ATL Magic

ATL Cigar Company has released its fourth cigar, ATL Magic. This cigar company, while newly formed, was founded in roots from its three members working a hotdog stand in their neighborhood over 15 years ago. Their mission statement has been about diversity and bringing people together. Fast forward to 2020, and they found cigar lounges to be that ideal place for bringing together different people with a variety of backgrounds, coming together to have a cigar and be a community. This led them to start ATL Cigar Co. to help further their philosophy of connecting people and strengthening community and sociality.

With ATL Magic, the Atlanta-based outfit partnered up with Master Blender Luciano Meirelles of ACE Prime and the associated Tabacalera Pichardo factory in Estelí. This fledgling company’s philosophy of community was able to catch the eye of Luciano Meirelles, working closely with ATL to develop an identifiable experience within the brand’s portfolio.

“Working with Luciano Meirelles has been a distinct pleasure for me and our team. Our shared values – from proper fermentation of the leaf to financial and social support of the farmers and production team – give us great hope for the future of our partnership with Luciano and the Ace Prime – Tabacalera Pichardo family,” commented Leroy Lamar, president of ATL Cigar Co., in a press release.

ATL Cigar Co. has steadily grown since launching, with a retail footprint of more than 50 stores. The fact that this young company has worked with Luciano Meirelles shows the strength and dedication to their values of bringing people together around cigars and helping to shine a light on the Atlanta, GA cigar culture.

ATL Magic Breakdown

The flavors and aromas found in ATL Magic are attributed to the various fillers of Nicaragua, with the Pueblo Nuevo region impairing a lot of the cigar’s signature profile. The cigar was first announced in Sep., later shipping in Oct. in both 10-count bundles and 20-count boxes. At launch, the cigars are rolled in a singular toro format, retailing for $9.75.

Appearance

ATL Magic has a very mystical appeal to the cigar. The shade of the wrapper is dark red, toothy, and oily, with the color of the cigar band being gold and dark purple (or maroon, depending on the lighting). The classic band has the ATL Cigar Co. logo with a secondary band of matching color that has “MAGIC” on it. The boxes are classic plain wood displays with an understated ATL logo in black, showing no similar coloring of the cigar band. I feel the eye-catching label coloring would have been nice to see represented on the box as well.

The San Andrés wrapper really shines against this cigar band, with the purple color and oily, toothy sheen. The construction seems to be very well done, with very few seams noted. The smell of this cigar is deep and earthy, having cedar and hints of cabinet spices and cocoa upfront.

Smoking Experience

ATL Magic puts on an allurement of flavor and magnetism during this smoke. The initial cold draw gives off mild red pepper spice and cedar. After lighting, it starts off with a strong earthy and black pepper flavor. There is a mild sweet cream note that hits the tip of the tongue, followed by a retrohale of strong black pepper. Very complex flavors come and go that consist of cabinet spices, pepper, and sweet cream, all mixing together to form a deep dark chocolate (or perhaps latte) flavor. A strong mouthfeel is noted, and enriches the experience of these flavors.

The draw of the cigar is pretty good, with little issues moving these complex flavors onto your palette. The construction and feel of the Magic is firm and does not soften during smoking. Meanwhile, the burn is nice and even, showing no re-lights or touchups.

As the Magic show continues, flavors transition away from the spices, though they remain present. The components of cocoa and roasted coffee are on the forefront. During this time, salivation starts to kick up in my mouth and I notice saltiness—a surprise that enhances the experience. This is followed by a nice, mild black pepper through the retrohale.

Coming to the end of ATL Magic, the spices have tapered off. The main sensation of salty sweetness comes back in and brings an almost kettle corn-like flavor. While the retrohale maintains with black pepper, roasted coffee joins in for the finale.

Would I Smoke This Cigar Again?

I would most definitely catch this Magic show again. ATL Magic hits with a ton of flavor, spice, and salty notes, having complex transitions throughout. I would recommend getting the bundle with possible consideration for the box. The number of flavors and mouthfeel of this cigar really showcases ATL’s vision and Luciano’s expertise.

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