Bolivar Petit Coronas Cuban Cigar Review: Small in Size, Ferocious in Flavour
Overview
If the Cohiba is Cuba's diplomat and the Montecristo its gentleman scholar, then Bolivar is its warrior. Named after the South American liberator Simón Bolívar, this brand has built its reputation on delivering some of the most powerful and flavour-intense cigars in the entire Habanos portfolio. The Bolivar Petit Coronas is the brand's smallest regular production vitola, but it is anything but timid. In under 45 minutes, it delivers a concentrated, full-throttle Cuban experience that will leave even seasoned aficionados with a deep respect for what this compact cigar can achieve. This is not a cigar for the faint-hearted — it is a cigar for those who demand the most from their smoke.
Cigar Profile
- Origin: Cuba (Havana)
- Factory: H. Upmann Factory (La Corona)
- Format: Petit Corona (42 ring gauge × 5⅜" length)
- Wrapper: Cuban Colorado Oscuro (dark, oily, robust)
- Strength: Full
- Smoking Time: 35–45 minutes
Tasting Notes
First Third
The Bolivar Petit Coronas announces itself with authority from the very first draw. The cold draw offers dark espresso, raw cocoa, and a pronounced black pepper — a clear signal of what lies ahead. Once lit, the first third hits with a bold, concentrated blast of roasted coffee, dark leather, charred wood, and a deep, rich earthiness that is unmistakably Bolivar. The draw is firm and focused, the smoke dense and pungent. This cigar means business from the outset.
Second Third
As the cigar settles, remarkable complexity begins to emerge beneath the power. Dark chocolate, molasses, dried black fruit, and a developing barnyard earthiness layer over the coffee and leather backbone. There's a natural sweetness — almost like dark treacle — that provides a counterpoint to the cigar's considerable strength. The burn is even and the ash holds firmly, belying the intensity of what's happening on the palate.
Final Third
The final third is a tour de force. Tar-dark espresso, black pepper, charred oak, dark earth, and a lingering bitter cocoa finish that coats the palate long after the last draw. Strength is unambiguously full by the close — this is one of the most powerful regular production Habanos available. Smoke it slowly, smoke it with food or a strong pairing, and give it the respect it demands.
Scores
| Category | Score (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Construction & Draw | 8.5/10 |
| 🔥 Burn & Ash | 9/10 |
| 👃 Aroma | 9.5/10 |
| 👅 Flavour Complexity | 9/10 |
| 💷 Value for Money | 9.5/10 |
| ⭐ Overall | 90/100 |
Note: The Bolivar Petit Coronas is rated for experienced smokers. Its full strength profile is not recommended for those new to Cuban cigars.
Recommended Pairings
🥃 Bourbon Pairing
The Bolivar Petit Coronas is one of the most powerful cigars in the Habanos stable, and it demands a bourbon with the backbone to match. Our top pick is Booker's Bourbon — an uncut, unfiltered small batch Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at cask strength (typically 121–130 proof). Its explosive profile of dark caramel, charred oak, vanilla, baking spice, and raw power is one of the few bourbons that can genuinely stand toe-to-toe with the Bolivar's ferocious intensity. Add a few drops of water to open both the bourbon and your palate, and prepare for one of the most intense pairing experiences in this series.
Alternative bourbon picks: Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Old Grand-Dad 114, or George T. Stagg (if you can find it - try it in our bar!).
🥃 Scotch Alternative
For those who prefer Scotch, a heavily peated Ardbeg 10 Year or Laphroaig Quarter Cask is a bold and thrilling match for the Bolivar's dark, earthy intensity. Smoke meets smoke — it's a pairing that demands courage but rewards handsomely.
☕ Non-Alcoholic Pairing
Nothing less than a triple-shot espresso will do here. The Bolivar Petit Coronas is a cigar of such intensity that only the strongest, darkest coffee can keep pace. A cold brew concentrate served neat over ice is equally effective — its low acidity and high caffeine content make it a surprisingly harmonious companion for this powerhouse Habano.
🍫 Snack Pairing
85%+ dark chocolate — the darker the better — is the natural companion for the Bolivar's bitter cocoa and dark fruit notes. A small glass of Oloroso sherry or aged Balsamic vinegar drizzled over aged Parmesan will also complement the cigar's rich, complex earthiness beautifully.
Suggested Occasion
The Bolivar Petit Coronas is a cigar for experienced smokers who want an adventure. Its compact format and 35–45 minute smoking time make it deceptively accessible, but its full-strength character means it should always be approached with respect — ideally after a substantial meal and never on an empty stomach.
It is the perfect choice for a late autumn or winter evening smoke — the kind of night where the temperature has dropped, the fire is lit, and you want a cigar that matches the mood: dark, powerful, and deeply satisfying. Pair it with Booker's and a good armchair, and you have one of the great cold-weather smoking experiences.
It also makes an outstanding gift for the serious aficionado who has smoked their way through the mainstream Habanos range and is ready for something more challenging. The Bolivar name carries genuine prestige among those in the know, and the Petit Coronas is a brilliant entry point into the brand's formidable character. For weddings and celebrations, reserve the Bolivar Petit Coronas for the cigar connoisseurs in the room — those who will truly appreciate what they're smoking.
Final Verdict
The Bolivar Petit Coronas is a remarkable cigar — a concentrated, full-strength Habano that delivers extraordinary flavour complexity in a compact, accessible format. It is not for everyone, and it doesn't pretend to be. But for the smoker who craves intensity, depth, and a genuinely challenging Cuban experience, it is close to essential. One of the great value propositions in the entire Habanos catalogue.
Rated 90/100 — Outstanding. Essential for the Serious Aficionado.