AshMap
Overview
In the pantheon of Cuban cigars, the Bolivar brand has long occupied a singular space — one defined by unapologetic intensity, robust flavor, and a certain uncompromising character that appeals to seasoned aficionados. While vitolas like the Belicosos Finos and Royal Coronas command considerable attention, the Bolivar Tubos No. 2 represents something of a sleeper: a Lonsdale format (6.5 x 42) that delivers the brand’s hallmark aggression in a longer, more nuanced silhouette. Rolled at the storied La Corona factory in Havana, this cigar is constructed from long-aged Cuban Vuelta Abajo leaves — a tripa larga composition of ligero, seco, and volado tobaccos — and presented in individual aluminum tubes, a packaging choice that offers both protection and a subtle microenvironment for conditioning.
The opening notes are unmistakably Bolivar: a cold draw of dark roasted coffee and raw cocoa powder, with a peppery snap on the lips that foretells the experience to come. Once lit, the first third is dense and assertive — dark espresso, charred oak, and a foundational note of dry earth that grounds the smoke in Cuban terroir. A pleasant cedar thread runs through, while the retrohale delivers sharp white pepper. This is not a cigar that whispers; it announces its presence with authority. Yet within that assertiveness lies complexity — the foundation of what makes Bolivar a benchmark for full-bodied Havana smoking.
The second third is where the Tubos No. 2 earns its reputation. The pepper recedes slightly, making room for rich dark chocolate, cured leather, and a mineral note that borders on iron-like. Sweetness begins to emerge in layered waves: dried fig, molasses, and a whisper of aged tobacco funk that signals well-conceived leaf aging. The complexity stacks considerably here, rewarding the patient smoker with a shifting profile that demands attention. The final third deepens further without losing control — syrupy tobacco sweetness mingles with bitter espresso, dry earth, and oak char, while a lingering note of dark cherry preserves and cedar resin marks the finish. Strength builds toward the nub but remains balanced, provided the cigar is smoked unhurriedly.
In the broader context of the Havana portfolio, the Bolivar Tubos No. 2 is one of the most underappreciated Lonsdale formats. It lives in the shadow of more celebrated vitolas, but for purists who appreciate the classic Lonsdale ring gauge, this cigar delivers Bolivar’s trademark power in a longer, more contemplative format. The tubo is not a gimmick — it genuinely protects the cigar and encourages slow in-tube conditioning. Boxes with five or more years of age transform this smoke dramatically, with complexity approaching that of a well-aged Cohiba Siglo VI. At a price point of $30 to $40 per cigar, subject to regional import duties, it occupies the premium tier with confidence — a cigar that rewards deliberate, focused attention and belongs in the humidor of any serious collector.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Cuban-seed Vuelta Abajo, Cuba — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Cuban Vuelta Abajo |
| Filler | Cuban Vuelta Abajo ligero, seco, and volado — long-aged Havana leaf |
| Country of Origin | Havana, Cuba — H. Upmann factory (La Corona) |
| Vitola / Shape | Lonsdale |
| Size | 6.5 x 42 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $30–$40 per cigar (subject to regional import pricing and duty) |
| Tier | Premium |
| Aging | Benefits significantly from 3–5 years of additional cellaring; factory leaf typically aged 2–3 years before rolling |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The cold draw opens with dark roasted coffee, raw cocoa powder, and a peppery snap on the lips. Once lit, the first third delivers a dense wave of dark espresso, charred oak, and a base note of dry earth — quintessentially Bolivar in its assertiveness. There is a pleasant cedar note threading through, with a retro-hale producing sharp white pepper.
Second Third
The middle third is where this cigar earns its reputation — the pepper tempers slightly and makes room for rich dark chocolate, cured leather, and a mineral, almost iron-like note. Sweetness begins to emerge: dried fig, molasses, and a whisper of aged tobacco funk that marks well-constructed Havana leaf. Complexity stacks considerably here.
Final Third
The final third deepens rather than loses control — thick, syrupy tobacco sweetness mingles with bitter espresso and a return of dry earth and oak char. A lingering note of dark cherry preserves and cedar resin marks the finish. Strength builds toward the nub but never becomes harsh if the cigar is smoked unhurriedly.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is typically excellent — the draw is slightly firm, as is characteristic of hand-rolled Cuban cigars, delivering focused, condensed smoke. The burn can meander occasionally on specimens that have not been properly humidified, but corrects with patience; ash is firm and grey-white, holding 1–1.5 inches with ease.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Cuban rum (Havana Club 15 Año or Ron Zacapa 23) — the rum's caramel and vanilla soften Bolivar's aggression beautifully; alternatively, a peated Scotch single malt such as Lagavulin 16 doubles down on the smoke and earthy intensity for those who want full force.
Wine
A structured Ribera del Duero Tempranillo (Vega Sicilia Único or Pesquera Reserva) — the wine's dark fruit, leather, and dusty tannins are natural counterparts to Bolivar's full-bodied profile.
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian or Yirgacheffe pour-over coffee — bright acidity and dark berry notes create a nuanced dialogue with the cigar's espresso and dried fruit character.
Who Should Smoke This?
This cigar is built for the experienced smoker who appreciates the full-throttle character of Bolivar and understands that great Havana requires patience and attention. The Lonsdale format rewards those who value nuance over raw power; it is not a cigar for quick sessions or distracted smoking. The Bolivar Tubos No. 2 demands a 1.5-to-2-hour commitment — best reserved for unhurried weekend afternoons or post-dinner moments when the smoke can be the center of the evening. Beginners may find its intensity overwhelming; this is a cigar for those who have cut their teeth on milder Cubans and are ready for the next tier of complexity and strength.
Bottom Line
The Bolivar Tubos No. 2 is a masterclass in the Lonsdale format — assertive, complex, and deeply rewarding for those who approach it with patience. For the aficionado seeking a full-bodied Havana that rewards aging and demands attention, this is an essential addition to the humidor. Underappreciated and built for contemplation, it deserves a place alongside the brand’s more celebrated vitolas.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Bolivar cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bolivar Tubos No. 2 a strong cigar?
Yes. It is rated full strength (4/5) on the AshMap scale. The combination of aged Cuban ligero, seco, and volado filler delivers a dense, assertive nicotine body that builds progressively through the smoke. It is not recommended for those unaccustomed to full-bodied cigars.
What does Bolivar Tubos No. 2 taste like?
The flavor profile is quintessentially Bolivar: dark espresso, charred oak, dry earth, raw cocoa, and cured leather, with second-third notes of dried fig, molasses, and aged tobacco funk. The finish brings dark cherry preserves and cedar resin. It is a savory, mineral-driven cigar with subtle sweetness emerging mid-smoke.
How long does Bolivar Tubos No. 2 take to smoke?
Expect a smoking time of 1.5 to 2 hours. The Lonsdale format (6.5 x 42) burns slowly when properly humidified, and the cigar rewards an unhurried pace. Rushing through it can lead to harshness in the final third.
What is the best pairing for Bolivar Tubos No. 2?
An aged Cuban rum such as Havana Club 15 Año or Ron Zacapa 23 tempers the cigar's aggression with caramel and vanilla. For those seeking full force, a peated Scotch like Lagavulin 16 doubles down on the smoke and earth. A structured Ribera del Duero Tempranillo or a bright Ethiopian pour-over coffee also make excellent companions.
Is Bolivar Tubos No. 2 good for beginners?
No. This is a full-strength, complex cigar designed for experienced smokers. Its assertive pepper, dense earth, and developing nicotine body can overwhelm newcomers. Beginners are advised to start with milder Cuban options and work up to Bolivar's intensity.
Where can I buy Bolivar Tubos No. 2?
As a Cuban Habanos product, it is available at authorized Habanos retailers worldwide, including La Casa del Habano shops, duty-free stores in international airports, and select online retailers that ship to jurisdictions where Cuban cigars are legal. Availability varies by region due to import restrictions and local duty structures.
What is the price of Bolivar Tubos No. 2?
The price generally ranges from $30 to $40 per cigar, depending on regional import pricing, duties, and retailer markup. Box prices vary significantly based on the number of tubos and local taxation. It is a premium-tier cigar reflecting its Cuban origin and hand-rolled construction.
Is Bolivar Tubos No. 2 worth aging?
Absolutely. The cigar benefits significantly from 3 to 5 years of additional cellaring beyond the factory's typical 2–3 years of leaf aging. Well-aged specimens develop greater complexity — the aggression mellows into a refined profile with heightened sweetness, deeper tobacco character, and a finish that approaches the nuance of a Cohiba Siglo VI. The aluminum tubo also supports slow in-tube conditioning.
What wrapper does Bolivar Tubos No. 2 use?
It is wrapped in a Cuban-seed Vuelta Abajo Colorado wrapper grown in the prime Vuelta Abajo region of Cuba. The wrapper is a rich amber-brown with a subtle oily sheen and fine tooth, classified as Colorado shade — contributing both visual appeal and a slightly spicy, earthy character to the smoke.
Where is Bolivar Tubos No. 2 made?
It is made in Havana, Cuba, at the La Corona factory (also known as the H. Upmann factory). This historic factory is one of Cuba's premier cigar production facilities, known for rolling many of the island's most prestigious brands using hand-rolled tripa larga (long-filler) construction.