ATL Libertad Toro – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

The ATL Libertad is a Nicaraguan puro that is made for ATL Cigar Co. by Aganorsa Leaf and rolled at their TABSA factory. This is not to be confused with the “La Libertad” made by Villiger cigars. The blend uses an Aganorsa-grown Corojo wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and fillers. It comes in two sizes, Robusto (5 x 50) and Toro (6.5 x 54). ATL Libertad is described as ” a medium-bodied smoke that will help any ATLien to ‘shake that load off.'”

The Atlanta-based company ATL Cigars Co was started in 2020, by three friends that shared an affinity for cigars: Leroy Lamar III (President), Peter Gross (Head of Product), and Janelle Lamar (Director of Marketing). The three of them actually go to know each other working at a hot dog stand more than 15 years ago. The company was started during the midst of a pandemic and broken American politics because they believe cigars can bring people together. They have taken the lessons they learned years ago at the hot dog stand about bringing people of all types together, and put them into cigars.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Toro
Length: 6.5″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A (TABSA)
Blender: Eduardo Fernandez
Number of reviewers: 4 – Chad M. (Chad Tchad) Randy B. (randobush) Allison T. (The Yoga Ash) Diana (ArmyRN)
Price: $11.00
Age: 1 Mont
Release Date: 2021
Contributed by: ATL Cigar Co.

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 93

“This semi-closed foot Toro has a snubbed pigtail cap reminds of the look of a hardened thin layer of chocolate over Rice Krispies. Along with being able to see the bumps, you can also feel the bumps as the binder shows to be quite veiny. ” –Allison T. (The Yoga Ash)

Aroma: 93

“There is an immediate sweetness to this cigar. The aroma is reminiscent of honey mixed with hay. There are very little barnyard notes and the cigar also has a hint of pecan when taking the aromas in through the nose. The dry draw was very pleasant and sweet. The pecan notes were noted also.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

First Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Pre-light draw was light green pepper flavor. First light the cigar the first couple puffs there is a physical spiciness on the tongue. Flavors of hay and vegetables are coming through. On retrohale, there is red pepper spice the is moderate spice. During the first third, there are some tangy flavors almost of a zest of a citrus fruit that comes in every now and then. ” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

“The first few draws were very rich and consistent with the aromas noted previously. However, only about a quarter of an inch in the cigar kicked with red pepper tingling the tongue and black pepper coating my mouth. This was a spicy and quick transition. I felt as if I was eating hot spicy food but I have to say it was delicious. The amount of pepper made my eyes water and although plain black pepper is not my roll, this combination of red and black was powerful but very tasty. About two inches in the pepper notes began to recede a bit and revealed some coffee, leather, and pecan notes. The complexity was great.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Second Third

Flavor: 87
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Going into the second third, no real issues so far. Had to relight once, but draw recovered well. The Center of the cigar going soft, but not there yet. Flavors still good, salted butter, cream, and cedar found its way in the mix, and blends well with the savory sweetness.” –Randy B. (randobush)

“The pepper notes remained but were not overpowering. The hidden notes from the first third began to emerge and the coffee and leather were abundant. The hints of pecan faded a bit and the cigar remained very flavorful and rich. As I approach the middle of the second third sweet honey comes into the mix and creates an earthy-sweet mix. The leather is more noticeable at this point but the coffee notes have become more like a dark roast and are very rich.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Final Third

Flavor: 86
Strength: Medium
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Going into the final third of the cigar it was transition losing a lot of flavors and becoming mostly bland. Slight vegetable flavor. Mild leather flavor has come up. Retrohale now is just slight red pepper. The citrus zest notes have all disappeared as well. ” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

“The last third sort of flattened out. The sweetness remained but receded a bit. The leather became the front runner and everything else subsided. The last couple of inches were a bit tough for me to get through but I don’t think it was so much the flavors as it was the size of the cigar. Leather and some sweetness were tasty and this cigar brought all kinds of flavor even to the end.” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 94

“The draw was pretty seamless throughout the whole smoking experience ” –Allison T. (The Yoga Ash)

Burn: 87

“Slight uneven burn required some touch-ups but not too much to take away from the smoke.” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

Construction: 90

“Other than the burn issues the construction seemed to be fine.” –Allison T. (The Yoga Ash)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 89

“Very light smoke with vegetable, hay, leather, and at times citrus zest notes. The flavors were light and towards the end, most of these flavors faded away. ” –Chad M. (Chad Tchad)

“Really enjoyed this cigar. Flavors and performance kept me entertained. The palate is content!” –Randy B. (randobush)

“The overall experience was that the tasting notes were not in my wheelhouse. The acidic on the back of the throat was off-putting & I know I have not smoked this cigar before nor would I reach for it again. ” –Allison T. (The Yoga Ash)

“This was not initially a cigar I would pick out to smoke. The ring gauge was great but the length of the cigar was more than I usually like. The cigar proved to be a flavor bomb for me and along with a great appearance provided a very good smoking experience. The first two-thirds were fantastic and even though the last third dropped off a bit more than I would have preferred, I enjoyed the cigar overall. Take a couple of inches off and make this a shorter toro and I’m in over and over again. ” –Diana (ArmyRN)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 75

To view the complete scores and notes, click here.

ATL Libertad Toro – Blind Cigar Review