The Atabey Ritos was a cigar that was only available in a 5 pack assortment until a year ago. While the other Atabey cigars come packaged in a beautiful jar, the Ritos takes on a more traditional look with a box that also serves as a humidor. The 30 count box features 29 naked cigars (no cello) and 1 cigar in the famous Atabey tube.
The brainchild of Nelson Alfonso, Atabey is the goddess that the Tainos Indians would pray to. They would sit in a circle called a Cohiba, while praying to the leader of the tribe (Behike) who in turn would share their prayers with the Goddess (Atabey). It was Nelson Alfosno who designed the Behike brand as well as other well-known Cuban cigars.
Cigar: Atabey
Sizes: 6.1 x 55 (Ritos)
Wrapper: Not Disclosed
Binder: Not Disclosed
Filler: Not Disclosed
Strength: Mild-Medium
Source: Two Guys Cigars
The Look: At first look the Atabey Ritos band has similarities to Cohiba with Gold, Black and White. A secondary band was added to the foot denoting Selected Tobacco. The look is something I enjoy in a cigar, being non-cello with a foot band and a classic band. The golden wrapper is as flawless as they come and is perfectly rolled. In the hand the cigar is silky smooth. There are no soft spots and a well packed foot.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Atabey has some earthy components and a slight salted caramel essence as well. The foot of the cigar is cedar and a hint of earth.
After toasting the foot of the largest Atabey to date, there is a slight butterscotch note and elements of a sweet wood such as maple. Progressing into the first third of the Ritos, there is a bit of spice that compliments the maple notes and buttery finish.
The second third of the cigar is as smooth as butter with some elements of roasted nuts and maple standing out. Through the nose there is a bit of red pepper. One should note that the thinner ring gauges lack the spice through the nose. Around the halfway point of the cigar, the salted caramel notes experienced on the cold draw return.
The last third sees the pepper through the nose turn it down a notch with notes that remind me of rye, nuts, maple and the finish is buttery smooth with the slightest hint of earth.
The Burn: The Atabey Ritos is a cigar with a perfect draw and a perfect amount of smoke production. The burn was straight and even; with a combustion line that got thinner as the cigar progressed. The light color ash held on for a 2 inches at a time with little to no flake.
The Finish: The Atabey Brujos continues to be my favorite cigar of all time, and I was surprised how different the Ritos was in comparison. The cigar has some more strength to it, and that isn’t a bad thing. Incredibly smooth and complex the cigar is a step above everything else currently on the market. Given the chance I might reach for the Brujos earlier in the day, but after dinner, Ritos is the cigar. It is that good, and if it wasn’t for the price which unfortunately makes it a special occasion cigar this would be something I would smoke every day.
Score: 97
Price: $33.00 / $989.99
Atabey Ritos
Atabey Ritos Foot
Atabey Ritos Burn
