Monday, September 14, 2009

Tatuaje Reserva SW

This is a new offering from Johnson/Garcia and I had been waiting to try it, despite it's 11+ dollar price tag. The cigar itself is a beautiful vitola somewhat longer than a Churchill, but thinner than a corona gorda or toro. The wrapper is the color of creamed coffee and it is applied well. There are no issues at the seams and there are no flaws on the cigar. The pre light aroma is light and has essence of nuts and light spice. The pre light draw is pleasant, and has notes of light tobacco and spice.

The cigar begins with very mild notes of coffee and cream, there is a slightly floral undertone that is providing a nice sweet balance to the profile. The burn is excellent, but the draw is a bit tight for me. The cigar progresses in this manner for the first inch and a half.

Near the end of the first third the cigar has not picked up strength as I usually expect from a Johnson/Garcia product. Instead the mild nature of the cigar begins to show through even more prominently. There are satisfying notes of cocoa, light tobacco and roasted nuts. The burn has stayed even and the draw has perceptibly loosened.

The final two thirds of the cigar continue to show excellent mild/medium characteristics. The profile consists of roasted nuts, cocoa, light vanilla and light spice. The complexity is compelling, but some of the flavors lack depth. All in all the cigar shows a lot of character for something that is mild/medium. The burn and draw have maintained their superlative qualities.

The finish is smooth and almost silky. The palate is coated with notes of light tobacco and light spice that continue for several moments, tempting me to light another of the same cigar. I don't light another, but it is calling me back soon.

Appearance- 95 an excellent looking smoke
Taste- 93 surprising complexity, somewhat lacking depth
Construction- 95 nearly flawless
Strength- 91 a fine example of a mild/medium smoke. I would have liked the medium notes to come on sooner in the cigar for more depth and character
Overall- 93.5 do not let the price keep you away from this

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