Tatuaje Verocu en Tubo

This cigar presents in an intense red tube that is shaped like a bullet. The cigar itself presents in a torpedo vitola with a rich looking brown wrapper that is the color of dark chocolate. The wrapper has some flaws and a ruddy appearance that gives it a rustic look. The construction appears to be acceptable and I detect no areas of concern. The pre light aroma is of strong coffee and earth. The pre light draw shows notes of rich coffee and satisfying tobacco flavors.

The cigar opens with a profile of rich coffee that has a slightly over brewed quality. At the back of the palate there is a deep earthy texture that adds to the depth of the overall impression. The draw is free and easy and I am impressed with the smoke that it produces, it is well known that I am not usually a fan of this vitola. The burn is a bit lopsided, but produces a crisp white ash.

The first third of the cigar continues to show deep coffee notes, there is also some cocoa coming through in the impression. At the back of the palate there is a satisfying mix of earth and dark wood. The draw maintains it's excellent performance to this point, and the burn evens out nicely as the smoke progresses.

The middle third of the cigar maintains a core profile of coffee and light cocoa notes. At the back of the palate, and through the nose, the flavors of earth and dark wood continue to intensify into a satisfying full bodied experience. The draw continues to excel and I am still impressed by the performance of the cigar. The burn is sharp and holds a bright white ash for several inches.

The final third of the cigar is a crescendo of intensifying flavors. The profile shows prolific notes of rich coffee, cocoa and earth. The back of the palate is a deep array of dark wood notes. The complexity of the cigar is somewhat lacking, but the depth is impressive. The draw and burn are both excellent.

The finish is long and smooth, showing notes of coffee and dark wood. It also leaves a lingering earthy note for several minutes after completion.

Appearance- 88 marks for a nice tubed presentation, but the cigar itself is rustic at best
Taste- 93 an excellent profile that could have been more complex
Construction- 94 a fine example of torpedo construction, early burn issues leave this just short of perfection
Strength- 91 an excellent full bodied presentation that compliments the profile well
Overall- 92.25 an excellent cigar that should be tried by all full bodied enthusiasts