The Bolivar Royal Corona is a legendary Cuban Robusto, renowned for its “old-school” intensity and rich, full-bodied profile. Often cited as a benchmark for the brand, it delivers a complex and balanced smoke characterized by deep notes of earth, toasted cedar, and dark chocolate, finished with a spicy punch of black pepper. With its oily wrapper and impeccable construction, it offers a sophisticated “flavor bomb” experience that remains a top choice for seasoned aficionados seeking a powerful yet refined cigar.
Bolivar Royal Corona Cigars | The “Liberator” of Your Palate
Buy Bolivar Royal Corona: The 2006 Cigar of the Year That Still Reigns Supreme
Imagine sitting in a dimly lit lounge in Havana. The air is thick, not just with humidity, but with history. You light a cigar that doesn’t whisper—it roars. That is the Bolivar Royal Corona.
Named after Simón Bolívar, the powerful revolutionary who liberated much of South America from Spanish rule, this cigar is fittingly bold, unapologetic, and legendary. In 2006, it made history as the first Cuban cigar ever to be named “Cigar of the Year” by Cigar Aficionado, securing a massive 94-point rating.
If you are looking to buy Bolivar Royal Corona online, you aren’t just purchasing a smoke; you are investing in a “flavor bomb” that has set the gold standard for the Robusto vitola for nearly two decades.
Why the Bolivar Royal Corona is a “Must-Smoke” for Aficionados
The Bolivar Royal Corona is widely regarded as one of the fullest-bodied cigars in the Habanos portfolio. While other Cuban brands like Romeo y Julieta or Hoyo de Monterrey may flirt with subtlety, Bolivar kicks down the door with rich, earthy intensity.
However, power without balance is just noise. The genius of theRoyal Corona is its sophistication. It manages to be strong yet creamy, spicy yet smooth. It is the perfect choice for the experienced smoker who finds lighter cigars “boring” and wants a complex journey that evolves with every third.
Quick Stats & Specifications
Feature
Details
Vitola de Galera
Robusto
Length
4 7/8 inches (124 mm)
Ring Gauge
50
Strength Profile
Full-Bodied
Wrapper/Binder/Filler
100% Cuban (Vuelta Abajo)
Factory
Partagás Factory, Havana
Accolades
#1 Cigar of the Year (2006), 94 Rating
Expert Note:“This cigar is a chameleon. Smoke it young for a peppery kick that wakes you up. Age it for 3–5 years, and it transforms into a velvet hammer of cocoa and sweet cedar.”
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Earth & Spice
When you find a Bolivar Royal Corona for sale, you are likely wondering: What does it actually taste like? Here is the sensory progression you can expect from a well-humidified stick.
1. The Cold Draw:
Before lighting, the draw offers deep aromas of barnyard hay (the hallmark of quality Cuban tobacco), dark chocolate, and a faint hint of manure—which, trust us, is a good sign in Cuban cigars.
2. The First Third:
The “Liberator” greets you immediately. There is no warm-up lap. You get a blast of black pepper, tanned leather, and rich earth. It’s assertive, coating the palate with a heavy, oily smoke that feels substantial.
3. The Second Third:
This is where the magic happens. The pepper recedes, revealing a creamy core. Notes of roasted espresso beans, dark cocoa, and a savory nuttiness (think toasted hazelnuts) emerge. The strength is still there, but it feels luxurious rather than aggressive.
4. The Final Third:
As the nub approaches, the heat intensifies. You’ll taste cedar wood and a return of the spice, but with a new sweetness—almost like dried fruit or molasses. It finishes clean, leaving you wanting just one more puff.
A Relatable Struggle: “The Cuban Lottery”
Let’s be real for a second. We’ve all been there. You spend top dollar to buy Cuban cigars, you wait weeks for shipping, and you finally sit down to smoke… only to find the draw is as tight as a brick. It’s the “Cuban Lottery,” and it’s heartbreaking.
However, the Bolivar Royal Corona has a reputation for better consistency than many of its peers. Produced at the famous Partagás factory, quality control tends to be higher. While no handmade product is 100% perfect, finding a plugged Bolivar is far rarer than with other mass-market Robustos. To ensure the best experience, we recommend dry-boxing your Royal Corona for 24 hours before lighting to lower the humidity inside the dense filler.
Authenticity Warning: Don’t Get Burned
Because this is a high-demand cigar, counterfeits flood the market. When looking for Bolivar Royal Corona cigars for sale, watch out for these red flags:
The Cap: Real Bolivars have a triple cap (three distinct lines of tobacco at the head).
The Band: The gold coins on the band should be embossed (raised), not flat. The red tunic on Simón Bolívar should be vibrant, not washed out.
The Source: If the price seems too good to be true (e.g., a box of 25 for $150 USD), it is 100% fake. Authentic Habanos command premium pricing due to supply shortages in Cuba.
Global Availability: Buying Bolivar Royal Corona
Whether you are looking to buy Bolivar Royal Corona online in the USA (via international duty-free options), Canada, Germany, or France, stock is often volatile.
USA: Due to the embargo, US citizens often purchase through Swiss or Caribbean vendors for personal consumption.
Canada (Cigares Cubains Canada): Available in major tobacconists, though plain packaging laws may obscure the beautiful band.
Germany (Kubanische Zigarren Kaufen): Germany is a hub for Habanos, often receiving excellent stock allocation.
France: A classic favorite in Parisian smoking lounges.
1. Is the Bolivar Royal Corona legal to buy in the USA?
Technically, the US embargo against Cuba is still in effect. However, many US collectors purchase from international merchants who ship globally. Always check your local regulations.
2. How long should I age a Bolivar Royal Corona?
While they smoke well fresh (if you like spice), they hit their absolute peak after 3 to 5 years of aging. This allows the tannins to break down and the cocoa flavors to shine.
3. Is this cigar suitable for beginners?
Honestly? Probably not. It is a full-bodied nicotine powerhouse. If you are new to cigars, start with a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 before graduating to the “General.”
4. How can I tell if my Bolivar Royal Corona is fake?
Check the Habanos barcode on the box at the official Habanos S.A. website. Also, look for the “triple cap” on the cigar head.
5. What is the best drink pairing for this cigar?
Because it is full-bodied, it pairs beautifully with heavy drinks. Try a Single Malt Scotch, a dark Rum (like Havana Club 7), or a strong black espresso.
6. Why is the Bolivar Royal Corona so expensive?
Supply and demand. Cuban tobacco production has faced weather and fertilizer shortages, while global demand (especially from China) has skyrocketed.
7. Does it come in tubes?
Yes, you can buy Bolivar Royal Corona in aluminum tubes (Tubos) or in dress boxes of 25. The Tubos are great for carrying in your golf bag.
8. What is the smoking time?
Expect a smoke time of approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on how fast you puff.
9. How does it compare to the Partagás Serie D No. 4?
They are rivals. The Partagás D4 is spicier and more “red pepper” focused. The Bolivar is earthier, slightly stronger, and arguably more complex.
10. What is the ring gauge?
It is a classic Robusto: 50 ring gauge by 4 7/8 inches long.
Conclusion: The King of Robustos
The Bolivar Royal Corona isn’t just a smoke; it’s a statement. It’s for the enthusiast who knows what they want: full flavor, rich history, and zero compromise. Whether you are celebrating a milestone or just surviving a Tuesday, this cigar delivers.
Don’t wait for the “perfect moment”—the cigar makes the moment perfect.
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