The Bolivar Gold Medal has seen multiple discontinuations and reintroductions, evolving from its original form to meet modern preferences while maintaining its distinction.
Hello dear reader, once more our paths cross, and on this enchanting occasion, I'm eager to unveil the details of a truly exceptional release from Habanos—the Bolivar Gold Medal.
Named after the iconic 19th-century Venezuelan revolutionary Simon Bolívar, the Bolivar cigar brand pays tribute to the man who famously freed six South American countries from Spanish control. Bolivar cigars are renowned for their deep, rich profiles and stand as the quintessence of full-bodied Cuban craftsmanship—a favorite among connoisseurs seeking the ultimate in robust, luxurious smoke.
The Bolívar Gold Medal, a vitola of notable repute, traces its prestigious lineage back to an era before the seismic shifts of the Cuban Revolution, which has experienced a roller-coaster production history since its inception, ultimately being officially discontinued in 1992. This Cervantes-sized cigar, measuring 42x165mm, set itself apart in the rich history of tobacco history with one important detail. Each cigar was notably crowned with a striking half-wrap of beautiful gold foil, a detail that not only enhanced its aesthetic appeal but also underscored its exclusivity, capturing the essence of high end craftsmanship and a luxurious smoking experience.
In 2004, the glamor of the Bolívar Gold Medal was resurrected by the German distributor of Habanos, 5th Avenue, who orchestrated an exceedingly limited release of just 1,000 boxes. These exclusive cigars were initially available only in the La Casa Del Habano stores across Germany. Retaining the original dimensions, this release was met with such acclaim that Habanos was compelled to reintroduce it globally in 2007 as a special La Casa Del Habano edition. The reissue's success confirmed Habanos' astute intuition about its appeal. In 2009, they refined the cigar further, enhancing the texture of its signature gold foil. Despite its celebrated status, the Bolívar Gold Medal faced discontinuation once again in 2011.
At the 2023 Habanos Festival in Cuba, a notable announcement captured the attention of cigar aficionados worldwide: Habanos S.A. revealed the reintroduction of the Bolivar New Gold Medal as a prestigious La Casa Del Habano (LCDH) offering. This revival marked the return of a true masterpiece, once again adorned in the same exquisite gold foil wrapping. This time, however, the wrapping was enhanced with the name "Bolivar" embossed, creating an elegant pattern that added a touch of sophistication and exclusivity to this iconic cigar.
The latest release of the Bolivar New Gold Medal introduces a notable variation in its vitola, transitioning from the traditional Cervantes to the more robust Partagas 15. While maintaining the original 165mm length, the ring gauge has been expanded from 42 to 48. This adjustment caters not only to the modern consumer's preference for a thicker cigar but also appeals to Habano enthusiasts globally who relish a larger ring gauge for a prolonged, rich smoking experience.
