AshMap
Overview
The Bolivar Petit Coronas stands as one of the most formidable expressions of Cuban cigar craftsmanship in a diminutive format. Rolled entirely by hand at the storied La Corona factory in Havana, this petit corona has earned its place as the gold standard against which all competitors in its vitola are measured. What makes this cigar remarkable is not its size—a modest 5.1 inches with a 42 ring gauge—but its refusal to compromise on power, complexity, and character. From the moment the flame meets the Vuelta Abajo wrapper, the Bolivar announces itself with an unrelenting aggression that belies its modest proportions: dark roasted coffee, raw cocoa, and earthy minerals assault the palate immediately, setting the tone for what will become a masterclass in full-bodied Cuban smoking.
The cigar's construction elevates it beyond mere bombast. The interplay between its Colorado Habano wrapper, Vuelta Abajo binder, and aged Partido and Remedios fillers creates a symphony of leather, espresso, dark molasses, and toasted nuts that deepens as you progress. The chalky, creamy texture that develops in the middle third provides a textural counterpoint to the cigar's undeniable strength, while the persistent black pepper ensures you're never allowed to settle into comfort. By the final third, the Petit Coronas achieves an almost symphonic density—dark chocolate, charred oak, black licorice, and lingering tar notes create a finish that demands respect and rewards contemplation. This is not a cigar that fades; it intensifies.
The Bolivar Petit Coronas represents a specific philosophy: that size need not dictate impact. At $16–$22 per cigar through authorized retailers, it occupies a crucial position in the premium Havana landscape—expensive enough to feel like a destination smoke, but accessible enough to justify regular rotation in a serious humidor. Young examples display the raw vigor expected of fresh Cuban production, but it is the aged specimens—particularly those from the early 2000s—that reveal the cigar's true sophistication. With three to ten years of post-release aging, the sharp edges soften into refined complexity, and the tobacco's deeper mineral and leather notes emerge with profound elegance. For the aficionado willing to invest time in cellaring, the Petit Coronas becomes not just a cigar, but a meditation on how great Havana tobacco can evolve.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban Vuelta Abajo — Habano colorado — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo — Partido and Remedios leaves, aged in Havana |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — H. Upmann Factory (La Corona) |
| Vitola / Shape | Petit Corona |
| Size | 5.1 x 42 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $16–$22 per cigar (LCDH and authorized retailers); higher on secondary market |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Benefits enormously from 3–10 years of post-release aging; production tobaccos aged minimum 2 years at factory level |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with a pronounced blast of dark roasted coffee, raw cocoa powder, and damp earth — classic Bolivar aggression from the first draw. There is a leathery backbone with notes of black pepper and cedar emerging almost immediately. Retrohale delivers peppery spice and dried tobacco leaf.
Second Third
The cigar settles into its groove — leather and espresso remain dominant but are joined by dark molasses, toasted nuts, and a subtle barnyard complexity characteristic of aged Cuban leaf. Strength builds noticeably here, and a creamy, almost chalky texture develops on the palate. The pepper softens but never fully retreats.
Final Third
Rich, dense, and fully saturated — dark chocolate, charred oak, pungent tobacco, and black licorice carry the finish. The pepper resurfaces with authority and the strength hits its peak. A long, lingering finish with tar, espresso grounds, and dried fig. Not for the faint of constitution.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Draw is typically firm to medium-firm — classic Cuban resistance that rewards patience; burn can be slightly uneven on younger examples but corrects well. Ash is firm, light grey, and holds 1–1.5 inches before dropping. Construction is solid but benefits from proper humidification at 65–68% RH.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban rum (Havana Club 15 Año or Ron Zacapa XO) — the sweetness tempers the cigar's ferocity beautifully; alternatively, a peated Scotch single malt such as Laphroaig 10
Wine
Priorat or a structured Ribera del Duero Reserva — something with enough tannin and dark fruit to stand up to the cigar's intensity
Non-Alcoholic
Double espresso or a dark roast black coffee — no milk, no sugar; Cuban café colada if you want to stay on-theme
Who Should Smoke This?
The Bolivar Petit Coronas is for experienced smokers who have developed a palate for full-bodied Cuban tobacco and possess the patience to navigate its intensity. This is not an introductory cigar. It demands someone with at least moderate experience smoking Havanas and full-strength vitolas—someone who understands that firmness of draw is a feature, not a flaw, and that 45–55 minutes of focused smoking is a worthwhile commitment. The Petit Coronas excels as an afternoon meditation or a post-dinner statement piece when you want maximum character without the time commitment of a larger format. It is ideal for the collector interested in aging, the purist seeking unadulterated Cuban expression, and the aficionado who values complexity and power over accessibility.
Bottom Line
The Bolivar Petit Coronas is uncompromising Cuban excellence in a compact package—a full-bodied, densely complex smoke that punches far above its ring gauge and has rightfully earned its status as the benchmark petit corona. If you have the experience and the constitution for it, this is essential.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Bolivar cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bolivar Petit Coronas a strong cigar?
Yes. The Bolivar Petit Coronas is a full-strength cigar (4/5) that delivers pronounced power from the opening draw through to a robust, peppery finish. It builds noticeably in the second third and peaks in the final third. It is decidedly not for novice smokers or those sensitive to nicotine.
What does Bolivar Petit Coronas taste like?
The first third opens with dark roasted coffee, raw cocoa, and damp earth backed by leather and black pepper. The second third settles into espresso, dark molasses, and toasted nuts with subtle barnyard complexity. The final third is rich and dense—dark chocolate, charred oak, black licorice, tar, and dried fig carry through to a long, lingering finish.
How long does Bolivar Petit Coronas take to smoke?
The Bolivar Petit Coronas is a 45–55 minute smoke, making it ideal for a focused afternoon session or post-dinner occasion when you want significant Havana character without committing to a larger format.
What is the best pairing for Bolivar Petit Coronas?
Aged Cuban rum (Havana Club 15 Año or Ron Zacapa XO) is the classic pairing—its sweetness tempers the cigar's ferocity beautifully. Alternatively, pair with a peated Scotch single malt like Laphroaig 10, a structured Priorat or Ribera del Duero Reserva wine, or a double espresso with no milk or sugar.
Is Bolivar Petit Coronas good for beginners?
No. The Bolivar Petit Coronas is a full-strength, complex Cuban cigar designed for experienced aficionados. It demands palate maturity, patience, and the constitution to handle sustained nicotine delivery. Beginners should develop their foundation with milder vitolas first.
Where can I buy Bolivar Petit Coronas?
The Bolivar Petit Coronas is available through authorized Habanos retailers and official LCDH (La Casa del Habano) locations. Pricing and availability vary by region. Aged examples may be found on the secondary market at premium prices.
What is the price of Bolivar Petit Coronas?
The Bolivar Petit Coronas retails for $16–$22 per cigar through LCDH and authorized retailers. Secondary market prices are typically higher. It is presented in traditional slide lid boxes of 25.
Is Bolivar Petit Coronas worth aging?
Absolutely. The Bolivar Petit Coronas benefits enormously from 3–10 years of post-release aging. Aged examples from the early 2000s are considered legendary. While younger cigars display raw Bolivar aggression, cellared specimens reveal refined complexity, deeper mineral and leather notes, and exceptional sophistication.
What wrapper does Bolivar Petit Coronas use?
The Bolivar Petit Coronas features a Cuban Vuelta Abajo Habano colorado wrapper with a medium brown to reddish-brown shade. It is lightly oily with a fine tooth texture, characteristic of premium Havana leaf.
Where is Bolivar Petit Coronas made?
The Bolivar Petit Coronas is hand-rolled at the La Corona factory in Havana, Cuba. It is made entirely from Cuban tobacco—Vuelta Abajo wrapper and binder, with aged Partido and Remedios filler leaves that have been aged a minimum of two years at the factory level.