What size is the Bolívar Gold Medal La Casa del Habano Exclusivo and when was it released?

The Bolívar Gold Medal measures 155mm x 42, a lonsdale format known in Cuban factories as "Cervantes." This La Casa del Habano exclusive debuted in 2008, reviving a discontinued size that had previously appeared in the Bolívar lineup during the 1970s. The slender 42 ring gauge emphasizes wrapper leaf contribution, delivering concentrated flavor despite its modest diameter. Production was limited to the La Casa del Habano retail network, with distribution restricted to these franchised boutiques worldwide.

What does the Bolívar Gold Medal La Casa del Habano taste like?

The Gold Medal delivers Bolívar's characteristic full-bodied profile with pronounced earth, cedar, and roasted coffee bean notes. The lonsdale format produces a cooler smoke than thicker cigars, allowing subtle leather and cocoa nuances to emerge in the second third. Final third intensifies with black pepper and toasted tobacco sweetness. The 42 ring gauge ensures the wrapper—typically darker for this release—dominates the blend, creating a more concentrated experience than the Bolívar Royal Coronas or Petit Coronas from the regular production line.

How much does a Bolívar Gold Medal La Casa del Habano cost and is it still available?

Original 2008 releases commanded approximately €15-20 per cigar at retail, though secondary market prices now range €40-60 depending on condition and provenance. The Gold Medal has not seen subsequent production runs, making remaining stock increasingly scarce. Collectors should verify authenticity through La Casa del Habano banding and original packaging. For smokers seeking comparable experiences, the current Bolívar Belicosos Finos or limited regional releases offer similar strength profiles, though neither replicates the specific lonsdale dimensions of this exclusive.

Bolívar Gold Medal La Casa del Habano Exclusivo

The Bolívar Gold Medal stands as one of the most distinguished exclusives offered through the La Casa del Habano retail network. This special release brought back a celebrated format from the Bolívar portfolio, delivering the brand's signature intensity in an elegant presentation that appealed to both collectors and connoisseurs.

Historical Background

Originally produced as a standard production cigar, the Gold Medal was discontinued in 1992, disappearing from regular catalogs for over a decade. The format found new life through this 2007 La Casa del Habano exclusive release, which reintroduced the classic Cervantes dimensions to appreciative cigar enthusiasts.

Bolívar La Casa del Habano Exclusivo packaging

It's worth noting that a separate limited edition was produced specifically for the German market in 2004, making the LCDH version the second revival of this storied vitola. The 2007 release remained available until 2011, when it was ultimately discontinued.

Collectors should be aware that the gold foil wrapping underwent a texture modification around 2009, creating a notable distinction between earlier and later production runs.

Specifications

Vitola Name	Gold Medal
Factory Name	Cervantes
Ring Gauge	42
Length	165 mm (6½″)
Official Weight	10.80 g
Construction	Handmade

Presentation

The Bolívar Gold Medal LCDH Exclusivo features the brand's standard bands B and C, complemented by a distinctive La Casa del Habano band that denotes its exclusive retail channel. Each cigar is individually wrapped in gold foil, housed in dress boxes containing 10 cigars—a presentation befitting its premium positioning.

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Bolívar Gold Medal (Original Standard Production)
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Bolívar Gold Medal La Casa del Habano Exclusivo