Byron Distinguido Review

If you have been a reader at The Cigar Authority or listen to our weekly podcast then you know the name Nelson Alfonso as well as his brands Atabey, Byron and Bandolero. The cigars are amongst the highest we have ever rated with Atabey getting a 100, and Byron getting a 98.

At the IPCPR this year, Selected Tobacco released a new size of the Byron called Distinguido that is part of the 21st Century Serie and is supposed to represent a 21st century Cuban cigar. Other than that we know very little about the cigar which is made in Costa Rica but features no Costa Rican tobacco. In fact, the mystery is part of the allure.

Cigar Review: Byron Serie Siglo XXI
Size: 6 x 55 (Distinguido)
Wrapper: Unknown
Binder: Unknown
Filler: Unknown
Strength: Medium-Full
Source: Two Guys Smoke Shop

The Look: The Byron Distinguido to me sees the dumbing down of the band. Instead of an image of Lord Byron and a cigar that feels very turn of the century, the simple black and gold logo gives the cigar a more modern feel to it. I get that this cigar is a representation of the 21st century, but I miss the classic look. Attached to the primary band is what looks like a stand alone secondary band of indigo and gold denotes “Serie Siglo XXI” and a third band over a cedar sleeve denotes Selected Tobacco and points out that the cigars are totally handmade. The wrapper has some medium size veins and the cigar is firm with a well packed foot with an above average weight.

The Notes: The cold draw of the cigar has notes of cherry and raisins with definitive cedar notes as well. The aroma off the foot of the cigar reminds me of fresh cedar shaving on a wood floor and a subtle amount of black pepper which caused me to sneeze.

As we smoke the first third of the cigar there is a subtle spice through with a graham cracker like aroma. The cigar develops an abundance of cedar with elements of roasted nuts as the cigar transitions into the second third of the cigar.

In the second third of the Byron Distinguido the roasted nuts become front and center with a hint of licorice. The cigar is ridiculously smooth and the notes of cedar come and go. The focal point on the cigar remains the roasted nuts but what really gets your attention is the aroma.

The last third of the cigar brings to a close an extraordinary smoking experience. The notes are of roasted nuts, but there is also a sweetness with some subtle spices. I smoked this cigar until I could not hold it anymore and there was less than a half-inch remaining.

The Burn: This cigar was incredibly slow burning, with a razor-sharp burn line as well as an ultra thin combustion line. The draw was perfect with the right amount of resistance and a firm ash that held for a third at a time. It remained lit from first light to last puff. Simply put, this cigar embodies every aspect of how one should burn.

The Finish: I guess I should address the score of 99. For me this was better than the 98 I rated the Londinenses, and I asked myself was it better than the Atabey I smoked that I gave a perfect score. The answer is yes, but with an asterisk. If I put the two cigars next to each other, I would choose the Atabey as the price difference for me was significant enough to reach for that one instead. However, this was pretty much a perfect cigar in every way. The flavors were distinct, smooth, and the cigar was balanced. It took me back to the late 90s when I was smoking a Cuban Bolivar in Europe. I know I am going to second guess myself on not giving this cigar a 100 rating because it deserved one. Perhaps my logic is flawed, smoke one and let me know what you think.

Score: 99
Price: $33.oo

Bullet Points
(Random Thoughts and Observances)

• The lowest band was really difficult to get off as it was a sticker.
• I opted to use the cedar sleeve to light the cigar.
• All Byron cigars are aged for 1 year before shipping to retail stores.
• This cigar reminded me a lot of a Cuban Bolivar.
• This cigar might just have the best aroma of anything I have ever smoked.
• Of all the Byron cigars I have smoked this one is the strongest but I will still classify it as medium-full.
• While Selected Tobacco might be known by their packaging; their cigars are what really stand out to those who have smoked them.
• Smoking time was 2 hours and 10 minutes.
• I paired the cigar with Cuban coffee.