Created by a prolific Cuban designer, Bandolero cigars celebrate a tradition outside the law. For years, Nelson Alfonso has designed bands, logos, packaging, and more for premium Cuban brands like Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagas, Romeo & Julieta, H. Upmann, Hoyo de Monterrey, and others. Eventually, his well of inspiration overflowed and he wound up creating a number of new brands like Atabey, Byron, and Bandolero cigars.
Have you ever heard the saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun?” Well, prohibitions on sales of cigars are one of those things. Even in centuries gone by, there were governments blocking the sale of certain cigars. One of these was the throne of Spain, which didn’t let colonies produce their own cigars, instead of having to import them at increased expense. The average person living in the colonies couldn’t comfortably afford this luxury, which created tension in the market.
Can anyone in the class guess what happened as a result? That’s right! Bootlegging!
Rather than pay through the nose for cigars, the locals bought black market stogies that were far more affordable. These were brought in by bandoleros, a term that means something like “bandit” or “outlaw,” and which is a name that once described those who would wear a bandolier or ammunition belt.
Bandolero cigars are made in Costa Rica at Alfonso’s Selected Tobaccos factory (alongside Byron and Atabey). Often, the precise details of each blend are not disclosed, leading to mysterious cigars that each have their own fans who’ve smoked them, enjoyed them, and have come to trust a man who’s been in the cigar game for ages. Using a variety of tobaccos from a number of nations, Alfonso’s blends have impressed certain judges while still flying under the radar. One thing is for sure – they often come in gorgeous packaging. A designer at heart, Alfonso knows how to deliver his cigars in style, from boxes to tubes, to bands, and everything in between.
Bandolero cigars are an experience, that’s for sure.
Please browse our selection of Bandolero cigars at your leisure.
