Are Bolivars losing their punch?

[K444HEP]

I've only ever had one Bolivar; it was a Number 3 last week. I bought it from a B&M around this time last year, so I'm guessing it had at least a couple of years on it. I purposefully stayed away from this one as I had heard the horror stories of how strong they were. I wouldn't say that this particular vitola was any stronger than anything else I've been smoking recently. It was, however, delicious. I would have to try one of the BBFs or RCs I have resting to be sure about strength, but based on my limited experience, it was spot on. The only cigars that have given me nicotine sickness are a NUB Maduro (460 I think) that I smoked far too fast, and the Monte 4 (2010) consistently leaves me lightheaded and nauseous.

[PeeJay]

I know where you're coming from, my first was a Bolivar tubo I bought in Spain and it was rough. It put me off for a while until I had a decent one.

[pootana]

For me a BFF is a go to some maybe my palate is use to it but yeah I agree I find bolivar edging towards milder side . If I need more strength I pick up a partagas


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[akyprianou]

I smoked a fair few Bolis last year BF's, RC's and PC's and i found these cigars to have an excellent strong flavour, but not along the lines of your regular NC smokes.......they dont smack you in the mouth from the light! I would put it down to cuban tobacco/blends not being produced as strong, they produce more smoother, medium blends, which varies from brand to brand.

Although bolivars can be strong they still carry that sweet/creamy cuban undertone, which you dont get in NC's..............NC's knock you from the light, i do enjoy them a lot but the strength can become very over whelming after a while.

Try an Oliva Serie V Belicoso, then go back to the bolivar and you will understand my theory