Atabey Ritos is one of the most beloved blends of Nelson Alfonso’s Selected Tobacco portfolio . The name Atabey has rich cultural roots tied to the Taino Indians and their cigar rituals. The Taino tribe would gather in a circle known as “Cohiba” to offer prayers to their leader, Behike, who would then convey these prayers to the Goddess Atabey. This historical significance is embedded in each Atabey cigar, creating a unique and sacred smoking experience.
The Atabey Ritos presents an impeccable construction, boasting a flawless light golden wrapper. The seams are tight with no visible veins, providing a visually stunning and aesthetically pleasing experience. The wrapper has a nice oily sheen and feels exceptionally smooth to the touch. The filler tobaccos are well-packed, indicating quality and attention to detail.
Upon lighting, the Atabey Ritos delivers an immediate burst of flavors. The dominant note is a sweet, creamy vanilla latte, accompanied by hints of hay and a touch of almonds. A slight pepper presence adds a subtle spice to this segment, creating a well-rounded and engaging flavor profile.
As the cigar progresses into the second third, the vanilla cream sweetness remains dominant, though the hay and pepper notes become less pronounced. New flavors emerge, including black tea, a touch of leather, and hints of wheat crackers and oak. These additions create a complex and evolving taste experience, maintaining interest and depth.
In the final third, the vanilla flavor persists but transforms into a less creamy and more cherry-like sweetness, reminiscent of Dr. Pepper. The presence of almonds, hay, and black tea continues, while the pepper fades away, leading to a smooth and satisfying finish. This segment showcases the cigar’s ability to maintain its core flavors while introducing new, intriguing notes.
The Atabey Ritos is an exceptional cigar, offering distinct flavors with subtle transitions throughout the smoking experience. The burn is perfect, and the cigar is slow-burning, well-balanced, and thoroughly enjoyable. One STARS reviewer even noted that it is worth switching to this brand exclusively.
Overall Score: 92.30 out of 100 (The highest STARS score to date)
Overall Strength Score: 4.15 out of 10
This blind cigar review (Cigar #11-B) was scored by a panel of cigar enthusiasts, including: Rev Eldon, Jeffery Knipe, Bill F., Jeff Endrizzi, Daniel, Nicholas Garlock, Ruby Cannoli, Chief16., Vincent C., Jay T, Ryan Senica, Jay Hagerman, and MI_Cigar_and_Drink
Price: $36.00 per single , $899.99 per box of 25
