Selected Tobacco has carved out a distinguished reputation in the premium cigar world, and their Bandolero Premium line is a testament to their commitment to quality and elegance. The Bravos, a 5 1/4 by 52 vitola, promises a refined smoking experience wrapped in luxury. In this review, we explore the Bandolero Premium Bravos in detail, from its impeccable appearance to its evolving flavor profile across all three thirds. For those seeking a sophisticated and flavorful cigar, this one is a standout.
Initial Outer Appearance
The Bandolero Premium Bravos is a visual masterpiece from the moment you lay eyes on it. Its Ecuadorian Habano 2000 wrapper boasts a light, golden-brown hue that exudes refinement. The wrapper is ultra-smooth, free of veins or blemishes, with a silky texture that feels luxurious in hand. The construction is flawless, with a firm yet springy feel that suggests meticulous craftsmanship.
The cigar’s band further elevates its high-end appeal. The primary band is elegant, featuring intricate detailing that screams sophistication. However, the secondary band, while stylish, can be challenging to read in certain lighting conditions, which slightly detracts from the overall presentation.
First Third Smoking Experience
From the first puff, the Bandolero Premium Bravos delivers a smooth and effortless draw, setting the stage for an exceptional smoke. As is characteristic of Selected Tobacco cigars, cedar notes take center stage immediately, offering a familiar and comforting backbone. Accompanying the cedar is a pronounced oak flavor, which adds a woody depth to the profile. This is complemented by rich leather and a creamy undertone that rounds out the experience, giving the smoke a velvety texture.
The burn is nearly flawless, producing an almost razor-sharp line that speaks to the cigar’s superior construction. The ash is a light gray and solid, holding strong for the entire first third without a flaking. The interplay of cedar, oak, leather, and cream makes the first third a delightful introduction, inviting you to settle in for the journey ahead.
Second Third Smoking Experience
As the Bandolero Premium Bravos transitions into the second third, the draw remains consistently smooth, and the construction continues to impress. The ash builds up again, holding firm for nearly the entirety of the second third. The flavor profile begins to evolve subtly, with the cedar note gaining a touch more intensity. The oak flavor, which was prominent earlier, starts to recede slightly, allowing the leathery character to shine through.
The creaminess that defined the first third backs down a bit, giving the smoke a slightly drier, more robust feel. The burn continues to be even, and the smoke output is steady, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience.
Final Third Smoking Experience
The Bandolero Premium Bravos saves some of its best moments for the final third. The construction and draw remain impeccable, with no signs of wavering even as the smoke progresses. The cedar note holds steady, providing continuity from the previous thirds, but the introduction of pepper and spice adds a lively kick that elevates the experience. These new flavors are well-integrated, never overpowering the cigar’s inherent smoothness.
Remarkably, the Bravos avoids the common pitfall of heating up in the final third, allowing you to savor every puff without bitterness or harshness. The finish is clean and lingering, with the pepper and cedar leaving a pleasant aftertaste. Overall, the final third ties the experience together beautifully, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to light up another.
Final Rating
Presentation:
10/10 Wrapper
8/10 Band
Construction:
9/10 Draw
9/10 Burn
10/10 Ash
Flavor:
9/10 Enjoyability
TOTAL:
9.2/10
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