Bolivar

Bolivar cigars were introduced back in 1901 in honour of the famous freedom fighter and Venezuelan warrior Simon Bolivar (1783-1830). Simon freed most of what is today Venezuela, Columbia, Peru, and Bolivia from the tyranny of Spanish colonial rule. The brand was developed by the Jose Rocha Company and manufactured at the renowned El Crepusculo factory and later acquired by Menendez, Garcia y Cia.

Like Bolivar the man, the brand is categorised as strong and no-nonsense with full-bodied flavours and (generally) earthy, grassy and peppery notes- regardless of the vitola. Bolivar cigars are very full-bodied with considerably ligero in the blend. They are traditionally the most full-bodied Havana cigars, so perfect for cigar fans that are looking for an intense, full flavour with its Royal Corona, Coronas Junior, Petit Coronas, and Belicosos Finos being famous examples of the marque.

The brand was founded (possibly in Great Britain) by José F. Rocha around 1901 or 1902, though the brand was not registered in Havana (Cuba) until 1921. They once produced the world’s smallest cigar known as the Delgado. Coming in at a mere 1​7⁄8 inches with a 20 ring gauge, this was one of Bolivar’s most well-known cigar, and was even featured in the royal nursery’s dollhouse at Windsor Castle.