About the Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016
Bolivar has long stood as one of Habanos’ most uncompromising marcas, named for the South American liberator Simon Bolivar and celebrated for cigars that smoke with conviction. The Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016 marked the first Reserva release ever granted to the Bolivar brand, an honour reserved for tobaccos of exceptional character. Every leaf in this edition was drawn from the single 2016 harvest in the Vuelta Abajo region of Pinar del Rio, then aged for a minimum of three years before rolling. Presented in lacquered boxes of twenty and capped with the distinctive black and silver Reserva band, it debuted at the XXII Festival del Habano in February 2020 as a strictly limited run of 5,000 numbered boxes.
Flavor profile by thirds
The opening third arrives with the bold, earthy signature that defines Bolivar, layering toasted almond and supple aged leather over a base of dark chocolate. As the cigar settles into its second third, roasted coffee and espresso step forward, while a measured turn of black pepper lifts the retrohale and a whisper of dried fig rounds the edges with gentle sweetness. The final third holds its full-bodied composure, the leather and cocoa deepening as the additional bottle age in this Reserva keeps everything polished rather than sharp.
Pairings
- An aged Cuban rum, where caramel and oak echo the cigar’s chocolate and leather notes.
- A peaty single malt Scotch, whose smoke and brine play against the pepper and espresso.
- A robust double espresso or unsweetened dark coffee to mirror the roasted core.
Aging and storage
Because the Reserva designation already guarantees extended pre-release aging, these cigars smoke beautifully on arrival, yet they reward patience handsomely. Keep them in a well seasoned humidor held around 65 to 70 percent relative humidity and roughly 18 degrees Celsius, ideally still resting in their original box. Over several more years the full-bodied profile mellows and the dried fruit sweetness grows more pronounced, so many collectors set a portion aside while enjoying the rest.
Who it is for
This is a cigar for the seasoned smoker who appreciates power held in balance and who values provenance as much as flavour. Newcomers may find the full strength demanding, but enthusiasts of classic Cuban earthiness, collectors chasing numbered limited editions, and anyone marking a meaningful occasion will find the Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016 worth seeking out. The belicoso shape concentrates the smoke and suits an unhurried hour or more.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016?
It is a belicoso measuring 5.5 inches (140 mm) in length with a 52 ring gauge, the same dimensions as the regular production Belicosos Finos.
Why is this cigar considered special?
It was the first Reserva release ever made for the Bolivar brand, built entirely from the 2016 harvest, aged at least three years before rolling, and limited to 5,000 individually numbered boxes of twenty.
How strong is it?
It is a full-bodied smoke with the bold, earthy Bolivar character, layering leather, dark chocolate, espresso, black pepper, and a touch of dried fig.
Explore more
Browse all Bolivar cigars, or try the Bolivar Coronas Gigantes and Bolivar Belicosos Finos Cabinet Box. Store yours in a seasoned humidor and see our guide on how long cigars last. Learn more from Wikipedia, the official Habanos S.A. site.
Albert Ross –
The Bolivar Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016 is a quality cigar. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the honey and tobacco notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Larry Barnes –
Great smoke for the price. This Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016 offers excellent value for a premium Bolivar cigar. Good flavor with notes of nuts and earth, even burn, and consistent quality. Perfect for a weekend smoke. Happy with this purchase!
Pamela Ward –
A true masterpiece from Bolivar. This Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016 is everything you want in a premium Cuban cigar. Exquisite flavors of cocoa and pepper, flawless construction, razor-sharp burn. Been smoking these for years and they never disappoint!
Frances Hunt –
Five stars all the way! The Bolivar Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016 is simply amazing. Smooth from start to finish with beautiful notes of coffee and cream. This is my go-to cigar now. Outstanding quality and flavor complexity!
Tyler Hill –
Exceptional cigar from Bolivar. The Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016 delivers on every level – flavor, construction, consistency. Beautiful notes of cocoa and pepper throughout the 76 minute smoke. This is why Cuban cigars are legendary!
Catherine Murray –
Top-tier quality from Bolivar. The Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016 showcases everything I love about Cuban cigars – impeccable craftsmanship, smooth draw, and layers of flavor. Picked up notes of cocoa and pepper. Burned evenly throughout. A must-try for any serious aficionado!
George Collins –
The Bolivar Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016 is a quality cigar. Nice balance of flavor and strength. I enjoyed the cocoa and pepper notes throughout. Construction was very good with only one minor touch-up needed. Good cigar for experienced smokers.
Rose Martinez –
Absolutely outstanding cigar! The Bolivar Bolivar Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016 delivers exceptional quality from start to finish. Rich, complex flavors with notes of cocoa and pepper. Perfect construction and draw. This is what premium Cuban cigars are all about. Highly recommended!