Bolivar Supremas Churchills

The Anticipation Is Half the Experience

There’s something almost ritualistic about cutting into a Bolivar Supremas Churchill that gets my blood pumping even after two decades of this obsession. I’m sitting here in my garage (don’t tell the wife it’s become my unofficial smoking lounge), looking at this beautiful stick that’s been resting in my humidor for about six months now. The anticipation is killing me.

The thing about supremas – and I mean this – is that they don’t mess around. This isn’t some mild Connecticut wrapper nonsense that tastes like flavored air. Nope. When you commit to a Bolivar, especially one of their Churchill vitolas, you’re signing up for the full Cuban experience. Earthy, bold, sometimes downright aggressive. And honestly? That’s exactly why I love them.

I picked up a box of these about a year ago from my usual source (shoutout to Miguel – you know who you are), and I’ve been working through them slowly. Very slowly. These aren’t everyday smokes unless you’ve got a serious tolerance built up.

First Light: When Reality Meets Expectations

Right off the bat, the cold draw gives you hints of what’s coming. There’s this almost mineral quality – think wet earth after a storm, maybe some barnyard funk that makes purists go weak in the knees. I’m using my trusty Xikar cutter (had it for probably eight years now, thing’s bulletproof) and the cap comes off clean.

The foot lights evenly – always a good sign with Cuban construction, though let’s be honest, it’s not always a guarantee. I’ve had some expensive Havanas that burned like garbage. But this supremas? She’s cooperating beautifully.

First few puffs hit you with that trademark Bolivar intensity. If you’re expecting something smooth and creamy, you’ve picked the wrong marca, friend. This is coffee grounds and black pepper territory. There’s a slight sweetness lurking underneath – reminds me of dark chocolate that’s maybe 85% cacao. Not for the faint of heart.

The Flavor Journey (My Way)

Forget all that “first third, second third” nonsense that every other reviewer parrots. Cigars don’t read the manual, and neither do I. This supremas evolves more like… well, like a good jazz performance. Starts with a theme, then riffs on it for the next hour and a half.

About twenty minutes in (I’m a slow smoker – drives my buddy Carlos absolutely crazy), something interesting happens. The pepper backs off just enough to let some earthier notes through. Now we’re talking leather – not the fake leather smell from a new car, but genuine, broken-in saddle leather. There’s also this nutty quality that wasn’t there at the start.

Halfway through, and I’m starting to understand why Bolivar has such a devoted following. The complexity is building layer by layer. There’s still that core earthiness – it never really leaves – but now there’s cedar creeping in. Maybe some hay? It’s hard to pin down exactly, which is what makes these Cuban premiums so damn intriguing.

The strength… okay, let’s talk about strength for a minute. This isn’t a mild cigar by any stretch. I’ve been smoking for over twenty years, and this supremas still commands respect. If you’re relatively new to cigars, maybe work your way up to this one. Start with something like a Romeo y Julieta Churchill or even a Montecristo No. 2. Build your tolerance.

Final act (and we’re talking about the last inch or so here), and things get interesting. Sometimes – not always, mind you – there’s this almost spicy sweetness that emerges. Cinnamon? Maybe. It’s subtle, but it’s there. The earth and leather are still the dominant players, but that little hint of spice adds a nice punctuation mark.

What I’m Drinking With This Beast

Pairing is crucial with a cigar this bold. I’ve tried it with different combinations over the months, and here’s what works:

Rum – Specifically, I love this with Flor de Caña 18. The aged sweetness plays beautifully against all that earthiness. Don’t go with anything too light or the cigar will completely overpower it.

Whiskey – Lagavulin 16 is money with these supremas. The peat smoke complements rather than competes. I’ve also had good luck with Redbreast 15, but that’s getting into expensive territory for an evening smoke.

Coffee – This might sound weird, but sometimes I’ll light one of these up in the late afternoon with a cup of really dark roast coffee. The bitterness works. Trust me on this one.

What doesn’t work? Beer. I know some guys swear by beer and cigar pairings, but with something this full-bodied, most beers just taste like water afterward. Maybe a really robust stout could hold its own, but why bother?

Who Should Smoke These (And Who Shouldn’t)

Let me be blunt here. These aren’t beginner cigars. I’ve seen too many guys try to impress their friends by jumping straight into premium Cubans without building up their palate first. It doesn’t end well. You’ll either hate it (and waste thirty-plus dollars) or convince yourself you like it when you really don’t.

The supremas is for the guy who’s been smoking for a while and wants to experience what bold, earthy Cuban tobacco can do. If you love Padron 1926s or Liga Privada No. 9s, you’ll probably appreciate what Bolivar brings to the table.

It’s also perfect for those special occasions when you want something memorable. I smoked one of these when my son graduated college (okay, fine, I smoked it afterward in the parking lot because his mom would’ve killed me). Point is, these are celebration cigars.

Who should skip them? Anyone looking for something mild or creamy. Anyone who doesn’t have an hour and a half to commit. And definitely anyone who’s sensitive to nicotine strength – these will put you on your ass if you’re not careful.

The Quirks and Inside Baseball

A few things I’ve learned about these supremas over the years:

First, they’re much better with some age on them. Fresh off the truck, they can be a bit harsh. I try to let them rest at least six months, preferably longer. The ones I’m smoking now have been in my humidor for over a year, and the difference is noticeable.

Second, watch your humidity. I keep mine at 65% RH, maybe 66% tops. Any higher and they burn unevenly. Any lower and they get harsh again. It’s a narrow sweet spot, but worth finding.

Third – and this is controversial – I don’t baby them like some collectors do. Yeah, they’re expensive, but they’re meant to be smoked. I’ve got a buddy who’s been “aging” the same box for five years now, always waiting for the “perfect occasion.” Life’s too short, man.

Construction-wise, I’ve found them pretty consistent. Out of the ten I’ve smoked so far, maybe one had draw issues. That’s pretty good for Cuban standards, honestly.

Storage Tips From the Trenches

Keep them in a stable environment – 65-67% humidity, around 68-70 degrees. Don’t constantly move them around or handle them. These aren’t delicate flowers, but they don’t like being jostled either.

If you’re buying a box, resist the urge to smoke one right away. I know it’s tempting (believe me, I’ve been there), but give them time to settle. Your patience will be rewarded.

And for the love of all that’s holy, don’t store them next to anything flavored. I made that mistake once with some Acids in the same humidor. Never again.

Questions I Get Asked All the Time

Are these worth the premium over non-Cuban alternatives? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Look, there are some fantastic non-Cuban cigars out there that cost half as much. But there’s something about authentic Cuban tobacco – the terroir, the tradition, whatever you want to call it – that’s hard to replicate. Is it worth double the price? That’s up to you and your wallet.

How do these compare to other Bolivar vitolas? The supremas format gives you more real estate to experience the blend’s evolution. Smaller ring gauges in the Bolivar line can be more intense, more concentrated. The Churchill size lets the flavors breathe a bit more.

Should I age them longer? If you have the patience, absolutely. I’ve heard from guys with more discipline than me that five-year-aged supremas are transcendent. I wouldn’t know – mine never last that long.

What if I don’t like the earthiness? Then Bolivar probably isn’t your marca. That earthy, mineral character is pretty much their signature. You might want to explore Montecristo or H. Upmann for something more refined.

The Bottom Line

The Bolivar Supremas Churchill isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and I respect the hell out of that. It’s an unapologetically bold cigar that delivers exactly what you’d expect from the marca. If you’re looking for something to impress other cigar nerds or want to experience premium Cuban tobacco at its most authentic, this is your stick.

Just don’t smoke it on an empty stomach. Trust me on that one.

Would I buy another box? Already planning on it. These supremas have earned a permanent spot in my rotation, and that’s saying something after twenty-plus years of trying everything under the sun.