Bolívar (cigar brand)

Bolívar is a prominent cigar brand that originated in Cuba. The brand was established in 1902 and is named after the South American revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar. Bolívar cigars are known for their strong, full-bodied flavors, which make them a favorite among experienced cigar smokers. The brand is produced in the famous Partagás factory in the heart of Havana, Cuba, for the Cuban market, and by the General Cigar Company in the Dominican Republic for the U.S. market due to the United States embargo against Cuba.

History

The Bolívar brand was created in 1902 by José F. Rocha but did not gain significant popularity until it was purchased by the Cifuentes family and production moved to the Partagás Factory in the 1950s. The brand's imagery and naming pay homage to Simón Bolívar, who played a key role in Latin America's successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire. Over the years, Bolívar has maintained a reputation for producing some of the strongest and most full-bodied cigars available, appealing to aficionados who seek a robust smoking experience.

Production

Cuban Bolívar cigars are hand-rolled using tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region, which is widely regarded as the finest tobacco-growing area in the world. The brand offers a wide range of sizes and shapes, known in the cigar industry as vitolas. This includes popular formats such as the robusto, corona, and belicoso. Non-Cuban Bolívars, produced for the U.S. market, also strive to maintain the brand's reputation for strength and complexity, though they necessarily use tobaccos from other regions, including the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

Notable Vitolas

• Bolívar Belicosos Finos - A torpedo-shaped cigar that is particularly prized among aficionados for its rich, full-bodied flavor profile.
• Bolívar Royal Coronas - A robusto that has won numerous awards and is often cited as one of the best of its size in the world.
• Bolívar Libertador - Exclusive to La Casa del Habano stores, this cigar is known for its complex flavors and considerable strength.

Reception

Bolívar cigars have consistently received high ratings from cigar publications and enthusiasts, with particular praise for their complexity, depth of flavor, and construction quality. They are often recommended for more experienced smokers due to their strength.

Legal Status

Due to the ongoing U.S. embargo against Cuba, Cuban-made Bolívar cigars are illegal to sell in the United States. However, the brand's strong global presence continues to thrive in other markets around the world. The Dominican-made Bolívars, while legal in the U.S., are distinct in blend and character from their Cuban counterparts.

In Popular Culture

Bolívar cigars have been featured in various films, television shows, and books, often as a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Their association with historical figures and events adds to the brand's mystique and allure.