AshMap
Overview
The L’Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Lancero is a cigar that dares you to slow down. Crafted under the exacting eye of Pete Johnson at the TABA SA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, this 7.5 x 40 lancero represents a deliberate departure from the bold, full-bodied blends that often define the premium landscape. Instead, it is a study in precision—a narrow-ring gauge expression that strips away any margin for error and forces the smoker into a contemplative rhythm. The SS Lancero is part of the broader Selection Spéciale sub-line, a series Johnson launched specifically to showcase elongated, thin-gauge vitolas that reward patience and attentiveness. Limited annual production runs and exacting construction standards elevate this cigar into the Prestige tier, where it commands a price between $18 and $24 per cigar and demands a commitment of ninety to 110 minutes from light to nub. This is not a cigar for the hurried; it is an exercise in focused luxury, built for those who understand that the finest smoking experiences unfold slowly.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro (San Andres Maduro also blended in select runs) — Colorado Maduro |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan Jalapa |
| Filler | Nicaraguan Estelí and Jalapa long-fillers, aged a minimum of three years |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua (TABSA factory) |
| Vitola / Shape | Lancero |
| Size | 7.5 x 40 |
| Strength | Medium-Full |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Minimum three years on filler tobaccos; additional box aging recommended at six to twelve months for peak complexity |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
The opening is refined and aromatic — white pepper on the retrohale with dried cedar, toasted almond, and a honeyed sweetness that the narrow ring gauge pulls forward immediately. A faint floral note, almost jasmine-like, lingers on the palate between draws.
Second Third
The blend deepens considerably into espresso, dark chocolate, and seasoned leather as the lancero format concentrates and focuses the smoke. A savory red pepper spice builds steadily alongside notes of sun-dried tomato and aged oak.
Final Third
The final third delivers a richly layered finish — dark cherry, cocoa nibs, and earthen loam with a persistent black pepper and mineral finish. Strength ticks upward but never becomes harsh, staying composed and elegant through the nub.
Construction, Burn & Draw
The lancero format demands flawless construction, and the SS Lancero delivers — draw is open but with satisfying resistance, burn line is razor-even, and the pale grey ash holds firm in one-inch columns. Light carefully and take slow, deliberate draws to prevent any channeling.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged rhum agricole (Rhum J.M. XO or Clément XO) or a lightly peated single malt Scotch such as Springbank 15; the spice and floral character bridge beautifully to both
Wine
A Côtes du Rhône Villages or a structured Grenache-forward blend — the herbal, dark fruit notes in the wine mirror the cigar's mid-palate cherry and earth
Non-Alcoholic
A single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over; the coffee's floral and citrus brightness amplifies the lancero's aromatic complexity without competing
Who Should Smoke This?
The SS Lancero is built for the experienced aficionado who values nuance over intensity. If you have already spent years exploring robustos and toros and find yourself craving a more cerebral smoke—one that rewards deliberate, slow draws and forces you to engage with each evolving note—this is your cigar. It is also ideal for the collector who appreciates Pete Johnson’s surgical approach to blending and enjoys the ritual of aging a cigar to its peak complexity. The time commitment of nearly two hours means this smoke belongs to quiet evenings, unhurried conversations, or solitary moments of reflection. Novices will find the narrow gauge and focused delivery overwhelming; this one is reserved for those who have earned the patience to smoke it properly.
Bottom Line
The L’Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Lancero is a masterclass in restraint and precision—a cigar that proves elegance need not sacrifice depth. For the seasoned smoker willing to invest the time and attention it demands, this is an essential addition to any serious rotation.
Similar Cigars
Explore all L'Atelier Selection Spéciale cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Lancero a strong cigar?
It is rated Medium-Full (4/5) on our strength scale. The strength builds steadily through the final third but remains composed and elegant, never becoming harsh or overwhelming. The narrow ring gauge concentrates the nicotine delivery, so it rewards slow, deliberate smoking.
What does L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Lancero taste like?
The first third opens with white pepper, dried cedar, toasted almond, and a honeyed sweetness, accented by a faint jasmine-like floral note. The second third deepens into espresso, dark chocolate, seasoned leather, red pepper spice, sun-dried tomato, and aged oak. The final third delivers dark cherry, cocoa nibs, earthen loam, black pepper, and a persistent mineral finish.
How long does L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Lancero take to smoke?
Plan for 90 to 110 minutes of uninterrupted smoking time. The lancero format requires slow, deliberate draws to prevent channeling and to fully appreciate the evolving flavor profile.
What is the best pairing for L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Lancero?
Aged rhum agricole (Rhum J.M. XO or Clément XO) or a lightly peated single malt Scotch such as Springbank 15 bridges beautifully with the cigar's spice and floral character. For wine, a Côtes du Rhône Villages or structured Grenache-forward blend mirrors the dark cherry and earth notes. Non-alcoholically, a single-origin Ethiopian Yirgacheffe pour-over amplifies the lancero's aromatic complexity.
Is L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Lancero good for beginners?
No. This cigar is designed for experienced aficionados. The narrow 40-ring gauge and focused flavor intensity demand a developed palate and the patience to smoke slowly. Novices may find the construction challenging and the flavor profile overwhelming.
Where can I buy L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Lancero?
Due to limited annual production runs, availability is restricted. Premium brick-and-mortar retailers, select online specialty cigar merchants, and Tatuaje/L'Atelier authorized dealers are your best sources. We recommend contacting your local high-end tobacconist or checking the official L'Atelier website for distribution updates.
What is the price of L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Lancero?
The retail price ranges from $18 to $24 per cigar, placing it firmly in the Prestige tier. Pricing may vary by retailer and market.
Is L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Lancero worth aging?
Absolutely. The filler tobaccos already have a minimum of three years of age, but additional box aging of six to twelve months is recommended to reach peak complexity. The blend's balance and depth improve with careful rest, softening the red pepper spice and allowing the floral and dark fruit notes to integrate further.
What wrapper does L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Lancero use?
The primary wrapper is a Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro in a Colorado Maduro shade—deep reddish-brown to dark espresso with a pronounced oily, silky sheen. In select production runs, a San Andrés Maduro wrapper is also blended in.
Where is L'Atelier Selection Spéciale SS Lancero made?
It is hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the famed TABA SA factory, using the entubado bunching method. The binder is Nicaraguan Jalapa, and the filler is a blend of Nicaraguan Estelí and Jalapa long-fillers aged a minimum of three years.