Bolivar New Gold Medal (LCDH)

Ex. Intertabak (Switzerland). UK duty-paid.

The Bolívar New Gold Medal (LCDH) is a luxurious, full-bodied Cuban cigar crafted exclusively for La Casa del Habano retailers. This grand corona — known by the vitola name Partagás 15 — measures 6 1/2 inches (165 mm) with a 48 ring gauge, offering a long, rich smoking experience. Presented in striking gold foil that envelops the upper half of the cigar, and adorned with both the Bolívar and LCDH bands, this release revives the iconic Gold Medal lineage in a modern, thicker format. Each cigar is meticulously hand-rolled from long-filler tobaccos from Cuba's renowned Vuelta Abajo region, ensuring impeccable construction and a consistently even burn.

This is a new version of a much-loved classic, instantly recognisable to cigar smokers of a certain vintage. The original Bolívar Gold Medal predated the Cuban Revolution of 1959 and has come in and out of production over the decades — discontinued in 1992, briefly revived for the German market in 2004 and again as an LCDH exclusive in 2007, then discontinued in 2011. In 2023 Habanos brought it back as the New Gold Medal, keeping the original's length but increasing the ring gauge from 42 to a bolder 48.

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About Bolívar

Founded in the early 1900s, Bolívar is one of the most storied and respected Cuban cigar brands. Named after Simón Bolívar, the legendary South American liberator, the brand embodies strength, boldness and a spirit of independence. Bolívar cigars are renowned for their robust character, full-bodied profile and complex flavours, making them a favourite among seasoned aficionados. Production moved to Havana's iconic Partagás factory in 1954, and Bolívar has since maintained a reputation for exceptional quality and consistency, using only the finest Vuelta Abajo tobacco.

Browse our full range on the Bolívar brand page.

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Tasting Notes

A full-bodied, complex Havana with real depth and the signature Bolívar character:

• Initial third: Opens with bold graham cracker, rich earth and a touch of dried fruit and spice. A sweet molasses undertone creates a fruitcake-like effect, while subtle pepper and nuttiness emerge.
• Middle third: Dark chocolate and roasted coffee become more pronounced, blending seamlessly with the earthy foundation. Hints of leather, toasted nuts and a gentle creaminess develop, adding depth and complexity.
• Final third: The profile intensifies with pronounced wood, black tea, walnut and mocha. A distinctive "lemony" acidity — characteristic of Bolívar — appears, balanced by honeyed sweetness, nuts and spice for an exciting, lingering finish.
• Aroma: A bouquet of cedar, leather, earth and roasted coffee, with subtle floral and sweet notes. The smoke is creamy, dense and full-bodied, with a velvet-like texture and a satisfying draw.
• Pairing: Beautiful with a rich espresso, aged rum or a bold red wine.

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Fun Facts

• A pre-revolution revival. The original Bolívar Gold Medal dates back to before the 1959 Cuban Revolution — the "New" in the name refers to the updated, thicker format, not a new cigar.
• Bolder than the original. The classic Gold Medal was a slender 42 ring gauge; the New Gold Medal keeps the 165 mm length but thickens to a 48, for a richer, fuller smoke.
• A rare vitola. The Partagás 15 (Gran Corona) had been used only once before — for the Ramón Allones Imperiales in 2013 — making it one of the least-seen sizes in the Havana range.
• An LCDH exclusive. It's made solely for La Casa del Habano boutiques worldwide, marked by its secondary red LCDH band — never part of general release.
• Wrapped in gold. The upper half of the cigar is dressed in gold foil, a distinctive presentation carried over from the original and unmistakable in the humidor.
• Born of the great liberator. Bolívar is named after Simón Bolívar, and rolled at the historic Partagás factory — a fittingly bold home for one of Havana's strongest marcas.

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FAQ

What is the Bolívar New Gold Medal (LCDH)?

It's a 2023 La Casa del Habano exclusive — a full-bodied Cuban cigar reviving the pre-revolution Bolívar Gold Medal in a bolder format. It's a grand corona (Partagás 15 vitola, 165 mm × 48), gold-foil wrapped, sold only through LCDH boutiques.

How strong is it?

Full-bodied and rich — the classic Bolívar profile of earth, dark chocolate, coffee, leather, walnut and the brand's signature "lemony" acidity. A cigar for the experienced smoker who wants power with complexity.

How is it different from the original Gold Medal?

Same 165 mm length, but a thicker 48 ring gauge (the original was 42), giving a richer, fuller smoke. The gold-foil presentation is carried over from the classic.

Is it a genuine Cuban cigar?

Yes — genuine Cuban Bolívar, a La Casa del Habano exclusive. This stock is duty-paid, ex-Intertabak (Switzerland).

What does "ex-Intertabak" mean?

It means the cigars came from Intertabak AG, the official Swiss Habanos distributor — a mark of provenance. This stock is UK duty-paid.

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