You’d be forgiven for thinking these look a bit like Cohibas when it comes to packaging. The gold, black, and white… the field with a grid of dots… in a lot of ways, this one simply reverses the colors chosen for particular elements. But the maker of Atabey Sabios cigars, Nelson Alfonso Egüed, was the designer behind certain Cohiba branding and other work for Habanos, S.A. (Cuba’s nationalized cigar operation).

It’s his style, you know?

Atabey has many decades of success to go before it can challenge Cohiba, but the company is off to a nice start, using high-quality tobaccos and impeccable construction from a factory in Costa Rica. No Costa Rican leaf is in this blend, however. Instead, the blend particulars are a closely held secret. The wrapper appears to be an Ecuador Connecticut, if that helps. Without more details to go on, this is one of those cigars you simply have to judge on its own merits.

Fortunately, they’re quite good!

Atabey cigars may surprise you, but they’re definitely decent. They have a wonderful complex profile with notes of cedar, popcorn, walnuts, roasted coffee, and all kinds of bright fruits. This is a lovely cigar to kick back with if you’re one of those folks who makes a fancy espresso in the morning and wants a properly sophisticated cigar to join it on your patio, back deck, porch, or other suitable outdoor smoke spot. Really nice draws.

Atabey is one of the ancient Taino ancestral spirits that was worshipped long ago. Think of her as a kind of Earth Mother, if that makes sense. She brings forth tobacco and we salute her as we toast up her delectable gifts.

This Atabey Sabios Robusto Extra cigar is made in Costa Rica. Outside, you'll find an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. Inside, the binder is Undisclosed, and the filler is Undisclosed. This is a Robusto Extra cigar with a length of 5.25 and a ring gauge of 52.

Please browse our selection of Atabey Sabios cigars at your leisure.

• What are the flavors like?
o Cedar, popcorn, walnuts, roasted coffee

• What’s the strength level?
o Medium

• Who is this cigar for?
o Atabey Sabios cigars are for folks who want a smooth, well-made blend with layers of interesting flavor.

• Will I want to smoke it to the nub?
o It’s probable.

• What’s a good pairing with it?
o A morning coffee would be fine. You could also enjoy this one with a pour of Triple Down Light Whiskey in the evening. Yes, there is such a thing as “light whiskey” for times when that charred barrel flavor is not what you’re looking for.

• What’s the best time/place to smoke this cigar?
o Crisp mornings

• Any flaws/downsides?
o Some examples reviewed seemed to go out a little faster than average when not puffed on.