Atabey Black Ritos Review
Posted on July 13 2025
Quick Summary: Atabey Black Ritos (6⅛ × 55) Review
- Wrapper & Blend: Dark Ecuador Habano/Oscuro over Dominican-Peruvian fillers aged 5 years.
- Strength: Medium body—richer than classic Atabey yet far from a “pepper bomb.”
- Core Flavors: Mocha, cedar, ginger spice, evolving to coffee-cedar in the final third.
- Construction: Draw is silky; burn starts razor-straight but needs one or two mid-session touch-ups.
- MSRP: ≈ $50 per stick in black-lacquer 25-count boxes or limited NFT drops.
What Sets Atabey Black Ritos Apart?
Atabey Black is Nelson Alfonso’s darker, spicier cousin to the creamy Connecticut-wrapped flagship. Rolled in Costa Rica, each cigar ages five full years in alternating cedar- and French-oak rooms before release. The debut—and so far only—size is the hefty Ritos 6⅛ × 55, offered once a year in sleek black boxes (and earlier via NFT).
Tasting Notes by Thirds
Pre-Light & First Third
Cold draw shows cookie-dough sweetness with cedar and fig. Once lit, a mocha core (chocolate + coffee) takes the lead, joined by ginger, cinnamon and a subtle licorice aroma. Smoke is lush and creamy; burn line laser-straight.
Second Third
Cedar steadily rises, coffee edges out chocolate and a light black-pepper tingle appears. Earth and molasses add depth while the ginger note lingers on the retro-hale. One quick touch-up corrects a wavering wrapper seam.
Final Third & Finish
Cedar and coffee share center stage, trailed by earth, pepper and a wisp of cream. Burn cools, ash shows tight salt-and-pepper marbling. The profile stays balanced—never harsh—until the final one-inch nub.
Atabey Black vs Classic Atabey
| Feature | Atabey Black Ritos | Classic Atabey Ritos |
|---|---|---|
| Wrapper | Ecuador Habano/Oscuro | Ecuador Connecticut Shade |
| Body | Medium, cocoa-pepper | Mild-medium, honey-almond |
| MSRP | $50 | $30 |
| Production | Ultra-limited / NFT | Annual but small batch |
Is It Worth the $50 Price Tag?
If you prize rarity, flawless aging and cocoa-spice complexity, the answer is yes—especially for collectors who already love classic Atabey. Casual smokers may sample a single before springing for a full 25-count box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atabey Black simply a Maduro version?
No. The blend itself changes (Dominican & Peruvian fillers) to complement the darker Habano wrapper, resulting in more spice and cocoa.
Will other sizes be released?
Selected Tobacco has hinted at additional vitolas, but for now Ritos is the only format.
Does the cigar need extra humidor time?
Five years of factory aging means it’s box-ready, but 12–24 months at 65 % RH will merge cedar and cocoa even further.
Where can I read more about the brand?
See our full Atabey Cigars Guide for lineup details and aging process.
Looking to try one? Browse current inventory in our Atabey Collection.