Bolivar (Cuba) Belicosos Finos

Excellent. Great draw and long finish. Gives Monte 2 a run..

A very well constructed cigar with nice oily wrapper. The cigar was firm yet pliable. Previous experiences made me anticipate an uneven burn. However, this cigar burned exceptionally well. Full bodied and full flavored - body and flavor complimenting each other very well. I would advise novices not to fool around with this one.

This cigar is almost perfect. Great flavor it's biggest highlight. Perfect balance of spice, earth, wood, and leather. There are some drawbacks that are constant with this cigar. Now, I have smoked three boxes and have noticed the burn on most I've smoked isn't perfect. They tend to blister and draw crooked. For me, that is no problem, but for some it is very important. Please don't let that deter you from trying it, for it is one of the best cuban cigars you will ever smoke!!

This is a cigar that you think to yourself "wow" once its lit. Perfect construction- nice oily wrapper and pre-light smell. Rich aroma and razor sharp burn burn. Spicy and hints of wood and coffee. Wonderful woody finish. This is a very nice cigar at a good price.

Just obtained a cabinet via mail. All had dark, oily wrappers and appeared flawless. A light pinch showed nice resilience but I thought them a little over humidified for my taste. I sampled one right from the package without allowing time for stabilization in my humidor. The tip clipped cleanly. Lighting was a bit of a chore but the draw was perfect. The ash was the appropriate flecked grey and hung on for the first third of the smoke. The burn seesawed a little but never required a re-light or adjustment. The flavor was appropriately disjointed and included the slightest amonia tinge... totally expected for such a young cigar. Flavor profile was floral and cedary developing some honey as it went. Oddly, a VERY strong cigar delivering copious amounts of smoke but a hint of lavender instead of the expected pepper. Nice! A LOOOOOONG finish but so fresh. The taste lasted for a good hour after the smoke was done but without making me feel like the entire French Foriegn Legion just marched barefoot across my tongue. Delightful. Given time for the flavors to integrate and for the cigars to reach equilibrium at the appropriate humidification (I prefer 65-67%)this batch of Bolis show blockbuster potential. They should age fabulously. Highly recomended.

What a great cigar! It was surprisingly light in appearance. I wasn't expecting the wrapper be so much lighter than the RC which I am much more experienced smoking. It would take alot to overtake the RC in my book, but this belicoso smoked great reminding me if the upmann #2.

One of the better full bodied smokes. Truly full flavored and strong without overpowering or being bitter. After aging for a year in my box, still a favorite. Luckily I got a variety of Habanas at a smoking deal insider connection, as I wouldn't pay the astro pricing these days. I'll have to be quite selective about what I'll buy at current market price.

I agree with the other reviewers on all counts. Bolivars are consistently the best made across the entire line. This is a very pretty smoke. Tightly wrapped, dark chocolate colour, even burn and draw. Has a unique taste not unlike Montecristos, which is to say different, but a certain tang that other Cubans do not have. I've had a bit more depth of character but that's splitting hairs. It pains me to deplete my stash, which are 07s by the way.

Bolivar is without a doubt one of the best marcas coming out of Cuba. The BBF along with the Corona Extra, in my opinion, have the best flavour in the lineup.

This one is from a SLB from 05 and was absolutely stellar. Coffee, spice and a hint of orange marmalade (no joke) for a bit about midway. A solid performer and I'm very happy to have 24 more.

This is my personal favourite! The Bolivar flavour is unique and does the trick for me. With the price you pay for these in Cuba, this is IMHO, the best bang for your buck.

I would rate this cigar above the Cohiba Siglo VI. The smoothness and even draw and effect of what a good cigar should be. I will always have some in my box.

I just bought a box as the box I picked up in June 05 got depleted "somehow." This is a cigar for my taste that makes me wish every cigar could be so good. The 05's were great but some draw issues here and there hurt the overall. I bought these in Nov 07 (box date May 07) and after just three I can tell that I need to sit on these and savor later. For now they are a flavor bomb of earth and spice. While smooth there is an underlying strength that sneaks up on you. They are great now but these are going to age famously. And what a value; not much more than an AF Don Carlos #2 but like comparing a Camaro to a Corvette.

IMHO, the Belicosos Finos in the SLB is the best tasting as well as most consistent belicosos coming out of Cuba. As far as the title of this review goes, I'm commenting on the Bolivar brand in general. I like Cohibas, Trinidads, Montecristo, etc., just fine, but if I ever had to choose just one ISOM brand to smoke it would be Bolivar. They seem to have more outstanding vitolas than other brands, and I have been smoking Cubans only for 6 or 7 years now. The BBF is not for the faint of heart, but it's not going to blow the back of your head off, either, lol. It is very full in flavor, but I think "strength" is subjective to so many variables, i.e., size of draw, blow smoke through the nose, all that. If their ever was a stick deserving of the term 'spice bomb, this is it. Contrary to some of the reviews I've read here, I've yet to experience draw problems with even one of these, but I think the format has something to do with that. Belicosos, not Piramides, seem to be shaped so as to be more condusive to steady, even draughts. I also feel bad when reading reviews by folks who rate this cigar as being poor. I mean no disrespect to any smokers out there, but please make sure you are smoking the real deal. I've had a few counterfeits along the way, and man...dog rockets. Anyway, this is and has been one of my three or four "go-to" cigars for many years, and at a price of around 225.00 per box or so, I think it's a great value.

A 6 year aged boli--what a smooth quintessential habanos smoke. It's untamed power is now a complex array of flavors and scents. If you're luck enough to find them, savor these.

My favorite all round smoke. Nov. 06 Prelight sniff of barnyard and fragrant tea. Good snorking smooth and tasty right now.

This is what I expect Belicosos to be. Good construction, medium flavor that spices up towards the end, creamy, earthy & spicey. All & all just an excellent smoke. You get what you pay for.

This is my all time favorite. I have a box aged over 2 years and they keep getting better. Great flavor, Great appearance, Great construction. Did I mention these were GREAT. Even at this price its a a good value. Treat yourself.

Smoked my first from a box dated Aug. 06, and it was excellent. The construction was flawless. Very little veins in the wrapper, with a nice brown color throughout.The cigar felt very light in weight, and I thought that it would have a loose draw, but it was perfect. Burn was outstanding. Flavors were balanced, nothing overbearing,nice creamy smoke, slightly spiced. I would classify it as medium-full, leaning towards the medium more. Overall a superb cigar, worthy of the high ratings it gets. It's right up there with my other favorite, Bolivar Belicosos Finos.

But wow, smooth light creamy spice gives way to a leathery, woodsy wonderful aroma and a beautiful cigar. Would consider this a medium bodied cigar and a bit pricey.

Smoked one right after purchase and excellent. Just smoked another after 18 months in the humidor, and this is solidly my 2nd favorite cigar. Very creamy with a hint of spiciness.

Bolivar produces a stout smoke not for the faint of heart...great flavor. This is my first review in this forum, have to ask the same question, how many reviewers actually smoke cubans regularly?, cubans are all I smoke and this cigar & the R&J Churchill all always easy buys in this size category, Bolivar Belicosos Finos=fuerte, R&J Chruchill=suave, that's it....have found the Venezuela source for Bolivars Cigars to be inexpensive but inconsistent on supply

Not my favorite stick, but a good one all the same. Has more power than I expected and the pricetag on this must mainly be because it is cuban and the Canadians like to stick it to the tourists. Anyway, it was not all that flavorful, just stond and well made. Not gonna buy one again.

I consider this the best overall Cuban cigar. It is the one I always go to. I don't know how many people who contribute to this site smoke Cubans, but it is the perfect Cuban cigar, if costly.

A marvelous smoking experience. Tried one in Belize recently on vacation and truly enjoyed every puff. Every bit as good as a Partagas P4. Far superior to montecristo and cohiba.

this is a GREAT tasting cigar , my only complaint is that is was rolled too tight!!! i could barely get ANY smoke and i was sucking as hard as i could. the whole box was rolled too tight. but one of the finest ive ever had

The stick I smoked had been in my humidor for about 10 months, and came from 04/05 production. Construction was disappointing, with the cigar unraveling 3/4 way through. I believe that the 05/06 production is very good though. It was a joy to smoke. Only had to relight it at the outer edges once. Draw and burn was good. Flavours from this full bodied smoke were indulgent. You cant help but keep comeing back.

I agree with a previous reviewer that this is one of the best ever - the other is Cohiba 2004 Sublime (simply outstanding). Rich toffee cream flavor throughout with mild spice. They are a bit inconsistent from one to the next, but I heard that was normal for Cubans these days. Top of the list when available. Thank you sir, I think I'll have another.

This cigar is a great cigar if you like to wait for age to perfect them. The only problem I have with that is that I only have three (2 now) and I have trouble letting them sit. They are a bit pricey, even though they are a smooth, full bodied smoke. They are a definate First Tier Smoke!

Best cigar I've smoked. Packed with flavor, including an awesome creamy flavor that doesn't quit. This and the Cohiba 2004 sublime are at the top of my list.

Best large gauge cigar I ever smoked. Full body and flavor of wood spice with hint of earth. Move over monty 2 you're history!

this cigar is the best cuban cigar i smoked in this price rate. In my opinion better than most montecristo`s (except maybe the montecristo edmundo). Because the construction is less tight, and therefore has a better draw.

smoked one of these than smoke a Padron 1964 Imperial, this was better. A truly great cigar

....just keep getting better with age. It is a shame for those who fire up Cubans that feel Cohiba and Montecristo are unmatched. I guess Bolivar just does not get enough hype on websites. They obviously have never enjoyed the experience of a well-aged BBF. Great construction, solid draw (although you may encounter one that is a little tight), and that unreal Cuban tobacco aroma. Earthy, smooth, cocoa and coffee, with that twang you cannot get enough of. I currently am finishing a box from August of 2001. It does not get any better than this, although the PSD4 runs a close 2nd. Keep on burning those Cohiba's, gents, and leave the Bolivar inventory to me!!!

this is one of the best cigars I have ever smoked. hands down the flavor and aroma are top notch. worth a try if you can handle the strength. only complaint is had to be relit a few times but flavor was never lost.

I have a box of these and they are my pride and joy. I will be truly devistated when they are gone. Can't bare to think about it......

A great smoke, with some age it should be superb. Great draw and construction

Beautiful smooth wrapper. Medium brown color. Prelight draw did not give much hint of the flavour joy to come. A very tasty smooth flavour with plenty of lingering creaminess. A consistent almond note thorughout. Draw, construction and burn were excellent. Trouble free. Mild smoke, with a tight ash that hung on. It was my first one but definitely not the last.

That great Boli flavor, earthy and smooth and creamy. Power house leaving you wanting for more. May I have another? Definately a favorite. Exceptional construction with just a bit of a tighter draw. Burn near perfect. Cuban sweetness.

I had been a (please notice I said had been) a P-P2 lover until I smoked two BBF last night. One was not enough to really appritiate the nuanses of this fine smoke. My smokes a relatively young - MAY 05 ... I can't even imagine after a few moremonths in my humidor. What an outstanding cigar!!

Excellent taste and draw. medium bodied. One of my favorites

What a wonderful cigar,,,this one was an '03, and had a perfect draw, a perfect burn, and that distinctive Bolivar flavor profile. Hard for me to put specific tastes to the flavors, just a bit earthy and with a mellow sweeetness that satisfies every time. Hope to be able to wait on the '05s I have so they are as wonderful as this one! Highly recommened a wonderful medium bodied cigar.

This was definitely a full-bodied Cubano. Very unique flavor. I did not find any sweetness in this cigar, but more of a pungeant woody and herbal quality. I tasted things that I've never tasted in a cigar. Call me crazy, but I tasted saltiness and notes of green olive, mustard seed and then a cheezy flavor...like havarti cheeze. It was also very peppary on the palate with a long-lasting finish. The burn and draw were good and the ash was salt and peppary, on the darker side. This cigar was definitely a unique experience and a huge contrast in flavor from the Dominican Bolivar which had more of a coffee bean/roasted nuts taste with some cinnamin. Both the Cuban and Dominican Bolivars are beautifully crafted.

My very first box of Belicosos Finos (in the cabinet, FRH-NOV.04) and I can't believe I've waited all this time to try them. I keep my humidor stocked always with Royal Coronas and Petit Coronas, but just tried these. Definately a third Bolivar to add to my "always in" list. A powerful, full-flavored cigar, with the power starting quite early in the smoke. Very complex in it's notes and nuances, (to my palate), with lots of cedar and spice and everything nice. I'm a firm believer in buying any cigar 'en cabinet' whenever available, and these guys didn't disappoint. Withpout the box pressing of the dress box, they are so round and gorgeous in the hand, and seem to age faster. I would recommend this cigar to all with maybe the exception of a real beginner, as this cigar does pack a wallop, and if you're not careful, it'll sneak up and kick you in the back of the head!. The finish is long-lasting, and mainly cedar. I can't imagine how good they'll be with one more year on them, and I doubt very much if too many make it that far.

My favorite Belicoso. Medium bodied with notes of honey and spice. Excellent burn and construction on the box I am currently working on!

This smoke started very nice, it has a smooth sweet taste that was somewhat like coffee. But about an inch into the cigar the flavor disappeared and became something else (that I can't explain). Even with the new taste, it is still a good smoke and I would not hesitate to try another. Great construction, with and even burn and a smooth draw.

I was first concerned with it being to mild but was soon pleased. It is a very good medium bodied smoke. Creamy, smooth and consistant with a nice smoke in your mouth and nice finish that does linger some. It is strong enough to let you know it but smooooth!

I am not one for expounding upon flavors and nuances too much, but damn if this cigar does not ooze the taste of toffee. It's unbelieveably smooth but I would not call it a strong cigar, rather a very plesant, creamy, toffee flavor, like you almost wanna eat it. This box, GKI AGO04, will only improve with age, but for such young cigars I was amazed at how delicious they are at this point. A truly great cigar.

This is my favorite torpedo shaped cigar!!!wow

I can't stop smoking them. Smooth, balanced, flavorful on the finish, well rounded tobacco flavor without absoulutely no harshness. If money was no object, I'd chain smoke em!! This is the perfect introduction into Havanas.

One of my favorites

One of the finest cigars made (top10). A cigar smokers cigar! Great value.

This is a good full flavored torp. In the league of many of the LE torps that are out now. I have only had two from this box but both have been good full flavored smokes.

Had one from 2001. All I can say was that the smoke was great. Smooth all the way down to the nub. Mine was mellow with a coffee/cocoa taste back with a light earthy flavor. Oh, and I had the nice cuban twang with it. Great smoke..

Incredible in every way. SLB from 6/02. Wonderful and complex array of flavors.

I've smoked a few BBFs from 2001, and while they've all been good, not one has blown me away. I must have gotten bad production, or maybe they're in the dumb period. I would love to try some of these with more aging to learn what the fuss is about.

How can I add to ElkTwin's eloquent and bang-on description of this cigar? This cigar was a perfectly orchestrated symphony that accompanied me on my evening relaxation at sunset. Smoke stayed amazingly full and sweet. Absolutely top notch smoke that is a great value when I compare the price to a lot of other high end NC and habano cigars.

This belicoso had a very pronounced cedar pre light aroma. Its colorado wrapper was delightfully oily and the veins were small enough to be practically unnoticeable. The foot was box pressed and tapered up to a sharply pointed head that was only slightly askew. The stick was firm to the touch and only a few very small wrinkles marred its appearance. It clipped easily at 1/4 inch and the small aperture allowed a perfect draw.

As I set fire to the foot and took my first few puffs the power immediately began to assault me. This cigar ran straight at me waving its arms and bellowing but, not being easily frightened, I perservered. The cigar burned easily and fairly quickly, ladling up bucketfulls of rich, satisfying smoke. The flavor was acute, bearing a sharp edge of green woodiness with a sappy overtone, like fresh hewn lumber. There was a faint impression of baker's chocolate that hovered in the background and another flavor that I identify with yeast. The ash was dark gray on the outside surrounding a core much lighter in color, and it held very firm for at least and inch and a half before I tapped it to reveal a long and sharp cone shaped like a church spire. And the aroma, sweet and smoky like Texas barbeque, wafted around the area; the consummate tease.

As I smoked the cigar the flavor morphed subtly but never strayed far. The finish was coniferous and tarry; it telegraphed the solid body of the cigar and then faded slowly to a dry cedary flavor reminiscent of the carefully crafted slide top box from which this cigar undoubtedly emerged. I smoked this cigar rather quickly and yet never worried about the threat of harshness. The well choreographed cigar burned perfectly no matter the haste and kept putting forth explosive starbursts of colorful flavor that skyrocketed onto the palate with dramatic effect. Not a tremendous amount of depth, just straight ahead rich and delightfully aggressive flavors. The strength built to a crescendo that left me in awe as I nubbed the stick. The page with the word subtle had been torn out of this cigar's dictionary. At the end I noticed that the head was dark and glistening with accumulated tar yet it never tasted off.

This specimen was an egotistical brat; the center of attention from start to finish with absolutely no room for boredom. Give me a box of these while I'm stranded on a tropical island and I'd forget about rescue until the cabinet was empty. Definitely recommended.

This is by far, the best Cuban cigar I've smoked. My experience with Cubans is limited, but this has been the best of the lot. Not overpowering, but great flavor all the way down with good construction. I'll need to sample more, but this one gets my vote.

Fantastic smoke, strong, good nose and aroma. Flavorful and easy to light and smoke. One of the better cigars one can smoke.

Able to snag a box from Italian Px in Kabul, Afghanistan. Very nice treat for my soldiers. A few sticks had some flaws (no humidor in Px), but they were all good smokes. The draw was nice and overall taste was more mild than expected. Definately worth the price I paid ($208 for 25)

powerful cigar...but in a very, very good way. very complex flavor, rich, spicy, just plain great. never had one with poor construction either

These are a mainstay in my humidor. The wrapper is dark chocolate and oily, although some smokes in the same box were a bit veiny most were smooth as silk. Very Powerful flavor throughout, Very powerful. This is my fav. smoke.

Nice milk chocolate colored wrapper with a relativly smooth wrapper, that was only marred by one modest vein. The draw was a little tight, but the cigar burned evenly. The prelight dray has some sweet nutty flavors. The sweetness faded within the first inch. The first half of the cigar was fairly powerful with a lot of spice. The second half was more mild and the flavor was more muddled and the finish was flat.

Started out very strong, then softened into a complex earthiness. This was the case for almost the rest of the cigar, with occasional flavors of cherry, nuts, and that fresh after the rain smell. Wonderful, but make sure you're sitting down!

Tasty but a little pricey! Great cigar, good looking, plenty of power and flavor. For the money I recommend going with the Dominican version - at ~$5 each almost as good and better on the wallet! Let them sit in the humidor for about 4 months to really bring out the flavor.

We have a winner! This is without a doubt one of the best cigars I've ever smoked. Not enuff room to describe all the flavors and power this stick has, so take my word for it, the BBF is a Cuban delight for real cigar smokers.

Sublime cigar. The Wrapper is oily with a beautiful glistening medium brown wrapper. Roll the cigar in your fingers, it is soft and rebounds to the touch. The wrapper taste brackish and peppery. Light the cigar. The draw while not effortless rewards a slight pull with a mouthful of rich smoke. Flavor of the smoke is like a fine five star dish prepared by a world class chief. That is, it is so complex and well balanced that it is almost impossible to detect any one flavor. The flavor is soft and creamy with slight hints of black cherry and salted nuts. Burn was perfect—slow, even and cool. For me this cigar will be the standard by which all others are judged.

Great construction, burn, and draw. The taste was excellent. Not for the timid, but even I couldn't finish the last quarter of the 3 pack. The spiceness was so hot that it was like eating hot cherry peppers. Otherwise it is a great cigar.

The Habana Bolivar Belicosos Fino is a squat 5 1/2" powerhouse of a torpedo. A 52-ring cigar that comes swaddled in the darkest of Cuba's wrapper leaf, and without a doubt is one the fullest bodied cigars available in the world. It produces a dense thick smoke that is rich and dank like recently fertilized loam. It is heavy in both taste and scent with a finish that is decadently earthy against the palate. The last third of this cigar can be downright dizzying to the smoker and will satisfy even the most demanding Habanophile with its unadulterated rich tobacco. The Belicosos Fino is definitely not a cigar for the timid, however it is heavenly for the hardcore connoisseur.

Strong foundation in manufacturing beautiful complexity in flavor and an excellent spice

Three words... Let them age! Was disappointed when I received box a year ago, lots of running and inconsistency. They are now true humidor candy! What flavor! Strong, yet very refined. Huge mouthful of smoke on every draw, gets better as it nears the end. Pass me the roach clip!

This is a much stronger cigar than I am used to smoking, but when I a friend brought me 25 direct from Panama, I wasnt about to say no, Flavor is strong, but not unpleasantly so. Highly reccomended. $130/25

One of the best Torpedo's out there. Very spicy, my lips were tingeling. An asome cigar to age.

An amazing accomplishment of strength and subtlety. Rich flavors of coffee and caramel finish to an earthy sweet spice on the palate. Flavor remains pretty much consistent, but strength builds up to the end. Not for whimps.

Ahh, the quintescience of a Habana. Great construction, burn, pre-light aroma and draw. Starts smooth with hints of coffee, toffee and spice, finishes great with a lot of strength. One of my all time favorites.

I read glowing reviews of these all of the time. Mine must require more aging (no problem there). I find them rather bitter, maybe a year from now I'll write a better review. My other Boli's have given similar results . . .

Smoking great right now in the cabinet selection.

An incredible cigar, not quite the equal of it's cuban brother but an outstanding smoke none the less.

These lovley cigars were cabinet and of recent production....one of my first and surely not my last...smooooth sweet spice....full bodied without a doubt...perfect burn until the end...I smoked it to the nub...right now in my personal top three.

much stronger than the Monte. no 2 (cuba ) . very full favour taste fantastic . The cabinet ones has better looking wrapper . My all time favourite .

This was my first Cuban Bolivar. An unimpressive, average looking wrapper. The cigar was firm but drew too tight. The aroma was ok, but I was disappointed by the taste considering the reputation this cigar has. The first half of the smoke tasted a lit

One of the best ever! Perfect const. Perfect burn. Wonderful complexity. Full bodied, creamy smooth. Earthy, spicy, dusty loam. Grrrreeaatt!

It was strong! And delicious with a flavorful aftertaste.You knew you were smoking a high quality cuban

Curiously, not a powerful "belicoso fino", just a "belicoso". Had not seen it before in Bolivar. I have tried the Romeo and J belicoso, both are similar and do not feel as strong as the "finos".

Tne cuban Bolivar torpedo is a is an explosion of taste and flavor to the cigar smoker's palate
Highly recommended

I've been smoking these for the past year by way of Mexico and nothing compares. They are a prize to hold and a real pleasure to smoke. Friends don't let friends drive home after one of these. Creamy!

Oh boy! Don't drive home after this one! What a grand smoke.