Description
Bandolero Premium Bravos is a limited-production, ultra-premium extension of Nelson Alfonso’s Bandolero line, positioned in the same luxury tier as Atabey and Alfonso.
Core Specs
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Maker: Selected Tobacco / Nelson Alfonso, produced at Tabacos de Costa Rica.
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Country of origin: Costa Rica.
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Vitola: 5 ¼ x 52 robusto (Bravos size).
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Blend: Ecuadorian Habano 2000 wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, Nicaraguan ligero and Peruvian filler.
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Body: Medium to medium‑full.
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Release: Limited release, April 2025.
Aging and concept
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Production: Rolled in Costa Rica, then shipped to Spain for extended post‑roll aging.
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Aging environment: About three years in humidors lined with five different types of cedar in Madrid, aimed at amplifying aroma and refinement.
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Presentation: Cellophane cut at the foot to keep cedar exchange during long‑term aging, gold-accented band to distinguish it from regular Bandolero.
Flavor profile is described as very Cuban-esque, refined, and evolving more in nuance than in brute strength.
Common notes mentioned:
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Woods: Cedar, oak, redwood, aged/tannic wood.
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Creamy bakery: Creamy bread, buttery tobacco, café‑Cubano style espresso/milk chocolate.
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Citrus & herbal: Bright lemon/citrus, lemongrass, green tea.
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Sweet nuances: Maple, floral sweetness, light stone fruit, graham cracker.
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Earth/leather: Soft earth, leather, mild vegetal tones.
Structure:
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First third: Bright citrus over cedar and nuts or bread/cream, with baking spice on retrohale.
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Second third: More coffee/espresso, cream, sweet spices, richer woods.
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Final third: Wood and earth become more dominant, with some drying/tannic character.
Burn and construction are consistently praised: firm white ash, razor burn, abundant smoke with a perfect, straw‑like draw resistance.
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