing its own unique identifier that enables precise tracking of provenance.
Sensory Experience
True to the Bolívar legacy, the Simones delivers an uncompromising smoking experience. The substantial 48 ring gauge permits gradual and complex flavor evolution throughout the session, revealing layers of rich earthiness complemented by notes of fine leather and subtle spice. This full-bodied intensity remains consistent from the initial light through to the final third, satisfying those who appreciate the robust character that has made Bolívar one of Cuba's most sought-after marcas.
Why Collectors Value This Release
The combination of limited production quantities, the prestigious Bolívar branding, and the Canadian exclusive designation ensures that the Simones maintains strong appeal among collectors and investors. The numbered packaging system adds verifiable authenticity and provenance tracking, while the distinct dual-band configuration makes these cigars immediately identifiable in any collection. As regional editions continue to appreciate in value, the Simones stands as a testament to Habanos S.A.'s commitment to creating exceptional, market-specific offerings that reward both smokers and collectors alike.
