Bolivar Coronas Extra Cigar - Box of 25

Reviewed by Jody Brown - January 2002 First, I would like to thank smokeymo for the opportunity to participate in this. Next, everyone who knows me will be shocked by this review. In the past couple of years several have been posted on ICG and ClubStogie and I usually don't do negative ones. That being said, if someone asks my opinion about a cigar and I do not like it, I am not bashful in telling them it sucks. I only write positive reviews on cigars I really enjoy. I put myself in the readers position, why waste your time reading bad stuff? I mean anyone can turn on the TV or listen to the radio or pick up a newspaper and get polluted with a full force of negative crud. Cigar smoking is an awesome hobby to enjoy and should be positive as much as possible. Ok, enough of my mumbling, I made an agreement to write a review on these three BCE's and I am living up to it. All three were smoked under the same exact conditions. First cigar of the day, all with cubita coffee and all at Charlie's Club. When the cigars arrived the end of last month, I opened up the package and had an immediate frown on my face. These were not fresh 01's, they were from 99 I bet. A quick email to smokeymo and sure enough, I was correct - '99, partagas factory. I've smoked too many of these to know I wouldn't like them, but hey it's been a while, maybe they got better? 8*) Prelight - ugly, leather looking rough thick wrapper, several protruding veins and no real isom smell. First light - average draw with some effort, flavor was flat - mild to medium, taste was just basic tobacco, nothing else. First 1/3 - no change in flavor, does not have the classic flavor or taste of a Boli. Anyone who has smoked a '86 Boli and/or a '94 Boli knows what I mean, geez, even a '98 Boli has a distinct taste and flavor only it can have. Not any of the 99/00/01 stuff I've smoked, anyone could have made these. First 2/3 - no change in flavor. Actually, it is starting to remind me of a Padron, not a PAN or PAM, the regular line. It has tobacco taste, but not the classic isom dirt or earth taste that is easy to pick up. Nothing more than flat tobacco with some tastes of mild chocolate and coffee. The final burn/Overall - this was not a very pleasant cigar. I was surprised at its lack of depth and how little flavor or taste it had. It really never developed at all. It has some of the same characteristics as a Padron, semi-rich, but actually all the maduro Padrons I've smoked have had more flavor and taste to them than this cigar - for a lot less money. Sorry this review was so bad. I really hated writing it, but I am not going to make up some story for a chance to win a cigar - that is not my style and I have to be honest.

I usually smoke mild to medium strength cigars but wanted to try a full flavoured cigar. I bought this on a recommendation from the staff at the Chester shop. This cigar has a strong presence and is full of flavour, with rich earthy, peppery tones. It was too strong for my tastes but was certainly a cigar of quality- construction and burn is excellent. Lasted around 45 minutes, the spicy mouthfeel was too much for me, I had a black tongue after smoking! One for lovers of full flavoured/ full strength cigars but not the choice for me.

This is simply THE BEST cigar I have EVER found. smoke it slow and eat something before you try it as it will knock you out! written by Alan Hoover

This is the ultimate cigar for strength and power.If you prefer a very strong cigar then this is the one for you.Be assured though, a well aged Corona Extra like the one I smoked was very smooth and well balanced with some 7 years of box age.(Sept 1999)A pefect burn and very well tied and finished.H&F are still sending out boxes of these with 7 years of ageing so a great buy. If you like the tast of Bolivar then this is the one for you. written by Ashley