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Bandolero Premium: A Rare and Refined Addition to Selected Tobacco’s Legacy

April 2, 2025 Inspector X 2 min read

In the world of premium cigars, some names are whispered rather than announced, and Selected Tobacco’s Bandolero is one such name. Now, the revered brand takes another bold step forward with the Bandolero Premium—a meticulously aged, limited-production cigar that will be available exclusively through a select number of distinguished retailers.

Crafted by the legendary Nelson Alfonso, owner of Selected Tobacco, Bandolero Premium offers a medium to full-bodied smoking experience, enhanced by an extensive three-year aging process. Rolled in Costa Rica and matured in Madrid, Spain, these cigars undergo a unique refinement period inside humidors lined with five distinct types of cedar. This process allows the cigars to absorb the complex nuances of the cedar, much like fine bourbon draws character from its barrel, resulting in a deeply layered and sophisticated flavour profile.

Bandolero has always carried an air of mystery, and the Bandolero Premium elevates that legacy,” said Oliver Nivaud, Director of Operations for United Cigars, the exclusive distributor of Selected Tobacco. “The dedication to aging and refinement from Selected Tobacco is unlike anything else. Bandolero Premium only reinforces our belief in the process.”

Featuring a golden Habano 2000 wrapper from Ecuador, a Dominican binder, and a rich blend of Dominican and Peruvian fillers, Bandolero Premium offers a balanced yet complex smoke. The line will debut in three vitolas:
• Magníficos – 6 x 55 ($38 per cigar)
• Bravos – 5 1⁄4 x 52 ($32 per cigar)
• Irónicos – 4 1⁄2 x 50 ($24 per cigar)

Each vitola will be presented in lacquered boxes of 25, further elevating its exclusivity and appeal. Bandolero Premium will officially launch at the 2025 PCA Trade Show in New Orleans, with a select number of retailers receiving the initial allocation ahead of a wider release.

For aficionados seeking an unparalleled smoking experience, Bandolero Premium represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship, dedication, and luxury. Keep an eye out for this highly anticipated release, as it promises to be one of the most sought-after cigars of the year.

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