Nelson Alfonso Archives - Developing Palates - Cigar, Beer and Spirit Reviews and Ratings

Team Cigar Review: Bandolero Premium Bravos

The Bandolero Premium Bravos delivered a refined experience with a consistent, flavorful progression. The first two thirds showcased a dynamic range of creamy bread, buttery tobacco, aged wood and nuanced vegetal and baking spice notes, particularly through the retrohale. The final third lost some complexity, leaning heavier into dry, tannic wood and earth, but still maintained an overall enjoyable character. A worthy option for those who enjoy subtle transitions and classic flavor profiles with finesse.

John McTavish, August 18, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Atabey Black Ritos

I enjoyed the Atabey Black Ritos. The cigar was balanced with a nice flavor profile from beginning to end. Good level of complexity throughout. The honey sweetness with coffee, cedar and earth was nice. With perfect level of construction, and a nice strength and body, it was a blend that every cigar smoker could enjoy. Price excluded.

Seth Geise, May 5, 2025

Team Cigar Review: Alfonso Gran Selección Estelares

Elegant, balanced and luxurious would be the three main words to describe this Alfonso Gran Selección Estelares. All the flavors were equivalent to some of the best buttery pastries I've had, with cedar (may sound weird, but it's awesome). The only minor gripes I have are I wish the cigar at times had deeper flavors and more transitions, as the lulls become a bit disengaging. But all in all, a pleasure to smoke.

Jiunn Liu, February 28, 2024

Team Cigar Review: Alfonso Añejos No. 2

This Alfonso Añejos No. 2 is the route back to greatness for Selected Tobacco S.A. The early days of having incredible nuance, balance, and in general a great cigar is almost back with this release. This cigar (for the first two thirds) had such a large array of flavors that worked in great harmony. It's not often I smoke a cigar like this, but it is a treat.

Jiunn Liu, March 13, 2023

Team Cigar Review: Atabey Corona Cigar 25th Anniversary

The Atabey Corona Cigar 25th Anniversary, for the vast majority of the time, had a wonderful, full flavor experience that ranged from sweet and pastry like to earthy and spice. I certainly don't think it's worth the commanding price point of $34, but I can see myself smoking one here and there on rare special occasions.

Jiunn Liu, April 26, 2021

Cigar News: Byron Releases 19th Century Grand Poemas

United Cigars began release of the 2013 vintage of the Byron 19th Century Grand Poemas on Friday. Allocations of the Grand Poemas were made as only 200 boxes were produced with this unique tobacco. All 200 boxes are offered in humidors designed by Nelson Alfonso of Selected Tobacco.

Aaron Loomis, January 11, 2019

Team Cigar Review: Byron Serie Siglo XXI Aristócratas

Overall, I enjoyed my experience with the Byron Serie Siglo XXI Aristócratas. For fans of softer and more subtle notes (think a more traditional Connecticut shade or Cuban cigar), this will be a good fit. The only gripe I have is, for such a long (3 hour) smoking time, there weren't enough transitions and build ups as I'd like it to have.

Jiunn Liu, December 5, 2018

Team Cigar Review: Atabey Spiritus

The Atabey Spiritus is a complex and rich Lancero smoking experience. The cigar has bold flavors that don't overwhelm the palate, for a truly luxurious profile. If you are an Atabey fan, or are simply looking for a premiere smoking experience, you would do well to pick yourself up a Spiritus.

John McTavish, August 27, 2018

Cigar News: Nelson Alfonso Unveiling New Ashtray at Habanos Festival

The trianglar design will match the standard logo shape but the depth of the ashtray is designed to resemble the hat worn by the character in the Count of Monecristo, Edmond Dantes. The three points of the triangle drop down to create the feet of the ashtray, lifting the base above the table it is on, creating a magical effect that the ashtray is levitating.

Aaron Loomis, February 9, 2018

Personal Cigar Review: Byron Siglo XX Londinenses

This would be more of a special occasion smoke and in that regard, the cigar doesn't disappoint. If you reach for this cigar, make sure it's something you can dedicate the time to uninterrupted as it deserves your full attention to get all of the flavors it presents. I would gladly smoke more of these when the opportunity presents itself.

Aaron Loomis, September 15, 2017