1994 Bolivar Panatela Review

[Demented]

The wrapper is of a uniform color, no noticeable marks or flaws. It looks rather dry, barely a trace of sheen (I believe the cello suck up the oil) and the smallest of veins.

The construction isn’t what I would call seamless. The body is uniform from head to foot, giving to slight pressure and rebounding, there’s a noticeable ridge where the wrapper overlaps itself .

The cigar has a delicate tobacco scent, and a firm even draw.

The flavor starts out smooth and very mild, nothing but clean tobacco flavor, and well balanced. The body is light, and the smoke is on the thin side.

Into the second third the flavor gains some depth, the body increase to medium-light. The same tobacco flavor and aroma just deeper with more substance.

In the second half the smoke took on a leathery texture, slightly drying and tannic, from the second half into the last third, it builds to a solid medium bodied/flavored smoke. and the volume of smoke become more generous.

Overall this is a decent and very well balanced, mild to medium flavored/bodied cigar.

It might be best suited for before breakfast or lunch, or with a semi-sweet white.

[Twill413]

good review, and this was an NC?

[muziq]

Originally Posted by Twill413

good review, and this was an NC?

Sounds like an interesting experience!

[Demented]

Originally Posted by Twill413

good review, and this was an NC?

Correct.

Thanks Cliff, for sending a couple of these for me to try.

I enjoyed this cigar, but it's tame for my taste.

Dang, bro.........

Didn't take you long to give it a try!!!

Sounds like your experiences are similar to mine. Nothing offensive, just a decent smoke that isn't really over-powering. Glad to hear this one had a smokable draw. Several of the one's I've smoked from the box your's came from have been almost plugged. These became throw-away sticks, since the RG is too small to use any poker I happen to have. That is also one of the reason's I sent you two, so if one was plugged, maybe the other would be ok.

You can see by the band that in 1994, the NC variety were almost the same as cuban bands. This box is also very similar to the cuban cardboard Boli boxes I have seen!! Think that was a deliberate marketing ploy!!

[Demented]

Originally Posted by SvilleKid

Dang, bro.........

Didn't take you long to give it a try!!!

Sounds like your experiences are similar to mine. Nothing offensive, just a decent smoke that isn't really over-powering. Glad to hear this one had a smokable draw. Several of the one's I've smoked from the box your's came from have been almost plugged. These became throw-away sticks, since the RG is too small to use any poker I happen to have. That is also one of the reason's I sent you two, so if one was plugged, maybe the other would be ok.

You can see by the band that in 1994, the NC variety were almost the same as cuban bands. This box is also very similar to the cuban cardboard Boli boxes I have seen!! Think that was a deliberate marketing ploy!!

I figured they where in smokable condition no reason to wait, not like they're going to get any better with age.

Happy I got to try these, not a bad cigar at all but not one I would buy after trying them.

This might be a smoke my wife would like.

Thanks again.

[omowasu]

I just smoked mine tonight (thanks Cliff). Overall, I agree with your review. It is a good cigar, hits right on the leathery taste profile and stays there for the duration of the smoke. Medium body, mild nicotine strength.

If aging did anything for this stogie, it was toning down the nasty bitterness that followed many a cigar back in the mid-90's. Cigars were rushed to market (the Bolivars being no exception) and as a result smoked with a bitter, metallic flavor of youth. That was nonexistent in this one, instead replaced by solid leathery taste with a coffee background. The taste also coated the tongue quite well, and the aftertaste was pleasant.

If you see 'em on the devil site for a good price, they might be worth a 5'er. I probably wouldnt shell out the 135.00 or so for a box at retail.