Bandolero is like the red headed step child in the sense that is often over looked and in the shadow of Atabey and Byron. All three cigars are made by Nelson Alfonso’s Selected Tobacco. According to Alfonso, “With a history dating back to the 17th century the Bandolero cigar reveals the secrets known to very few that was passed down from old tobacco routes.” Today we expose those secrets with our review of the Bandolero Traviesos.
Cigar Review: Bandolero
Wrapper: Not Disclosed
Binder: Not Disclosed
Filler: Not Disclosed
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 50
Size: Traviesos / Petit Belicoso
The Look: The Bandolero comes packaged in a gorgeous tin jar with each size telling a different story of the Bandolero. The jars have built in humidification making them the perfect vehicle to store cigars. The oily wrapper on the Bandolero is chestnut-brown in color and the band of black, brown and gold with some silver on the backside gives the appearance of luxury. The band denotes Tobaccos Bandolero Seleccion Especial and the number 50 for the ring gauge. The cigar is flawlessly rolled with no seams and exceptional coloring. In the hand, the cigar is firm with no soft spots.
The Notes: Once the cap is clipped, the cold draw of the Traviesos serves up a sweetness that has hints of molasses and maple syrup. The aroma off the foot of the cigar serves up an even more molasses goodness. After toasting the foot of the cigar, the first puff serves up a hearty wood note with an aroma of mahogany. As we move into the first third the wood notes slide back some, as a citrus and dark chocolate begin to take over the palate. The retrohale of the cigar adds some wood and sweetness to the cigar which lingers on the aroma.
The second third of the Bandolero sees the citrus transition to the aroma which is really worth noting because it stands out more so than other cigars. Meanwhile, the flavor profile picks up notes of rich espresso that becomes dominant with continued hints of dark chocolate and wood especially on the retrohale.
The Bandolero saves the best for last, as the last third of the exceptional stick sees notes of mocha and a touch of raisin envelope the palate. The finish of the cigar is enhanced on the retrohale with a tantalizing wood and espresso that has me wanting to light up another.
The Finish: I was surprised to hear that the strength of the cigar varies based on the size of the cigar due to tweaks in the blend. The result was I now have a new favorite size in the Bandolero and that is the Traviesos which is surprising to me since I usually stay away from belicoso cigars. Smooth, rich and flavorful the Bandolero cigar is yet another masterpiece from Selected Tobaccos.
Score: 94
Price: $11.99 / $305.99
Bandolero
