The Bandolero Premium Ironicos was crafted to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Selected Tobacco’s Bandolero line. Only 300 boxes of each size were released, and the cigars were aged for three years before hitting the market.

• Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Filler: Nicaraguan, Peruvian
• Size: Rothchild 4 1/2 x 50

The cigar boasts a smooth, golden brown wrapper with a solid feel and tight pack, showing no soft spots. It has a light oil sheen. The cold draw reveals notes of hay, nuts, cream, and barnyard, and the draw is excellent.

First Third: Upon lighting, the cigar presents flavors of butter, cedar, black pepper, and cream, with a hint of sourdough bread on the finish. The ash is white-gray, solid, and shows no flaking. The burn is consistent with a thin burn line, and the retrohale offers a pleasant black pepper spice. The ash naturally falls after a little more than an inch.

Second Third: As the cigar progresses, the nuttiness increases on the palate. Cedar, hints of cream and leather, and a pleasant bitter zip on the finish become more pronounced. The burn remains true and requires no touch-ups. The cigar is medium-bodied and medium in strength, with a mustiness that is characteristic of well-aged tobacco.

Final Third: In the final third, the strength and body increase. The notes of nuts, cedar, and leather gain sharpness, accompanied by a light cedar spice on the finish. The cedar flavor becomes more pronounced, and a sweetness reminiscent of chocolate caramel builds up in the back of the final third.

Overall Experience: The Bandolero Premium Ironicos is well-balanced with subtle nuances and perfect construction. It offers a long burn for its size, lasting well over an hour. This cigar is not just blowing smoke, it is #PipeWorthy as well. I knew before reaching the final third that I would continue to enjoy it by finishing it in my Savinelli Ottagono Tre pipe, which is perfect for cigars with a 50 ring gauge. Highly recommended.