My Weekend Cigar Review: Bolivar Gran Republica
VIDEO CIGAR REVIEW: BOLIVAR GRAN REPUBLICA
And to The Republica for Which It Stands. . .
Gran Republica is the third regular production release from the Honduran-made Bolivar brand which is distributed by Scandinavian Tobacco Group’s Forged Cigar Co. With Bolivar Gran Republica the company aims to bring the Cuban heritage brand to the attention of even more adult premium cigar smokers.
“With Gran Republica, we are confident that it will be a strong addition to the growing Bolivar portfolio,” said STG marketing director, Steve Abbot. The four-nation blend is also a nod to the pivotal role Simón Bolivar himself played in South America’s history. For example, the blend includes tobaccos grown in Ecuador and Colombia, countries that were liberated by Bolivar.
“This is a bold blend that highlights the best of South American tobacco,” added Abbot.
The Bolivar Gran Republica cigar selection is offered in three shapes, Robusto, Toro and Gordo, and presented in vintage-looking wooden boxes of 20 cigars.
Cigar Details
Factory: HATSA – Danlí, Honduras
Size: 6×54
Strength: Medium
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Brazilian Arapiraca
Fillers: Colombia, Brazil, Nicaragua
Presented in boxes of 20
Bolivar Gran Republica Toro Cigar Review
The cigar is seamlessly rolled and firm all the way through. The wrapper has a shiny, deep brown color and is finished with a clean triple seam cap. Like the Cuban Bolivar, the oval band displays Simón Bolivar’s portrait. When clipped the draw was just right and offered a salted caramel taste. The cigar toasted and lit well and the burn started-off evenly.
Out of the gate the initial puffs were creamy and sweet with a cashew-like flavor. These were complemented by a layer of earth, which prevailed through the entire smoke. As the cigar settled-in the smoke had a more dense feel on my palate.
Firm and light grey in color, the first substantial ash emerged at one inch. By then the cigar had settled into a very smooth, medium-bodied smoke. Flavors of cashew and hazelnut, earth, and sweet tobacco ensued. This flavor profile locked-in shortly afterwards and stayed true right up to the cigar’s midpoint. At its peak, the smoke issued what I could only describe as confetti-like notes of cinnamon, bittersweet chocolate, and random baking spices.
By the final inches, the smoke was earthier, more intense, and the body at medium-plus. However, the cigar never got any stronger. At the nub stage, the cigar was still smooth and flavorful, and with one inch remaining, I finally let it go.
Was the Bolivar Gran Republica Toro Weekend Worthy?
It might just be everyday worthy for a lot of cigar smokers. It’s hard enough for a non-Cuban Cuban heritage cigar to catch-on, but these Honduran-made Bolivars, like the debut Bolivar and the Bolivar Cofradia that followed, have been pretty good. As for the Gran Republica, I think it’s just as good or better, and a little more refined.
The Bolivar Gran Republica Toro was flavorful and smoked well. I viewed it as a straightforward any time of day cigar for the avid devotee. Even a newer smoker could easily warm-up to it. The profile was mostly rich, nutty, sweet, and fairly earthy. At times it even reminded me of a mainline Punch or Hoyo de Monterrey that knows somebody. And like those cigars, the Gran Republica Toro could also become a popular golf cigar. That they kept the price respectably under $10, also says something. All-in-all, good smoke, good buy.
Please Note: Gary’s review was based on two samples and that your experience may vary. If you’ve already had an experience with this cigar please share your thoughts with a comment.