Bolívar New Gold Medal

The New Gold Medal revives one of Bolívar's most storied names. The original Gold Medal was a slim Lonsdale; this La Casa del Habano edition keeps the famous gold-foil wrap but bumps it up to the Partagás 15 — a grand corona at 48 ring gauge and six and a half inches. It's wrapped in golden foil from the head, with the Bolívar band placed over the foil at the foot.

What it tastes like

The thicker ring gauge over the same length gives a smoother, more elegant draw than the old Gold Medal. It sits medium-full, leading with cedar and coffee and settling into leather, cocoa and a classic Havana earthiness. There's good complexity here and an easygoing burn, making it one of the more refined smokes in the range.

Who it's for

An aficionado's cigar and a collector's piece thanks to the foil and the LCDH exclusivity. Because it's a boutique release, buy from a trusted La Casa del Habano and store it properly. Want to know why Cuban tobacco tastes distinct from the New World? Read Cuban vs Nicaraguan.

Pair it with espresso, a cognac, or an aged rum. If you collect Bolívars, log this one in the Casa DNC app — and for another LCDH exclusive in a thicker format, see the Libertador.