Atabey Vs Atabey Black
Posted on July 13 2025
Quick Summary: Atabey vs Atabey Black
- Wrapper: Atabey = silky Ecuador Connecticut; Atabey Black = dark Ecuador Habano/Oscuro wrapper.
- Blend: Classic line keeps its recipe undisclosed; Black adds Dominican & Peruvian fillers for deeper spice.
- Strength: Atabey = mild-medium; Black = medium body with richer cocoa-pepper notes.
- Price & Rarity: Atabey Ritos ≈ $30; Atabey Black Ritos ≈ $50 and ships only to NFT/limited-edition accounts.
- Aging: Both age 5 yrs in cedar & oak; Black’s darker leaf intensifies sweetness during rest.
Why Did Selected Tobacco Create Atabey Black?
Founder Nelson Alfonso envisioned a darker companion to the creamy Connecticut-wrapped Atabey. By marrying a rich Ecuador Habano wrapper with the brand’s trademark five-year aging, Atabey Black offers a fuller flavor without abandoning the line’s trademark elegance. The debut vitola—Black Ritos 6⅛ × 55—first appeared as an NFT release and now ships only once a year in black-lacquered 25-count boxes.
How Do Flavor & Strength Compare?
Original Atabey delivers honey, almond and light white-pepper under a silky smoke texture. Atabey Black layers cocoa, molasses and ginger with a medium spice tickle—thanks to its darker wrapper and tweaked filler. Review panels score it 90–92 for balanced richness.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Feature | Atabey Ritos | Atabey Black Ritos |
|---|---|---|
| Wrapper | Ecuador Connecticut Shade | Dark Ecuador Habano/Oscuro |
| Binder & Filler | Proprietary (undisclosed) | Dominican & Peruvian |
| Body | Mild-Medium | Medium |
| Signature Notes | Honey • Almond • Cream | Cocoa • Molasses • Ginger |
| MSRP (single) | $30 | $50 |
| Annual Production | Regular (micro-batch) | Limited • NFT linked |
Which One Fits Your Palate (and Wallet)?
- Silky & Subtle: Choose classic Atabey for morning coffee or Champagne pairings.
- Richer & Rarer: Grab Atabey Black if you crave cocoa-pepper depth and don’t mind a $50 splurge.
- Collectors: Black’s limited NFT pedigree and black-lacquer box add serious shelf appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atabey Black just a Maduro version?
Not exactly—it’s a unique blend with darker wrapper and Dominican-Peruvian core aged five years, crafted for deeper flavor rather than simply “maduro-izing” the original.
Will more vitolas of Atabey Black be released?
For now, Selected Tobacco limits Black to the Ritos size; future shapes remain unannounced.
Does the higher price mean more strength?
No—Atabey Black is medium, not a nicotine bomb. The cost reflects scarce wrapper leaf, five-year aging, and ultra-limited distribution.
Can I age Atabey Black at home?
Yes—just like the core line, 12–24 months at 65 % RH will further meld cocoa and spice while keeping the draw silky.
For a deeper dive into the brand’s history and aging process, read our Atabey Cigars Guide.
Looking to secure one of these ultra-premium cigars? Explore our Atabey Collection to find what's available.
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