Bolivar Royal Coronas
There is a moment, roughly halfway through a Bolivar Royal Coronas, when the cigar stops being a robusto and starts being a Bolivar. The transition is not dramatic — no sudden shift, no jarring change in character — but it is unmistakable. The earth deepens, the pepper sharpens, and the blend's full weight settles onto the palate. At 124mm by 50 ring gauge, this is the Robusto vitola executed with Bolivar's full-strength intent, and it is the cigar that most directly answers the question: what does Bolivar taste like? If you want to understand the marca in a single smoke, this is where you start.
Tasting Notes
The first third is direct and unambiguous. Dry earth, black pepper, and cedar arrive together, with a leathery quality from the wrapper that adds texture. The 50-ring gauge delivers cool, dense smoke, and the draw is characteristically open. There is little subtlety here — Bolivar does not ease you in. What there is, is clarity: the flavour components are distinct and identifiable, not muddied together.
The middle third is where the transition happens. The pepper recedes slightly and a roasted coffee note moves forward, joined by dark cocoa and a warm woody spice that sits underneath the earth-and-leather base. A mineral quality on the retrohale adds complexity. This is the section where the Royal Coronas earns its place — the flavour development over a short format is real, not illusory, and the blend demonstrates that a robusto can carry genuine nuance.
The final third returns to full force. Pepper, espresso, charred cedar, and a bitter-sweet finish that lingers. The strength peaks in the last inch, which is exactly where it should. The cigar finishes as it started — bold, clear, and unmistakably Bolivar.
Construction and Draw
Robusto-format Bolivar cigars are among the most consistently constructed in the brand's range. The 124mm length does not strain the torcedor's packing consistency the way a Prominente does, and the 50-ring head draws with the open resistance that suits a full-bodied blend. The wrapper is colourado to colourado maduro, typically oily with moderate veining. Triple-capped heads accept guillotine, punch, or V-cut. Burn lines are generally even with minimal touch-up needed.
Pairing Suggestions
The Royal Coronas pairs well with spirits that have their own intensity. Aged dark rum, a high-rye bourbon, or a peated Scotch all work. For beer drinkers, a Russian imperial stout matches the cigar's roasted character. Strong espresso or a flat white complements the coffee notes in the middle and final thirds.
Value and Collectibility
The Robusto is the most smoked vitola in the world, and the Bolivar Royal Coronas sits in a competitive segment of the Cuban market. Its value lies in delivering the full Bolivar character in a practical format — a 60-to-75-minute smoke that does not require a special occasion. It ages well over two to four years, softening the opening pepper and deepening the coffee and cocoa middle.
Brand Background
Bolivar was established in 1902 and named after Simón Bolívar, the military leader who liberated much of South America from Spanish colonial rule. Habanos S.A. manages the brand's global distribution, and all tobacco is grown in the Vuelta Abajo region. Every cigar is rolled totalmente a mano. Read more on Wikipedia.
Storage
65–70% RH, 18–20°C. The 50-ring gauge tolerates minor humidity variation well, but avoid prolonged exposure above 72% RH. If buying a full box, allow it to acclimatise in the humidor for two weeks before smoking individual cigars. Rotate the box monthly for even conditioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Bolivar Royal Corona and Bolivar Royal Coronas?
These are both Robusto-format Bolivar cigars at the same 124mm x 50 dimensions. The naming reflects different production runs or presentations within the brand's catalogue. The blend and smoking experience are consistent with Bolivar's full-strength Robusto profile.
How does the Bolivar Robusto compare to other Cuban robustos?
Bolivar's Robusto is among the strongest in the Cuban robusto category. Compared to Cohiba or Romeo y Julieta robustos, which tend toward medium-to-full, the Bolivar is unambiguously full-bodied with more pepper and earth. It is better suited to experienced smokers.
What is the best cut for a 50-ring gauge robusto?
A straight guillotine cut is the most reliable, opening the full draw without compromising the cap. A punch cut works well for a more concentrated draw. V-cuts are acceptable but less common on this ring gauge.
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