Connoisseur’s Corner: Bolivar Coronas Extra
Cuba has many forgotten sizes in its vast portfolio of brands, among them this glorious Bolivar. Just shy of six inches long, it’s a slim, elegant size with a 44 ring gauge. This version, taken from a cabinet of 50, is wonderfully nutty and earthy, the flavors building ever so slowly as it burns. It takes on an almond cookie note with just a wisp of leather, and a cigar that begins with a medium body morphs into something stronger by the time there are but a few inches left. This is one of those cigars you don’t want to put down, as it reveals just a little more with every inch. —David Savona
This Cuban Davidoff retains much of what makes them among the most sought-after vintage cigars in the world. The pig-tailed No. 2 is an elegant corona, and its first puff offers up espresso notes with a light earthiness mellowed by the 30-plus years since it was made. The burn and draw are perfect. By midpoint, there is also a light spiciness that lingers on the finish. —Gordon Mott
This vintage-specific Lusitania is purported to contain tobacco from a 2007 harvest. The wrapper is a gorgeous, rosy-red shade of brown and the draw, perfect. Clear unmistakable notes of graham cracker introduce a bold core of leather, cedar and spice, which becomes quite prominent, taking on a sweet accompaniment of raspberry preserve. Elegant, refined and aging well. —Gregory Mottola
This robusto-sized Ramon Allones has been aging in a cabinet of 50 for just over six years. In its youth, it had notes of espresso. Now, after aging, the cigars have taken on a new unctuous and buttery character, with a macadamia note and hints of cream. So pleasant, so rich and not overpowering. This is a cigar that will age well for many more years. —David Savona
