Bolívar Gold Medal — The Lonsdale Format at Full Cuban Power
The Bolívar Gold Medal is a lonsdale-format Cuban cigar that delivers the full-bodied intensity for which the Bolívar brand is renowned, wrapped in a presentation that nods to the brand's decorated history. Measuring 165mm in length with a 42 ring gauge, this Cervantes (lonsdale) vitola combines the elegant proportions of a thinner-ring cigar with the powerful, earthy blend that defines Bolívar. The Gold Medal name and presentation reference the brand's tradition of excellence, and the lonsdale format — named after the Earl of Lonsdale — provides an extended, elegant smoking experience that allows the Bolívar blend to unfold gradually over 45 to 55 minutes. For the smoker who appreciates a full-bodied Cuban cigar with refinement and length, the Gold Medal is a distinctive and rewarding choice.
Specifications
Tasting Notes
The Gold Medal opens with the bold, earthy intensity that is the Bolívar signature. Unlike the more delicate lonsdale expressions from brands like Romeo y Julieta or Hoyo de Monterrey, the Bolívar lonsdale is full-bodied from the first puff, with notes of dark earth, leather, and a sharp black pepper that coats the palate. The 42-ring gauge provides enough body to carry the Bolívar blend's power while maintaining the elegance of the lonsdale format. A woody sweetness and a hint of dark cocoa emerge beneath the initial intensity, adding complexity to the opening.
Through the middle third, the cigar develops layers of espresso, roasted nut, and a mineral quality that is characteristic of the strongest Bolívar blends. The long 165mm format allows the flavours to evolve gradually, with each third introducing new dimensions. The final third is where the Bolívar Gold Medal reaches its peak, delivering a powerful crescendo of spice, leather, and dark chocolate that leaves a long, robust finish. This is a cigar for the experienced smoker who appreciates full intensity and the extended format that allows it to develop fully.
Construction
The 165mm x 42 lonsdale is a classic Cuban format that requires consistent bunching to maintain an even burn across the considerable length. Bolívar is produced at factories in Havana with standards appropriate to the brand's full-bodied positioning. The wrapper is typically a Colorado to Colorado Maduro leaf with good oil content, reflecting the brand's use of darker, more mature tobaccos. The bunch is firmly and evenly packed, and the cap is triple-sealed. The thin 42-ring gauge at this length requires a skilled roller to ensure the draw remains open throughout the smoke.
Pairing
The Gold Medal's full body and intensity call for a spirit with the strength to match. A heavy Cuban rum such as Santiago de Cuba Añejo provides the molasses and oak character that complements Bolívar's earthy profile. A peated Islay single malt such as Laphroaig offers a bold, smoky counterpoint that stands up to the cigar's power. A vintage Porto is another excellent option, with its sweetness balancing the cigar's intensity.
Value
The lonsdale format provides a generous smoking time of 45 to 55 minutes, delivering excellent value for the full-bodied smoker. The Bolívar Gold Medal represents the brand's intense blend character in an elegant, extended format that justifies the investment for the experienced smoker. For those building a rotation across Cuban brands and strengths, the Gold Medal is the natural lonsdale choice for the full-bodied end of the spectrum.
About the Brand
Bolívar was founded in 1901 and is named after Simón Bolívar, the South American liberator. The brand is renowned for producing some of the fullest-bodied and most intense cigars in the Cuban portfolio, with a blend that draws on the rich, dark tobaccos of the Vuelta Abajo region. Bolívar's lonsdale-format Gold Medal reflects the brand's tradition of combining full intensity with classic vitola formats. The brand is produced in Havana and distributed by Habanos S.A., with tobacco from the Vuelta Abajo region. Learn more on Wikipedia.
Storage
Store at 62–65% relative humidity and 18–20°C. The 42-ring lonsdale is sensitive to humidity fluctuations at the thin gauge, so consistent conditions are essential. Too dry and the wrapper will crack; too damp and the draw will tighten and the burn will become uneven. A well-seasoned Spanish cedar-lined humidor with a reliable humidification system will maintain the conditions this format demands. Allow newly acquired cigars to rest for at least three weeks before smoking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bolívar Gold Medal too strong for a less experienced smoker?
The Gold Medal is a full-bodied cigar that is best suited to smokers with experience of robust Cuban blends. Its intensity, pepper, and earthiness can be overwhelming for those accustomed to lighter cigars. Smokers new to full-bodied Cuban cigars should approach the Gold Medal with respect and ideally after building tolerance through medium-full vitolas such as a Montecristo Petit Edmundo or Partagás Serie D No. 4.
What is the lonsdale format and why is it associated with Bolívar?
The lonsdale format (typically 165mm x 42) is named after the Earl of Lonsdale and is a classic Cuban vitola that combines a thinner ring gauge with extended length. Bolívar's interpretation is distinctive because it pairs the lonsdale's elegant proportions with the brand's full-bodied, intense blend — an unusual combination that delivers both refinement and power in equal measure.
Related Cigars
For another powerful Bolívar vitola, consider the Bolívar Belicosos Fino, a celebrated figurado-format Cuban cigar. Browse our full Bolívar collection for more options. Before ordering, please read our guide on the difference between authentic Cuban cigars and imitations, review our age verification policy, and check shipping information.
