Tatuaje Black Robusto (5.5x50)

This cigar came from a three pack that was a give away at an event if a person purchased a box of Tatuaje cigars. I have long heard about this blend and it has been somewhat of a cigar Pegasus, as it is not available for sale anywhere. The legend behind the blend is that it is made specifically for Pete Johnson and that he, and only he smokes, it regularly. I can't verify any of this, but I do know they are hard to find and when I had the chance to purchase a box and get some I jumped at it.

The cigar itself is nice looking and has a dark wrapper that has few veins. The band is a typical Tatuaje presentation, only it is black in color, instead of the usual red or brown. The cigar seems to be well made and I can't detect a single area of concern. The pre light draw is fluid and presents strong flavors of cinnamon. The pre light aroma is powerful and contains notes of dark wood and spice.

The cigar opens with an intense array of cinnamon, spice and licorice that blasts the palate from the first draws. I am somewhat taken aback by the early power of this smoke and put off by the lack of nuance in the presentation. This is a wet hand across the face and it stings the palate in a similar manner. At the back of the palate there are some hints of dark wood and some light earth, but the front presentations are cloaking any refinement that might be present here. The draw is above average, but a bit on the tight side for me. The burn is even and a dirty gray ash is forming.

The first half of the smoke quickly transitions into a presentation of charred coffee and wood. I find this development wholly unappealing. At the back of the palate there remains a thin core of dark wood, but the charred notes from the front are threatening to derail the entire experience. The draw continues to be acceptable, but the tightness I noted is still present. The burn is excellent to this point.

The final half of the cigar shows no development. The profile maintains a charred and almost bitter presentation of coffee like notes, but there are some charred wood presentations here as well. At the back of the palate there are bitter flavors of burning foliage and the throat becomes dry. The draw maintains an average performance throughout and the burn is excellent for the duration of the smoke.

The finish is charred and bitter. I am very disappointed with this smoke, I do have more so perhaps they will improve with some age. One can only hope...

Appearance- 88 a somewhat plain presentation, but still appealing
Taste- 82 some early moments of acceptability save this score, otherwise it was an abomination
Construction- 87 some draw issues, but overall slightly above average
Strength- 85 Medium to full, but not helping or hurting the score
Overall- 85.25