smoked a Bolivar Belicosos Finos - gross

[bullish]

First, I've been smoking cigars for 12+ years on a very occasional basis. I have a crazy collection, I love to keep my cigars in prestine condition..

I was in Israel last week, stopped by a B&M - it seemed okay, so I picked up a Bolivar Belicosos. Typically when I smoke a cigar, like all of you, I like to smell it closely but since it was a B&M I had to wait to buy it first ... I noticed it smelled like tobacco/ash, but no real distinctive flavor ... It was a heavy/strong smell, but I couldn't find any chocolate/leather/flavor -- it just smelled like tobacco/ash..

Anyways I smoked it .. ugh ... it was not good, in fact the next morning I felt like garbage .. I was drained..

Has anyone else tried one of these cigars? I smoke Cuban's often - mostly Cohiba or Montecristo .. but I also smoke everything else --- I would have taken a Liga Privada over this junk any day of the week.

 

[bdc30]

Bolis are a very respected brand and for good reason. Judging from some of the things you've said, sounds like you may have gotten a fake - or at least possibly something that was not stored in optimal conditions etc.

 

[pbibby]

Almost guarantee what was already said is true. Either fake or awful storage conditions.

 

[StogieNinja]

The BBF is a favorite of mine. These guys hit it in the money - fake, or stored improperly.. or both!

 

[bullish]

I do believe it was stored improperly -

I wonder if it's possible that they smoke inside the walk in?

 

[smokemifugotem]

The fvt that you felt bad the next day makes me lean towards fake vs storage. Storage may kill of flavors or increase ammonia flavor....you feeling sick makes me think there was something in it that was not tobacco. We have observed hair plastic and random junk in fakes here numerous times. Just my .02

 

[Trent0341]

I'd have to agree with what's already been said. Bolivar is a well liked brand but not by me. It is probably one of my least favorite marcas out there but out of the Bolivar line the BBF is by far my favorite. Sounds like there was something wrong with yours. I'd recommend staying to authorized Habanos S.A. B&Ms when you're traveling if you're not sure of a place.

http://www.lacasadelhabano.com/web/index.php/en/franchises/search-franchises

 

[CWS]

One of my favs. You got a fake.

 

[sofc]

Couldn't be just a bad stick? I've had boxes of Cubans that were mostly phenomenal but one or two were off and were pitched.

 

[ar2381]

The one time I had a Cuban Bolivar I felt it had a harsh taste to it. I like strong cigars, but I felt the flavor wasn't satifying in anyway. I don't believe the one I received was a fake, but sometimes depending on what you've eaten or drank that day a cigar can have a bad taste.

 

[Wacco]

Sounds like a fake. Too bad, as they are a fine smoke.

 

[Clint]

Sounds like a fake.
Best rule of thumb when abroad is LCDH or risk fakes....As with all Cubans, you need to know your source.

 

[HabanosAl]

Thats bad news!! The BBF is a great cigar, great power, great flavours. Real rich tobacco flavours and a nice sized smoke.
If you're going to get another, please make sure you get a 2007 BBF!! It has so much going for it that it can't be missed.

Happy herfing!!
Alex

 

[StogieNinja]

If you're going to get another, please make sure you get a 2007 BBF!! It has so much going for it that it can't be missed

lol, Alex. If sourcing 2007 BBFs were easy, I would!!! We all would!

 

[Cigary43]

Sounds like a fake.
Best rule of thumb when abroad is LCDH or risk fakes....As with all Cubans, you need to know your source.

Couldn't agree more with this since I travel around the world. The best thing to do when traveling is to BYO...bring your own. While LCDH is a good outfit I've even seen a few of them put out garbage and charge prices that would make a wallet shrivel up and cry out in disgust. Ports of call tend to target tourism and take advantage of tourists who we all know have disposable income to just throw around...so the Vendors take advantage of their targets and separate them from their wallets. It really is advisable to research your travels and where and where not to buy cigars...just cut to the chase and bring your own stash...cheaper and wiser.

 

[ryko3321]

Either a fake or bad storage. I have had a few BBF's that were sub par but nothing like what you listed.

 

[Ethan]

Sounds like a fake.
Best rule of thumb when abroad is LCDH or risk fakes....As with all Cubans, you need to know your source.

Couldn't agree more with this since I travel around the world. The best thing to do when traveling is to BYO...bring your own. While LCDH is a good outfit I've even seen a few of them put out garbage and charge prices that would make a wallet shrivel up and cry out in disgust. Ports of call tend to target tourism and take advantage of tourists who we all know have disposable income to just throw around...so the Vendors take advantage of their targets and separate them from their wallets. It really is advisable to research your travels and where and where not to buy cigars...just cut to the chase and bring your own stash...cheaper and wiser.

good advice. I have yet to travel abroad and buy cigars but will be doin my research!

 

[Clint]

Sounds like a fake.
Best rule of thumb when abroad is LCDH or risk fakes....As with all Cubans, you need to know your source.

Couldn't agree more with this since I travel around the world. The best thing to do when traveling is to BYO...bring your own. While LCDH is a good outfit I've even seen a few of them put out garbage and charge prices that would make a wallet shrivel up and cry out in disgust. Ports of call tend to target tourism and take advantage of tourists who we all know have disposable income to just throw around...so the Vendors take advantage of their targets and separate them from their wallets. It really is advisable to research your travels and where and where not to buy cigars...just cut to the chase and bring your own stash...cheaper and wiser.

Great observation and advice ^^
Sometimes 'talking shop' and showing that you are familiar with the market and pricing helps a bit. Some of those guys really love cigars, and might spare the bad product and high pricing with a fellow enthusiast.