Bolivar New Gold Medal LCDH Review: A Journey Through Bold Flavors

Brand: Bolívar

Line: New Gold Medal LCDH

Size: 6.5 inches x 48 ring gauge

Wrapper: Cuban

Binder: Cuban

Filler: Cuban

Strength: Full

Price: £545 (Box of 10 cigars)

As soon as I light the Bolivar New Gold Medal, I’m greeted by its signature strength and flavor. Here’s why it’s a standout in my collection.

Look & Feel: 18/20

The Bolivar New Gold Medal has a visually striking appearance with its smooth, well-constructed Cuban wrapper. The golden band adds a touch of elegance, highlighting the prestige of this LCDH edition. The cigar feels firm to the touch with no noticeable soft spots, a sign of its impeccable craftsmanship.

Pre-Light: 17/20

Before lighting, the cigar emits rich aromas of earthy notes mixed with a hint of spice. Upon the first draw, it delivers an inviting blend of tobacco sweetness, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Burn: 16/20

The burn is generally even, though it may require a touch-up here and there. The ash holds well, showing off the quality of the tobacco, but minor inconsistencies may occur, depending on the conditions in which it is smoked.

Flavor: 19/20

• First Third: From the start, the Bolivar New Gold Medal presented me with a deep, full-bodied flavors, with a strong blend of rich earthiness and subtle spice. These initial notes set a solid foundation for the cigar's complexity.
• Second Third: As the cigar progresses, hints of dark chocolate emerge, blending seamlessly with the earthy flavors. The profile becomes more complex, keeping the smoke interesting and dynamic.
• Final Third: The way this cigar transitions kept my palate fully engaged, and by the end, I was impressed by how dynamic and satisfying the whole experience was. It’s a smoke that truly rewards your attention from start to finish.

Overall Experience: 18/20

The cigar delivers a full-flavored experience that’s bold yet balanced. Its construction, burn, and flavors combine to create a memorable smoke, especially for those who enjoy robust Cuban cigars. It’s a must-try for seasoned aficionados.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing these cigars, I took into account key factors like size, strength, flavor profile, and construction. Each cigar delivers a unique experience, from bold, full-bodied smokes with rich, earthy flavors to more medium-strength blends with smoother notes like cedar and nuts. 

Construction quality is solid across the board, ensuring a consistent burn and enjoyable experience. For me, value comes down to how well the cigar balances flavor and construction with its price point, making some choices feel more premium while others offer great quality at a lower cost.

Pairings

Take your Bolivar New Gold Medal LCDH experience to the next level with these perfect pairings:

• Espresso: The strong, concentrated flavors of a rich espresso enhance the cigar’s bold, earthy notes and create a satisfying contrast to its leathery tones.
• Aged Rum: A dark, aged rum with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice pairs perfectly with the cigar’s deep flavors, adding warmth and balance to the smoking experience.
• Smoked Gouda: The creamy, smoky richness of Gouda cheese beautifully complements the cigar's full-bodied profile, enhancing its complexity with a savory touch.

End Notes

As I reached the final puff of the Bolivar New Gold Medal LCDH, it left a lasting impression with its bold flavors and evolving complexity. From the earthy start to the rich chocolate and spice in the final third, this cigar consistently kept me engaged.

Its full-bodied nature might not be for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy a robust smoke, it’s a true gem. Overall, the experience was memorable, and this cigar definitely earned its place in my collection. A satisfying and dynamic smoke from start to finish.