Bandolero Cigars Guide — Cuban-Inspired Blends by Nelson Alfonso
Posted on June 24 2026
Bandolero Cigars Guide — Cuban-Inspired Blends by Nelson Alfonso
Quick answer
Bandolero is the most accessible line from Nelson Alfonso — the Cuban-born designer behind Atabey and Byron. Medium in body with an Ecuadorian wrapper, Bandolero delivers old-world Cuban character at a more approachable price point than the rest of the Selected Tobacco portfolio. Currently limited availability — check our site for current stock.
Bandolero is the third line in Nelson Alfonso’s Selected Tobacco portfolio, alongside Atabey and Byron. Where Atabey represents the pinnacle of refinement and Byron delivers complexity and depth, Bandolero was designed to be the most approachable expression of Alfonso’s blending philosophy — a cigar that captures the old-world Cuban character of the other lines without the extreme price or scarcity.
The name ‘Bandolero’ — Spanish for outlaw or bandit — reflects the brand’s slightly more rebellious character within the Selected Tobacco family. It’s blended to be medium in body, versatile in occasion, and accessible to a wider audience than the ultra-premium Atabey or Byron lines. For the full Nelson Alfonso story, read our Atabey Cigars Guide.
The Bandolero blend
Bandolero uses an Ecuadorian wrapper — the same wrapper origin used across the Selected Tobacco portfolio — over an undisclosed binder and Nicaraguan filler. The result is a medium-bodied smoke with cedar, cream, light earth, and a gentle spice that builds through the second third. The finish is clean and satisfying, without the intensity of the Byron 21st Century or the silky complexity of the Atabey.
This is a cigar you can smoke on a Tuesday afternoon without ceremony. It’s built for enjoyment rather than occasion — which is exactly the point. Alfonso designed Bandolero as the everyday companion to the rest of the portfolio: the cigar you smoke when the Atabey feels like too much of a commitment.
How Bandolero fits in the Selected Tobacco family
| Brand | Strength | Character | Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandolero | Medium | Accessible, everyday Cuban-style | Any time, no ceremony needed |
| Byron 19th Century | Medium | Elegant, refined | Evening, occasion |
| Byron 21st Century | Medium+ | Complex, layered | Long dedicated session |
| Atabey | Medium-Full | Pinnacle, silky, unique | Special occasion |
Availability
Bandolero is produced in limited quantities as part of the Selected Tobacco portfolio and is not always in stock. It is sold exclusively through authorised Selected Tobacco retailers. Luxury Cigar Club is one of a very small number of authorised UK stockists.
Current stock availability varies — check our site for the latest. If Bandolero is out of stock, the Byron 19th Century is the closest alternative in the portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes Bandolero cigars?
Bandolero is made by Nelson Alfonso under his Selected Tobacco operation. Alfonso is a Cuban-born tobacco designer responsible for Atabey and Byron, and one of the most respected figures in the modern premium cigar world.
How does Bandolero compare to Atabey?
Bandolero is the more accessible, everyday expression of the Selected Tobacco philosophy. Atabey is significantly more complex, more refined, and more expensive — it uses rare Dominican Seco wrappers and undergoes five years of secondary aging. Bandolero uses an Ecuadorian wrapper and is built for regular smoking rather than special occasions.
Is Bandolero available in the UK?
Yes, through a very small number of authorised retailers. Luxury Cigar Club is one of them. Availability is limited and stock sells through quickly when it arrives. Check our site for current stock levels.
The verdict
Bandolero fills an important gap in the Selected Tobacco portfolio — an everyday, medium-bodied Cuban-style cigar from one of the finest tobacco minds in the industry. If you’re already smoking Atabey or Byron, Bandolero is the natural companion for days when you want something from the same family without the full commitment. Limited availability — check our site for current stock.
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