The Bolivar New Gold Medal was released around mid-2023, taking up the glories of the Bolivar Gold Medal, a cigar which, in its latest version, was discontinued in 2011. Compared to the latter, despite being a release equally intended for the La Casa del Habano circuit (you can also see it from the classic red ring with golden characters), it differs from its predecessor in terms of dimensions while retaining the same length, the New Gold Medal has a ring gauge of 48, compared to the 42 ring gauge of the old version.
This “New” is also sold in ten-count boxes, always with golden paper covering 3/4 of the length of the cigar.
Once the golden paper is removed (which, compared to the past, has the embossed “Bolivar” writing), the cigar is dressed in a shiny Colorado wrapper with brown reflections. It is pretty smooth to the touch. The overall construction is excellent.
- Country of Origin: Cuba
- Size: 48 x 165 mm (6.5″)
- Wrapper: Cuba
- Binder: Cuba
- Filler:Â Cuba
- Price: $ – | € 27
Bolivar New Gold Medal: strong wood aromas are perceived in the cold draw, followed by notes of spices and earthy nuances.
Once lit, the smoke is delicately sapid on the palate, also developing a very marked creaminess, unusual for the brand. It expresses very marked notes of hazelnut, followed by less evident hints of almond and spices. Leather aromas round out the profile. The strength is medium-light (2/5).
In the central section, the sapidity acquires greater intensity while a slightly bitter note is introduced, which does not unbalance the smoke. Very intense aromas of fine wood and nuts emerge, followed by nuances of leather and spices. Strength increases, becoming medium (3/5).
In the last third, the notes of fine wood and nuts are confirmed, while hints of coffee and a mineral nuance are added. Strength increases slightly (3.5/5).
Overall, the Bolivar New Gold Medal is a more than convincing product. The risk of proposing a “New” version of a product that has enjoyed a special place in the hearts of Cuban cigar lovers and the brand, in particular, can present a couple of challenges, first of all, that of an inevitable comparison with its predecessor. This argument is unwarranted since it has different dimensions.
The Bolivar New Gold Medal is a ready cigar with a vibrant and lively smoke. The softness of the smoke is quite surprising when compared to the DNA of the brand, as well as for a strength that was thought to be higher but turned out to be proportionate to both the flavor profile and the smoking time. As of now, it is an excellent cigar, with great aging potential, and it is no surprise that the cigar made it into our awards of 2023.