Bolívar Gran Belicoso

The Gran Belicoso was Bolívar's contribution to the 2010 Colección Habanos — Habanos S.A.'s annual luxury release presented in a lacquered, book-shaped box. It's a large, full figurado, rolled at the Partagás factory in Havana by a select group of experienced rollers, and a genuinely rare cigar that sat at the top of the Bolívar range.

What it tastes like

At seven and an eighth inches and a 54 ring gauge, this is a big, tapered Havana with a lot to say. It's full-bodied in true Bolívar fashion — earth and roasted coffee, leather, cocoa and a spicy depth — but the size and careful construction give it room to develop slowly and smoke cooler than the brand's smaller, more ferocious vitolas. The belicoso head concentrates the smoke beautifully.

Who it's for

Strictly an aficionado's and collector's cigar. As a limited Colección release it's hard to find and pricey, so buy from a reputable source and store it with care. This is a special-occasion smoke for an unhurried evening. Curious why Cuban tobacco tastes the way it does? Read Cuban vs Nicaraguan.

Pair it with a cognac, an aged rum, or espresso, and give it the time it deserves. If you're lucky enough to own one, record it in the Casa DNC app. For a regular-production Bolívar figurado, the Belicosos Finos is the everyday answer.