Atabey, Bandolero, and Byron are all brands produced by Selected Tobacco and owned and blended by Nelson Alfonso. Produced in Costa Rica at the Selected Tobacco factory, Atabey is manufactured in limited quantities and available in four vitolas: Divinos (4 1/2 by 50), Brujos (4 7/8 by 52), Delirios (5 3/4 by 55), and Ritos (6 1/8 by 55). Two additional sizes are available outside the U.S. market. While all three of Nelson’s brands are easily considered premium , the Bandolero falls at a more reasonable price point compared to the Atabey and Byron. Atabey cigars start around $20.00 for a single up to the low $30s for the largest size, the Ritos.  U.S. distribution is managed by United Cigar Group, owned by David Garofalo of Two Guys Smoke Shop.

Nelson Alfonso is most well known for his work on the Cohiba Behike branding. His Cuban influence transfers over to the the branding of Atabey, which is very Cubanesque and reminiscent of the Behike. But the most captivating aspect of the packaging is the Humitube the Atabey arrived in. United Cigar Group’s website explains the technology used:

Humitube® technology is the unique real and effective humidifier cigar tube in the world for its double chamber system that let the cigar receive a slow humidify thought the wall of the tube that make a balanced humidified cigar at all its length.

With this technique, called double chamber tube, the cigars receive a smoothly uniform humectation, and receive a complete equal humectation from top to the bottom of the cigar.

The other conventional cigar tubes of the market always destroy the cigar cause the humidify are supply are located only in the bottom of the tube, and this strong and direct humidity destroy the cigars cause the humidity is received direct to the “mouth” of the cigar, making an “trump shame cigar” that is over wet in the “month” of the cigar and total dry at the end of this.

The Facts

Samples Provided by United Cigar Group
Price: $33.00
Vitola: Ritos
Size: 6 1/8 by 55
Wrapper: Unknown
Binder: Unknown
Filler: Unknown
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 25 Minutes
Drink: Water

Pre-light

The Atabey is dressed in a golden tan wrapper. Some wrinkles are seen, but hardly any veins are apparent until closer examination. Upon removing the cedar sleeve, I find a small tear in the wrapper running about a half inch starting at the foot of the cigar. The initial aroma triggers memories of walking into my first walk in humidor with the smell of Spanish cedar and tobacco in the air.

Quickly, the strong aroma of cedar fades and I am left with notes of hay and a very faint pungency. Spice instantly hit my sinuses causing quite the tingle. Much fuller notes are found on the foot beginning with cedar, deep red wine notes, graham cracker and some spices. Opting for a straight cut instead of using the cigar punch located on the Humitube, I find a perfect draw that brings forth notes of clove and rich cedar.

First Third

The flavors are much darker and fuller than expected. Diesel, coffee, and wet earth are on one end of the spectrum of the profile, being contrasted and complimented by some bright cedar notes on the other end.  The finish is short and is having drying effect on my palate making me once again think of wine, but this time a dry red. Only an inch in and a transition in the flavors has taken place with a light, refreshing fruitiness and sweetness joining in. The retrohale, one of the cleanest and smoothest I have come across, brings out the pepper. The Selected Tobacco Atabey is burning cool with a thick, crooked burn. A firm, light gray ash is holding strong.

Middle Third

The darker, heavier flavors from early on remain with some added black pepper and cocoa. However, the profile is in no way fatiguing to the palate. The retrohale remains very pleasant and a hint of the fruitiness and sweetness is found on the finish of the smoke. The Atabey continues to burn well.

Final Third

Pulling into the final third of the Atabey by Select Tobacco, some strength is finally making an appearance and the flavors are chugging along. After removing the band with ease, I find a clove flavor that quickly hits the palate then moves behind the more dominant flavor of diesel. Additionally, a syrupy sweetness has joined in and the finish develops a char taste with only a few minutes remaining. The draw has firmed up, but it still within the acceptable range.

Wrap-up

From the packaging to the experience itself, the Selected Tobacco Atabey is attractive, unique, and intriguing. Each third brought forth distinct flavors, while not losing site of its identity. The cigar centered around the earthy/diesel-like flavor, with transitions in more of subtle, background notes. The play between the char and syrupy-sweetness in the final third was the only off-putting part of the cigar. The flavor and body were in the medium/full range, while the strength crept up steadily through the cigar ending in the medium/full range as well.  The price may make the Atabey out of reach for some, but for those who have the cash, the Atabey is worth the buy as it does not disappoint.  The Atabey is definitely out of my price range, but it was a treat to smoke nonetheless.

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The San Andres (Serie SA) is by no means a new offering from Room 101. It has been on the market for almost two-years but it wasn’t until the end of 2013 that I had opportunity to light one up.   Produced in Honduras at Camacho’s factory, the San Andres is available in five vitolas: Papi Chulo (4 by 42), 305 (5 by 50), 214 (5 1/2 by 44), 615 (7 by 48), and 808 (6 by 60).

Overall, Room 101 cigars have been well received by the Casas Fumando crew. You can find our reviews of the other offerings below:

• Room 101 – 702 
• Room 101 – Big Delicious Smoke Inn Exclusive
• Room 101 – Daruma Sucio 
• Room 101 – Namakubi Roxxo
• Room101 – O.S.O.K. (One Shot, One Kill) Trucha

The Facts

Price Paid: $2.00
Vitola: 213 – Corona
Size: 5 ½ by 44
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres
Binder: Honduran Corojo Seco
Filler: Honduran and Dominican – Criollo Ligero and Corojo Seco
Drink: Water
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 5 Minutes

Pre-light

The medium brown San Andres Maduro wrapper is consistent in color, fairly bumpy, and small veins can been seen scattered down the leaf. As I gently press down the cigar I do not come across any soft spots on this firmly filled stick and, to the touch, the cigars feels velvety smooth. The natural leaf does not seem to contain many oils. 

The smell of the wrapper is pungent with vinegar, manure, and cedar aromas and sweet cedar notes are found on the foot. Upon clipping the cap with a double guillotine cutter, the cold draw highlights rich tobacco with the same sweet cedar off the foot aroma and some cinnamon spice.

First Third

Instantly, I am able to tell that I am smoking San Andres tobacco, however, I am having a hard time figuring out or at least communicating what aspect the profile highlights the Mexican tobacco.  The smoke is very savory with deep notes of cedar, leather, some saltiness, and spice. The Serie SA delivers a mouthful of thick smoke with each draw.  The light ash being formed is holding well past an inch and the eyeliner burn line is right on. The 213 vitola is a great size that feels comfortable in both the hand and mouth.

Middle Third

The cedar and saltiness are at the forefront of the flavor profile as I make my way into the second third. The cedar notes have a lot of depth and complexity in and of itself. The spice and leather seems to have calmed but the retrohale is a different story. The pepper on the retrohale is sharp and my eyes may have teared up just a little. The profile has become much richer and some sweetness seems to be showing its head. Possibly a cocoa-like sweetness. There is nothing interesting to report on with the ash or burn, which is a good thing. 

Final Third

The cedar continues to be the core of the profile but some change-ups are occurring every few puffs. I find a dry, shallow cedar on one draw and then some moist, deep earthy cedar notes on the next. The cocoa has not developed into anything more thus far but there is still some underlying sweetness. Maybe more similar to a light sugarcane sweetness. Some charred notes have found their way into the profile as I approach the final inch and the smoke is a bit warm causing me to extend the time between each puffs. 

Wrap-up

One worry I have with a small ring gauge sticks is overheating due to smoking too fast. Maintaining my regular rate,  I did not encounter any heat in the first or second thirds, but the last third did present some charred notes and a small amount of heat making me slow my roll. Once I slowed my smoking pace, the smoke cooled and the enjoyable rich cedar finished off the experience. I really enjoyed the 213 San Andres and it may be the first cigar I have smoked that utilized a natural San Andres leaf. The San Andres tobacco still had its distinct characteristics but did not overshadow the rest of the blend that seems to take place with cigars that have San Andres Maduro wrappers. There was absolutely no babysitting this stick. Not a single touch up was needed and no ash dropped in the lap. I can highly recommend this cigar and for a regular price under $6 this is a stick that will remain in my humidor for a while.

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