Tatuaje Noella

This is another Pepin offering made for Pete Johnson. This is cigar is slightly larger that a petit corona, with a bit more length and thickness of ring. It presents in a ruddy, yet sturdy, looking vitola that has a nice dark brown wrapper the hue of nice chocolate. An examination of the cigar yields a construction that appears to be favorable. The pre light aroma is of chocolate and deep, dark earth notes. The pre light draw shows notes of chocolate, earth and light pepper.

The cigar opens with sweet profile that has nice chocolate notes and some rich earthy flavors and texture. The smoke is thick and heavy, imparting nice flavors all over the palate. At the back of the palate there are some nice notes of rich tobacco, coffee and further chocolate essence. Some of the flavors are a bit thin and I would like some more initial depth. The draw is excellent, which is noteworthy in cigars of this size. The burn is true and produces a sharp white ash.

The first half of the cigar continues to show notes of chocolate and rich earth. At the back of the palate there are some hints of tobacco and the development of some nice peppery notes that compliment the sweetness in the core of the profile. The smoke continues to be heavy, and the flavors linger pleasingly on the palate. The draw is still well above average and the burn is even and constant.

The second half of the cigar remains true with a core profile of chocolate and rich earthy notes. However, at the back of the palate, the peppery notes have strengthened nicely. There is some added depth and complexity in the final half of the smoke and it helps the overall impression. The burn and draw remain consistent, and this is one of the finest examples of a small smoke that I have had in recent memory.

The finish is long and full of notes of earth and pepper.

Appearance- 87 a bit rustic for me
Taste- 91 nice flavors, but more depth in the front half would have made this cigar sinful
Construction- 95 high marks for a size that is difficult to make with such excellent quality
Strength- 88 a nice medium that could have used more zip
Overall- 91.25 a very nice smoke that could be part of a an excellent everyday lineup