I can't believe that is has been ten years since Tatuaje first hit the scene. My how far we have come in the boutique revolution since those early days when not a single smoker knew what a boutique was. For crap's sake, boutiques didn't even know they were boutiques back then. They were just small batch cigars that were hoping to catch on somewhere, anywhere they could find someone to give them a shot. I remember sitting in shops back then, with plenty of Altadis, General and thank God Fuente and Padron to choose from. Ohhh sure there were some other yawn worthy, and puke worthy, remnants of the boom still slopping around. I mean who could forget Don Rafael and Barlovento right? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller...Bueller...Bueller... Anyway the list of those thankfully forgotten chicken bones could go on for days and days. Luckily Pepin and Pete Johnson came along and set the stage for the boutique explosion, hell I was so desperate for new smokes at the time I actually bought a couple of boxes of Barlovento. My day of grace came when I found Tatuaje Browns in an Ybor shop and the rest, as they say, is history...succulent smoky history. My affair with Pete's brands has been hot and cold, but there are still many days you can find me with an old Tat Brown or Tat Red hanging from my lips, they are still just that good.
This cigar had a ton of buzz at IPCPR, almost as much as Camacho's new branding (you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig by the way) or Pepin's 10th Anniversary cigar (box coming for me, don't ask for any), so much buzz that getting hold of one was exceedingly difficult. I even had to call in some chits, and I like my chits! One of my contacts finally got one and I secreted it away and waited until a rare smoke Friday (follow these on my twitter page @srqcigarczar #raresmokefriday) to smoke it. Well that Friday finally arrived and I was ripe with excitement.
The cigar presents well with some very simple band work, in sticking with the Tatuaje tradition, and a pigtail cap and unfinished foot. It is rustic looking in that the wrapper has a ruddy appearance to it, but the application of the wrapper is excellent and I can't find any issues in the bunch or roll. The pre light aroma smacks of pepper and heavy spice. The pre light draw also shows heavy pepper notes. I am settling in for a real powerful bomb of a smoke here.
The cigar opens with a completely unexpected profile. The core notes are all roasted nuts, clove like spice and a very interesting sweetness that has some coffee flavor but is more like hazelnut. This palate diversity does not necessarily work harmoniously because it so busy and scuttled, but there are some hints of greatness here. The back of the palate and through the nose show a very woody base that has large quantities of dry balsa and some hints of sweet earth. This is not a profile that I am used to from Pete's products and the change is hard to grasp. The draw is very nice, all though it is a touch loose for me. The burn was wonky at first, I assign this to the unfinished foot, but it evens out quickly.
The first half of the cigar continues to struggle to find a personality. I was ready for a spicy bomb in the pre light sequence, but it is not what I am getting at all. The core profile is still profoundly nutty and still heavily hazelnutesque, however there are moments of genius when some coffee flavors play wonderfully with these core notes. There is still some spice here, transitioning into a more cinnamon and anise presentation, but these flavors are fleeting at best. The back of the palate has transitioned into a more robust medium flavored wood presentation and there are still some nice hints of sweet earth coming in here as well. The draw remains a touch too loose for me, but it is not causing any issues. The burn is performing well.
The final half of this cigar really sets my world on fire. The core profile becomes a delightful array of hazelnut, cinnamon and maple flavors that smack of a french toast finish. I know what you're thinking, French Toast? This guy has lost it! All I can say is smoke it and see, maybe you'll find the same thing. I hope you do, because it is finds like these in individual cigars that make the pursuit all worth it. At the back of the palate there is a peppery note that gives the cigar some kick right when you need it most, this is coupled with some robust earthy tones that round out the experience in a very nice way. The draw stays the same throughout and the burn performs admirably right to the end.
The finish smacked of maple flavors and light pepper long after the smoke and wistful thoughts about the origins of the boutique phenomenon dissipate.
All in all this smoke was not what I expected at all, and in the first half was at time disappointing. However, it finished strong and I will smoke it again.
Appearance- 92 simple and rustic
Taste- 90 I am going to just eek this into the 90's because of the last half
Construction- 89 some loose draw and early burn issues hurt the score
Strength- 88 medium early, more robust late
Overall- 89.75 a very nice smoke
Showing posts with label Tatuaje. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tatuaje. Show all posts
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Friday, December 28, 2012
The Old Man and the C Culebra (7.5x38)
Usually I scoff at such blatant gimmickry, but in this case my initial negative reaction was turned into something more like curiosity followed by intense interest. It is not often that I am intrigued by a cigar offering anymore, the industry has just become so big ring and full flavored focused in the last few years that I can hardly stand it anymore. Along comes Pete Johnson, one of the masters of gimmicks, with this selection. For those of you that don't know what this is, it is a coffin with four cigars in it, one is the original Tatuaje Black Lancero and the other three are Lancero Culebras. Culebras are so rare and fun to have that I nearly knocked people over on my up to the front of my local B&M and to get one of the coffins. It is no secret in this blog that my departure from Pete had almost been complete when he pulled me back in with L'Atelier and with that greatness fresh in my mind I was mouth watering over this selection from the word go. In fact, the proprietor (always quite the joker), made some comment about inventing a cigar bib for me to stop the slobber from hitting my dress shirt. Very funny, very funny, but probably apt. Needless to say the week I had these laying in my humidor was killing me.
The Culebra is a mangled mess of a cigar to look at and I love every minute of it. Like looking at a masterpiece painting or sculpture I feel like there is depth and a palpable sense of anticipation at every turn and curve of the cigar. I am always concerned about the smoking performance of these cigars, you wonder, how could they be any good with all that mess there? Oddly enough I have had very few perform badly. This one looks like a thing of beauty and I can't detect any areas that will cause me concern at all. The pre light aroma is a heady mix of pepper and dark wood. The pre light draw shows some coffee tones with dark wood highlights.
The cigar opens with a profile that has miles and miles of depth and character. There are some brilliant meanderings of black pepper that smack the palate early on, only to be softened by some wonderful wood tones that have cedar, oak and hickory notes all wrapped into one. I am positively abuzz about this experience from the beginning and it is not letting me down. At the back of the palate and through the nose there are some very nice hints of coffee flavors and very nice crisp tobacco note on the finish that is harmonic when considered against the rest of the smoke. The draw is an absolute dream, perfect resistance and perfect delivery of smoke lead me into a considered pose as I contemplate the holidays and other such goings on because I know this cigar will not cause me an issue at all. The burn is also splendid and there is nary an issue.
The first half of the smoke really ramps up the flavor and robustness as it progresses. The core profile is really hammering away with black and red pepper notes that leave the palate alive and looking for more. The undertone of exceptional wood flavors still holds on in the background as almost a barrier to the pepper flavors becoming too much to bear. The back of the palate settles into a nice presentation of crisp and hearty tobacco flavors that further lend to the dampening of pepper notes that could become too much for the palate to work with if unchecked. The draw continues to be a wonderful experience and the burn moves right along with even ash and neither a run or split.
The final half of the cigar moves it into serious cigar of the year contention. The core profile takes on some more pepper flavors, but a hint of gingersnap comes into the profile and the molasses quality adds a satisfying counterpoint to the entire experience. It has been a long time since I was this impressed with a profile in a cigar and my transition back into the Pete Johnson fold is almost complete. The back of the palate and the nose still show effective tobacco flavors and some of the wood from the front of the smoke has found its way here as well. The draw and burn perform without a single issue all the way to the end.
The finish was woody and had some molasses bite and sweetness to it that lingered on.
Appearance- 100 I would not give a work of art like this a lesser score
Taste- 96 one of the finer profiles I have experienced in awhile
Construction- 100 the performance was so good for such an intricate vitola I have no choice
Strength- 97 a very nice full flavored experience
Overall- 98.25 an instant classic and definitely cigar of the year quality
The Culebra is a mangled mess of a cigar to look at and I love every minute of it. Like looking at a masterpiece painting or sculpture I feel like there is depth and a palpable sense of anticipation at every turn and curve of the cigar. I am always concerned about the smoking performance of these cigars, you wonder, how could they be any good with all that mess there? Oddly enough I have had very few perform badly. This one looks like a thing of beauty and I can't detect any areas that will cause me concern at all. The pre light aroma is a heady mix of pepper and dark wood. The pre light draw shows some coffee tones with dark wood highlights.
The cigar opens with a profile that has miles and miles of depth and character. There are some brilliant meanderings of black pepper that smack the palate early on, only to be softened by some wonderful wood tones that have cedar, oak and hickory notes all wrapped into one. I am positively abuzz about this experience from the beginning and it is not letting me down. At the back of the palate and through the nose there are some very nice hints of coffee flavors and very nice crisp tobacco note on the finish that is harmonic when considered against the rest of the smoke. The draw is an absolute dream, perfect resistance and perfect delivery of smoke lead me into a considered pose as I contemplate the holidays and other such goings on because I know this cigar will not cause me an issue at all. The burn is also splendid and there is nary an issue.
The first half of the smoke really ramps up the flavor and robustness as it progresses. The core profile is really hammering away with black and red pepper notes that leave the palate alive and looking for more. The undertone of exceptional wood flavors still holds on in the background as almost a barrier to the pepper flavors becoming too much to bear. The back of the palate settles into a nice presentation of crisp and hearty tobacco flavors that further lend to the dampening of pepper notes that could become too much for the palate to work with if unchecked. The draw continues to be a wonderful experience and the burn moves right along with even ash and neither a run or split.
The final half of the cigar moves it into serious cigar of the year contention. The core profile takes on some more pepper flavors, but a hint of gingersnap comes into the profile and the molasses quality adds a satisfying counterpoint to the entire experience. It has been a long time since I was this impressed with a profile in a cigar and my transition back into the Pete Johnson fold is almost complete. The back of the palate and the nose still show effective tobacco flavors and some of the wood from the front of the smoke has found its way here as well. The draw and burn perform without a single issue all the way to the end.
The finish was woody and had some molasses bite and sweetness to it that lingered on.
Appearance- 100 I would not give a work of art like this a lesser score
Taste- 96 one of the finer profiles I have experienced in awhile
Construction- 100 the performance was so good for such an intricate vitola I have no choice
Strength- 97 a very nice full flavored experience
Overall- 98.25 an instant classic and definitely cigar of the year quality
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Tatuaje 2011 Halloween Edition-Wolfman (7.5x52)
Yesterday was Halloween and when I was a single guy Halloween meant scoping out the costumes of questionable repute amongst 19-45 year old females, the eye candy was my trick or treat. I am now a married man, with a stepson, so my Halloween pursuits have changed a bit in recent years. There is now trick or treating with a five year old and my wife (I never knew how exhausting this could be), and in general a lot of walking and dealing with other screaming children that seem to come from some underground haven of noise makers in our neighborhood, where did all these freaking kids come from!!! In order to cope part of my new Halloween ritual is to smoke a cigar whilst the demon children run hither and yon whacked out on sugar and adrenaline. This year I chose the 2011 Halloween offering from Tatuaje. Every year Pete Johnson brings some fun into the Halloween time of the year with his Monster release, and while I bought some in 2011 I never got around to smoking any of them.
This cigar presents very simply. The band is simple, and I would argue dull and too closely colored to the wrapper to even draw your eye there. The foot is unfinished giving the cigar a shaggy look and feel, appropriate when calling a cigar the Wolfman. The bunch is not dense and feels a little too spongy for me so I am worried about the loose draw possibilities that this attribute can summon. There is box press on this smoke, and as everyone knows, I am no fan of the box press. The second strike is that this cigar is a torpedo, again I am not a huge fan. The pre light aroma was of tobacco and muted cinnamon. The pre light draw was earthy and showed some wood flavors.
The cigar opens with a profile that is neither deep or complex, but there are some nice flavors present. The core flavors consist of nice black pepper notes with some light tastes of wood, but there aside from this there is not a whole lot here. I am yearning for some depth or complexity with these flavors or a complementary essence, but there just isn't one. The back of the palate and the nose show some nice earthy notes, but again they are not particularly deep or interesting to me. The draw is very loose early and it has me concerned about heat later in the smoke. The burn is tough in the first half inch or so, but once the unfinished foot is gone it evens out nicely.
The first half of the cigar shows no real development, which I find disappointing. The core profile continues to show pepper and wood flavors, but they just lay there like a corpse without any real punch. The back of the palate continues to show some earthy tones and maybe some burnt coffee flavors, but there is no real action here either. This total lack of anything resembling progress has me really disappointed by this point in the smoke. The draw has settled down into something less loose, but is still too loose for my liking. When confronted with a choice I will always take the firmer draw over the looser one. The burn is solid to this point.
The final half of the cigar really just continues to plod along mundanely. The core flavors are still slogging along unenthusiastically showing pepper and wood, blaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh. The back of the palate continues to show earthy flavors with some burnt coffee offerings, blaaaaaaaaahhhhh. There is never an iota of development in this cigar at any point, unless you count developing an ash as a development. The draw is fine until the end, but is still just too loose for me. The burn develops a run in the final third and I had to correct it before it continued on like fleeing villagers in the face of extreme horror.
The finish may have been the best part of the cigar as a nice pepper flavor lingered on.
Appearance- 85 pretty average
Taste- 82 just nothing worth noting here
Construction- 84 too many issues to give any higher a mark
Strength- 85 a medium offering
Overall- 83.75 just too full of nothing exciting
This cigar presents very simply. The band is simple, and I would argue dull and too closely colored to the wrapper to even draw your eye there. The foot is unfinished giving the cigar a shaggy look and feel, appropriate when calling a cigar the Wolfman. The bunch is not dense and feels a little too spongy for me so I am worried about the loose draw possibilities that this attribute can summon. There is box press on this smoke, and as everyone knows, I am no fan of the box press. The second strike is that this cigar is a torpedo, again I am not a huge fan. The pre light aroma was of tobacco and muted cinnamon. The pre light draw was earthy and showed some wood flavors.
The cigar opens with a profile that is neither deep or complex, but there are some nice flavors present. The core flavors consist of nice black pepper notes with some light tastes of wood, but there aside from this there is not a whole lot here. I am yearning for some depth or complexity with these flavors or a complementary essence, but there just isn't one. The back of the palate and the nose show some nice earthy notes, but again they are not particularly deep or interesting to me. The draw is very loose early and it has me concerned about heat later in the smoke. The burn is tough in the first half inch or so, but once the unfinished foot is gone it evens out nicely.
The first half of the cigar shows no real development, which I find disappointing. The core profile continues to show pepper and wood flavors, but they just lay there like a corpse without any real punch. The back of the palate continues to show some earthy tones and maybe some burnt coffee flavors, but there is no real action here either. This total lack of anything resembling progress has me really disappointed by this point in the smoke. The draw has settled down into something less loose, but is still too loose for my liking. When confronted with a choice I will always take the firmer draw over the looser one. The burn is solid to this point.
The final half of the cigar really just continues to plod along mundanely. The core flavors are still slogging along unenthusiastically showing pepper and wood, blaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh. The back of the palate continues to show earthy flavors with some burnt coffee offerings, blaaaaaaaaahhhhh. There is never an iota of development in this cigar at any point, unless you count developing an ash as a development. The draw is fine until the end, but is still just too loose for me. The burn develops a run in the final third and I had to correct it before it continued on like fleeing villagers in the face of extreme horror.
The finish may have been the best part of the cigar as a nice pepper flavor lingered on.
Appearance- 85 pretty average
Taste- 82 just nothing worth noting here
Construction- 84 too many issues to give any higher a mark
Strength- 85 a medium offering
Overall- 83.75 just too full of nothing exciting
Friday, October 28, 2011
Tatuaje La Verite Vintage 2009 Robusto (5x50)
I am a recently lost disciple of Pete Johnson. I used to go out of my way to get my hands on his smokes. I would search high and low, no price was too high, I just couldn't get enough of them. I still can't get enough of the Tat Reds and Browns, and I also love Cabaiguan, Triunfador and La Riqueza. Recent releases just haven't been very good though, and I find that disturbing, so I have left the Pete Johnson fold, at least in terms of new releases.
This is not a new release, but it is a cigar that I had not smoked or reviewed before so it is new to me. It presents well, the wrapper is silky and shows little veining. The bandwork and overall presentation is sophisticated, but understated and classy. The cigar appears to be constructed well, I can't find any issues when I inspect it. The pre light draw is full of wheat, bread and cedar. The pre light aroma is also wheaty and full of cedar notes.
The cigar opens with a splendid array of flavor that is both complex and deep. There are some nice flavors here; bread, wheat, cedar, spice and citrus. The interplay between all of these flavors is excellent early on and this cigar is really ramping up my expectations at this point. I am being transferred back to the halcyon days of early Pete offerings, when every cigar was nearly a masterpiece. At the back of the palate the smoke is heavy and lingers sweetly on the palate with a brush of vanilla flavors that has some white pepper kick to it. The draw is a bit tight here, but I am thinking it will open up as the smoke progresses. The burn is rock solid, nary a run or issue.
The first half of the cigar is excellent, though some of the early promise is gone. The profile settles into a more simple array of wheat and cedar, but the depth is still nice. At the back of the palate the vanilla flavor becomes muted and the pepper notes really take over to provide a kick to a profile that really needs it in the opening half. This is a very pleasant experience up to this point, and I am thinking I may need to get some more of these. The draw opens slightly, but it is still not where I want it to be. The burn stays solid to this point.
The final half of this smoke really brings it home. The profile morphs into a dizzying array of flavor and complexity that is seldom experienced in a cigar. The core profile shows notes of vanilla, cedar and pepper. This mixes together in levels of complexity that are mind blowing. At the back of the palate there are some very fine notes of wheat and some light caramel flavor comes through here as well. This combination of flavor is unique and, in my opinion, fantastic. The draw opens even further and in the final third is exactly where I want it. The burn stays solid throughout.
The finish luxuriates the palate with vanilla and cedar flavors well into the night.
Appearance- 91 elegant
Taste- 92 a very nice palate that lost some zip in the first half
Construction- 90 some early tightness in the draw hurts the score
Strength- 93 a very nice medium
Overall- 91.25 a very nice smoking experience
This is not a new release, but it is a cigar that I had not smoked or reviewed before so it is new to me. It presents well, the wrapper is silky and shows little veining. The bandwork and overall presentation is sophisticated, but understated and classy. The cigar appears to be constructed well, I can't find any issues when I inspect it. The pre light draw is full of wheat, bread and cedar. The pre light aroma is also wheaty and full of cedar notes.
The cigar opens with a splendid array of flavor that is both complex and deep. There are some nice flavors here; bread, wheat, cedar, spice and citrus. The interplay between all of these flavors is excellent early on and this cigar is really ramping up my expectations at this point. I am being transferred back to the halcyon days of early Pete offerings, when every cigar was nearly a masterpiece. At the back of the palate the smoke is heavy and lingers sweetly on the palate with a brush of vanilla flavors that has some white pepper kick to it. The draw is a bit tight here, but I am thinking it will open up as the smoke progresses. The burn is rock solid, nary a run or issue.
The first half of the cigar is excellent, though some of the early promise is gone. The profile settles into a more simple array of wheat and cedar, but the depth is still nice. At the back of the palate the vanilla flavor becomes muted and the pepper notes really take over to provide a kick to a profile that really needs it in the opening half. This is a very pleasant experience up to this point, and I am thinking I may need to get some more of these. The draw opens slightly, but it is still not where I want it to be. The burn stays solid to this point.
The final half of this smoke really brings it home. The profile morphs into a dizzying array of flavor and complexity that is seldom experienced in a cigar. The core profile shows notes of vanilla, cedar and pepper. This mixes together in levels of complexity that are mind blowing. At the back of the palate there are some very fine notes of wheat and some light caramel flavor comes through here as well. This combination of flavor is unique and, in my opinion, fantastic. The draw opens even further and in the final third is exactly where I want it. The burn stays solid throughout.
The finish luxuriates the palate with vanilla and cedar flavors well into the night.
Appearance- 91 elegant
Taste- 92 a very nice palate that lost some zip in the first half
Construction- 90 some early tightness in the draw hurts the score
Strength- 93 a very nice medium
Overall- 91.25 a very nice smoking experience
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Tatuaje Avion 11 (6.75x48/52)
This is another new release from Pete Johnson and I had been looking forward to smoking it, upon completion of the cigar I have some different ideas about what I could have done with the time spent anticipating and smoking this cigar. For example, I am long overdue for a trip to the dentist. I have some lecture invites to listen to Health Insurance Actuaries discuss life expectancy tables and I could have gone (apparently that lecture has no date or time, it just keeps going). I have a garage that needs cleaning and office that needs painting, I could have done either one of those. Alas, I wasted time and mind resources dreaming of the day I would smoke this offering with grand expectations of the next great Tatuaje. It was not to be.
The cigar presents in an odd figurado presentation that reminds me of a Fuente Hemingway on roids. This cigar is bulky and heavy feeling to me, the wrapper is dull and unexciting. The construction appears to be well done, but I am not wide eyed at the presentation here. The pre light draw is of heavy tobacco. The pre light aroma is earthy and full of barnyard odors.
The cigar opens with a profile that is of all tobacco, good old fashioned straight forward tobacco. No complexity, no depth and no character presents at all here and I find myself wondering what Pete was thinking. I have been so spoiled by Tat's over the years that I am visibly shaken at this point because I am flummoxed. At the back of the palate there are some serious flavors of dry grass and bitter balsa wood. This cigar has no finesse at this point and my palate is being clubbed by ill defined flavors that are slogging about the mouth. The draw is a shade tight, but cigars with this particular shape often draw poorly until past the tapered foot. The burn is off as well, but I am not overly concerned here.
The first half of the smoke is all straight tobacco with some earthy and mineral flavors that are not very solid. The back of the palate is dry and full of burning grass and hay notes. If it is possible, it is actually getting worse as the cigar develops. The draw is open now, but I wish it weren't. The burn has evened out and I anticipate no issues.
The final half of the cigar becomes so dry and lacking in character that I am sure I am smoking a Cheap Bastard and that someone got the drop on me and switched my cigar. I determine it could not be so and that the cigar is actually that bad. The core profile becomes of charred coffee and loamy earth, there are still some tobacco notes here, but they can't save it. At the back of the palate the dryness continues as grassy flavors coat the palate is a smoke that has a dusty texture. My mouth is starting to feel like I slept with it open all night while one foot away from a box fan. The draw is fine and the burn continues to be acceptable.
The finish is not great and I am so disappointed with this cigar that I can hardly believe my notes that indicate this was a terrible smoking experience throughout, my first such experience while sampling a Pete Johnson smoke.
Appearance- 86 nice vitola, that is all
Taste- 76 some nice tones, but overall not good
Construction- 88 pretty good for a complex vitola
Strength- 85 medium and not remarkable
Overall- 83.25 very sub par, I expect way more
The cigar presents in an odd figurado presentation that reminds me of a Fuente Hemingway on roids. This cigar is bulky and heavy feeling to me, the wrapper is dull and unexciting. The construction appears to be well done, but I am not wide eyed at the presentation here. The pre light draw is of heavy tobacco. The pre light aroma is earthy and full of barnyard odors.
The cigar opens with a profile that is of all tobacco, good old fashioned straight forward tobacco. No complexity, no depth and no character presents at all here and I find myself wondering what Pete was thinking. I have been so spoiled by Tat's over the years that I am visibly shaken at this point because I am flummoxed. At the back of the palate there are some serious flavors of dry grass and bitter balsa wood. This cigar has no finesse at this point and my palate is being clubbed by ill defined flavors that are slogging about the mouth. The draw is a shade tight, but cigars with this particular shape often draw poorly until past the tapered foot. The burn is off as well, but I am not overly concerned here.
The first half of the smoke is all straight tobacco with some earthy and mineral flavors that are not very solid. The back of the palate is dry and full of burning grass and hay notes. If it is possible, it is actually getting worse as the cigar develops. The draw is open now, but I wish it weren't. The burn has evened out and I anticipate no issues.
The final half of the cigar becomes so dry and lacking in character that I am sure I am smoking a Cheap Bastard and that someone got the drop on me and switched my cigar. I determine it could not be so and that the cigar is actually that bad. The core profile becomes of charred coffee and loamy earth, there are still some tobacco notes here, but they can't save it. At the back of the palate the dryness continues as grassy flavors coat the palate is a smoke that has a dusty texture. My mouth is starting to feel like I slept with it open all night while one foot away from a box fan. The draw is fine and the burn continues to be acceptable.
The finish is not great and I am so disappointed with this cigar that I can hardly believe my notes that indicate this was a terrible smoking experience throughout, my first such experience while sampling a Pete Johnson smoke.
Appearance- 86 nice vitola, that is all
Taste- 76 some nice tones, but overall not good
Construction- 88 pretty good for a complex vitola
Strength- 85 medium and not remarkable
Overall- 83.25 very sub par, I expect way more
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
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
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
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Tatuaje Anarchy (6x54)
I had long heard about this cigar and knew that it could only be found at the Smoke Inn stores in SE Florida. Instead of jumping on a box I tool my time and patiently waited until I would be in the area so I could buy a few singles before I splurged on an entire box. Well yesterday I was at the The Great Smoke (as an aside if you have not gone to this event it is a must) and I wandered into the Smoke Inn and found three of these bad boys, sadly someone jacked my other two so I only get to review the one that I got to smoke.
The cigar is intimidating to look at. It is big, dark and has an aggressive, modified salomon shape that makes it look angry. The wrapper is dark and oily with few veins and clings to the cigar like a wet blanket. The head is finished with a three layered curly pigtail that is difficult to cut through. The cigar seems firm to me and I am concerned about possible draw implications. The pre light aroma is a heady mix of cinnamon, tobacco and pepper. The pre light draw is strong and leaves a tingly sensation on the lips and tongue, showing some signs of anise and wood.
This cigar opens with some initial blasts of anise and wood that are nearly overpowering for so early in a smoke. At the back of the palate there are scads of pepper and earth flavors, but the presentation of all the flavors seems erratic to me. The burn is a bit lopsided to start, but is not showing any signs of trouble, just the usual salomon burn crazies. The draw is a touch tight, but it is not causing any undue stress at this point.
The first half of the cigar continues to be a little schizophrenic for me. The core profile is alternating between some excellent pepper and wood notes, to extremely overwhelming blasts of anise that are killing the palate with some weird licorice like remnants that are not appealing. The complexity is just not here as these straightforward presentations become too erratic to judge effectively. At the back of the palate there are some presentations of earth and coffee, but they have a scorched aftertaste that is impossible to overlook at this point. The burn has evened out nicely and the draw is improving at this point.
The final half of the cigar is amongst the strongest that I have ever smoked. The power here really takes over the experience and it is really strong just for the sake of being strong I think, an attribute that I really don't care for. The core profile morphs into a presentation earth and pepper, but there are tannins and metallic flavors brought about by the strength that hurt the flavors. At the back of the palate there are some fleeting notes of cinnamon and brown sugar, but they are quickly veiled by the metallic notes that permeate the entire smoke in the back portion. The burn and draw remained acceptable throughout.
The finish was long, but held metallic flavors for far too long, no one wants to feel like they have been sucking on a penny and this cigar made me feel just that.
In the end there is something apropos about the name Anarchy as the name betrays the chaos exhibited by the smoke. Additionally, in the ultimate form of Anarchy, someone had stolen my other two smokes. Long ashes my burglarious friends, long ashes, hopefully you enjoy them more than I did.
Appearance- 91 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 80 and that is generous
Construction- 88 some early burn issues, but nothing that knocked this to below average
Strength- 82 full to extra full in the last half, it did nothing to help the profile
Overall- 84.75 at $10 per stick I would not smoke another one
The cigar is intimidating to look at. It is big, dark and has an aggressive, modified salomon shape that makes it look angry. The wrapper is dark and oily with few veins and clings to the cigar like a wet blanket. The head is finished with a three layered curly pigtail that is difficult to cut through. The cigar seems firm to me and I am concerned about possible draw implications. The pre light aroma is a heady mix of cinnamon, tobacco and pepper. The pre light draw is strong and leaves a tingly sensation on the lips and tongue, showing some signs of anise and wood.
This cigar opens with some initial blasts of anise and wood that are nearly overpowering for so early in a smoke. At the back of the palate there are scads of pepper and earth flavors, but the presentation of all the flavors seems erratic to me. The burn is a bit lopsided to start, but is not showing any signs of trouble, just the usual salomon burn crazies. The draw is a touch tight, but it is not causing any undue stress at this point.
The first half of the cigar continues to be a little schizophrenic for me. The core profile is alternating between some excellent pepper and wood notes, to extremely overwhelming blasts of anise that are killing the palate with some weird licorice like remnants that are not appealing. The complexity is just not here as these straightforward presentations become too erratic to judge effectively. At the back of the palate there are some presentations of earth and coffee, but they have a scorched aftertaste that is impossible to overlook at this point. The burn has evened out nicely and the draw is improving at this point.
The final half of the cigar is amongst the strongest that I have ever smoked. The power here really takes over the experience and it is really strong just for the sake of being strong I think, an attribute that I really don't care for. The core profile morphs into a presentation earth and pepper, but there are tannins and metallic flavors brought about by the strength that hurt the flavors. At the back of the palate there are some fleeting notes of cinnamon and brown sugar, but they are quickly veiled by the metallic notes that permeate the entire smoke in the back portion. The burn and draw remained acceptable throughout.
The finish was long, but held metallic flavors for far too long, no one wants to feel like they have been sucking on a penny and this cigar made me feel just that.
In the end there is something apropos about the name Anarchy as the name betrays the chaos exhibited by the smoke. Additionally, in the ultimate form of Anarchy, someone had stolen my other two smokes. Long ashes my burglarious friends, long ashes, hopefully you enjoy them more than I did.
Appearance- 91 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 80 and that is generous
Construction- 88 some early burn issues, but nothing that knocked this to below average
Strength- 82 full to extra full in the last half, it did nothing to help the profile
Overall- 84.75 at $10 per stick I would not smoke another one
Monday, November 15, 2010
Tatuaje Monster Series "The Face" (6.375x56)
Every year Pete Johnson brings us the Monster Series cigar sometime around Halloween. This year's version is a very large offering and it sports a band made of tobacco that is supposed to resemble Leatherface of Texas Chainsaw Massacre fame. The cigar also shows an unfinished foot, I always find this affectation to be gimmicky, and in some cases I have had an unfinished foot hinder early combustion and cause smoking issues that could have been avoided. Gimmicks aside, I have always enjoyed the Monster Series smokes and I will live with the strange and affected once per year.
The smoke itself is very large and thick. I am not a big ring guy, but in this case it seems right to me. The tobacco as a band idea has some cache and provides and interesting visual experience, plus it saves labor as I usually remove the band right away. An examination of the cigar reveals no issues, but I do notice that the wrapper seems a bit dry to me. There are very few veins, and aside from some visual dryness as well, the cigar seems well made. The pre light aroma is very strange, but pleasing, showing some sweet wheaty aromas. The pre light draw is very smooth, which indicates to me the unfinished foot will not be an issue, it shows some strong notes of tobacco and light spice.
The cigar opens with a profile that is a touch too thin for me. There are some nice ideas of spice, tobacco and sugarcane here but they are not deep or complex. There is a touch of early pepper here as well, but it is dry and not helping the cause. At the back of the palate there are some very nice flavors of wood and leather, but again the flavors seem a bit too shallow for me at this point. The draw on this cigar is a dream, I am having no issue getting ample smoke from each pull and the resistance that is present is nearly perfect. The burn is slightly askew, but cigars with an unfinished foot often burn oddly early on.
The first half of the cigar is a lesson in duality. There are some areas that I really like and when the smoke is in these phases I am nearing cigar euphoria. However, there are some times in the first half when I am seriously considering getting rid of the whole shooting match. The profile is alternately of spice and tobacco followed by shifts to grass and dusty presentations of cedar. There are some areas where a hint of vanilla might be coming through, but they are not anything I can isolate. At the back of the palate there are still some notes of wood, but the front of the profile leaves the final impressions wanting. The draw continues to be excellent and the burn has evened out.
The final half of the cigar is where I expect some development, but there really is none. The presentation continues to be schizophrenic, alternately showing excellence and mediocrity. The main profile continues to waffle between notes of tobacco and spice to notes of vegetation and grass. There is an odd aftertaste creeping in here that is sugary, but charred. At the back of the palate there are still some notes of wood that are acceptable and adding to the experience in a positive way. The draw and burn continue to be most impressive.
The finish was interesting, showing some ideas of sugarcane, tobacco, grass and spice. Overall this was not the most impressive of the Monster Series smokes, look to last year's Boris or Drac for better experiences (if you can find any).
Appearance- 88 an interesting visual approach
Taste- 86 there was just too much happening here for it to be any higher
Construction- 92 aside from some early burn issues, this cigar performed magnificently
Strength- 87 a solid medium that was not unique in any way
Overall- 88.5 based on solid construction and average taste
The smoke itself is very large and thick. I am not a big ring guy, but in this case it seems right to me. The tobacco as a band idea has some cache and provides and interesting visual experience, plus it saves labor as I usually remove the band right away. An examination of the cigar reveals no issues, but I do notice that the wrapper seems a bit dry to me. There are very few veins, and aside from some visual dryness as well, the cigar seems well made. The pre light aroma is very strange, but pleasing, showing some sweet wheaty aromas. The pre light draw is very smooth, which indicates to me the unfinished foot will not be an issue, it shows some strong notes of tobacco and light spice.
The cigar opens with a profile that is a touch too thin for me. There are some nice ideas of spice, tobacco and sugarcane here but they are not deep or complex. There is a touch of early pepper here as well, but it is dry and not helping the cause. At the back of the palate there are some very nice flavors of wood and leather, but again the flavors seem a bit too shallow for me at this point. The draw on this cigar is a dream, I am having no issue getting ample smoke from each pull and the resistance that is present is nearly perfect. The burn is slightly askew, but cigars with an unfinished foot often burn oddly early on.
The first half of the cigar is a lesson in duality. There are some areas that I really like and when the smoke is in these phases I am nearing cigar euphoria. However, there are some times in the first half when I am seriously considering getting rid of the whole shooting match. The profile is alternately of spice and tobacco followed by shifts to grass and dusty presentations of cedar. There are some areas where a hint of vanilla might be coming through, but they are not anything I can isolate. At the back of the palate there are still some notes of wood, but the front of the profile leaves the final impressions wanting. The draw continues to be excellent and the burn has evened out.
The final half of the cigar is where I expect some development, but there really is none. The presentation continues to be schizophrenic, alternately showing excellence and mediocrity. The main profile continues to waffle between notes of tobacco and spice to notes of vegetation and grass. There is an odd aftertaste creeping in here that is sugary, but charred. At the back of the palate there are still some notes of wood that are acceptable and adding to the experience in a positive way. The draw and burn continue to be most impressive.
The finish was interesting, showing some ideas of sugarcane, tobacco, grass and spice. Overall this was not the most impressive of the Monster Series smokes, look to last year's Boris or Drac for better experiences (if you can find any).
Appearance- 88 an interesting visual approach
Taste- 86 there was just too much happening here for it to be any higher
Construction- 92 aside from some early burn issues, this cigar performed magnificently
Strength- 87 a solid medium that was not unique in any way
Overall- 88.5 based on solid construction and average taste
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tatuaje Havana VI Nobles
This was a cigar that was in my top ten for 2009, I thought I would give it another chance to be on the list for 2010. I pawed around in my humidor before deciding on this one, I always hesitate when I am smoking a cigar for review that I know has been great in the past. My irrational fear is that once I subject it to the hairy eye of criticism that I will lose a memory of bygone excellence. This cigar presents well, with a medium brown wrapper that is applied without flaw. There are some minor veins, but the wrapper is beautiful and has an oily sheen that is appealing. An inspection reveals a couple of areas that are a bit tight, but I do not believe that they will be an issue once flame hits tobacco. The pre light aroma is heady, there are notes of leather and spice that carry hints of things to come. The pre light draw shows some pepper and nice spice at the back of the palate.
The cigar opens with an excellent profile of leather, tobacco and spice. At the back of the palate there are some nice earthy tones that have some sweetness in the mix. The draw is very smooth and produces excellent amounts of thick, savory smoke. The burn is a bit wonky at the start, but it evens out in the first half inch.
The first half of the cigar really opens up nicely. The core profile shows a very balanced and nuanced array of flavors including spice, tobacco and leather. At the back of the palate there are notes of cedar and earth that add depth and complexity to the smoke. The draw continues to be impressive and shows no signs of be flawed at any point. The burn is even and produces a nice heavy gray ash.
The final half of the smoke develops further, showing tobacco and heavy leather notes. At the back of the palate some notes of spice are showing through some earthy undertones that are very pleasing. In the final two inches there is an excellent blast of pepper that really leaves it's mark as the cigar closes. The burn and draw were excellent throughout.
The finish is smooth but powerful showing notes of pepper and leather.
Appearance- 93 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 92 a very nice profile that had depth and complexity
Construction- 90 some early burn issues lead to some deduction
Strength- 94 an excellent full bodied experience
Overall- 91.75 an excellent smoking experience
The cigar opens with an excellent profile of leather, tobacco and spice. At the back of the palate there are some nice earthy tones that have some sweetness in the mix. The draw is very smooth and produces excellent amounts of thick, savory smoke. The burn is a bit wonky at the start, but it evens out in the first half inch.
The first half of the cigar really opens up nicely. The core profile shows a very balanced and nuanced array of flavors including spice, tobacco and leather. At the back of the palate there are notes of cedar and earth that add depth and complexity to the smoke. The draw continues to be impressive and shows no signs of be flawed at any point. The burn is even and produces a nice heavy gray ash.
The final half of the smoke develops further, showing tobacco and heavy leather notes. At the back of the palate some notes of spice are showing through some earthy undertones that are very pleasing. In the final two inches there is an excellent blast of pepper that really leaves it's mark as the cigar closes. The burn and draw were excellent throughout.
The finish is smooth but powerful showing notes of pepper and leather.
Appearance- 93 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 92 a very nice profile that had depth and complexity
Construction- 90 some early burn issues lead to some deduction
Strength- 94 an excellent full bodied experience
Overall- 91.75 an excellent smoking experience
Saturday, January 16, 2010
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
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
Thursday, January 7, 2010
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
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
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tatuaje Boris
This is a limited edition Halloween cigar from Pete Johnson and Don Pepin. It presents in a large vitola between a churchill and a presidente. The wrapper is dark and oily, there is some prominent veining but overall the appearance is interesting to behold. The cigar seems to be too soft, but there aren't any areas that cause me any concern. The pre light aroma is of tobacco, spice and dark fruit. The pre light draw shows notes of spice and earth.
The cigar begins with some light pepper notes, but there is a metallic bite on the back of the palate in the opening stages. The draw is a bit loose, but it is not overwhelming. The burn starts slightly lopsided, but evens about an inch into the cigar. The profile develops quickly with notes of coffee, spice and pepper.
At one third of the way into the cigar I am detecting a profile of coffee, spice and pepper. There is still a slightly metallic note at the back of the palate, but it is lessening as the smoke progresses. The draw is still loose, but not causing any issues. The burn has leveled off and is forming a nice white ash.
Near the halfway point the core of the profile is coffee, but there are notes of cinnamon and clove on the palate as well. The draw remains loose and is beginning to produce some heat. The burn is solid, but the ash is a bit flaky.
The final half of the cigar is excellent. The core of the profile is of coffee, but there are notes of spice, cinnamon, vanilla and clove. The depth and complexity of the final half of the cigar is noteworthy. The draw is causing some excess heat and it is detracting from the experience. The burn has stayed strong.
The finish is smooth, with notes of spice and coffee.
Appearance- 90 a nice looking cigar, but veining hurts the look
Taste- 89 excellent in the last half, but metallic notes in the early stages hurt the score
Construction- 84 the loose draws caused too much heat
Strength- 91 a nice medium/full experience
Overall- 88.5 a nice smoke, hurt by construction issues
The cigar begins with some light pepper notes, but there is a metallic bite on the back of the palate in the opening stages. The draw is a bit loose, but it is not overwhelming. The burn starts slightly lopsided, but evens about an inch into the cigar. The profile develops quickly with notes of coffee, spice and pepper.
At one third of the way into the cigar I am detecting a profile of coffee, spice and pepper. There is still a slightly metallic note at the back of the palate, but it is lessening as the smoke progresses. The draw is still loose, but not causing any issues. The burn has leveled off and is forming a nice white ash.
Near the halfway point the core of the profile is coffee, but there are notes of cinnamon and clove on the palate as well. The draw remains loose and is beginning to produce some heat. The burn is solid, but the ash is a bit flaky.
The final half of the cigar is excellent. The core of the profile is of coffee, but there are notes of spice, cinnamon, vanilla and clove. The depth and complexity of the final half of the cigar is noteworthy. The draw is causing some excess heat and it is detracting from the experience. The burn has stayed strong.
The finish is smooth, with notes of spice and coffee.
Appearance- 90 a nice looking cigar, but veining hurts the look
Taste- 89 excellent in the last half, but metallic notes in the early stages hurt the score
Construction- 84 the loose draws caused too much heat
Strength- 91 a nice medium/full experience
Overall- 88.5 a nice smoke, hurt by construction issues
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
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
Monday, August 17, 2009
Tatuaje Havana VI Nobles
This is the Red label variety of the Tatuaje line in a robusto sized presentation. The cigar is visually appealing and has a medium brown wrapper that has some prominent veins. A physical inspection of the smoke reveals no discernible construction issues. The pre light aroma is floral and has tones of earth. The pre light draw is cedary with a floral essence.
The cigar begins with an identifiable sweetness and notes of cedar and light earth greet the palate. The burn develops well and the ash is sharp. In the first two inches the profile also picks up a nice light tobacco character this marries well with the sweet cedary notes already present. There is also a nice shoulder developing at the one third point.
At just before the half way point this cigar loses the sweet cedary notes and develops a more rich tobacco character. There is still a note of sweet spice on the palate and the smoke becomes rich and voluminous, coating the palate with a satiny tingle of nicotine. The burn has stayed consistant and the ash holds for nearly half the smoke.
Just beyond the halfway point the cigar gains more depth with the introduction of a nutty flavor, there is also the presence of some light pepper at the back of the palate. The core of rich tobacco flavor stays prominent, but mingles beautifully with the other notes that have developed. The burn and draw have stayed flawless to this point.
In the final third the cigar continues to perform well. The sweet notes have returned and there is a floral essence accompanied by notes of nuts and light tobacco. This is a complex smoke and I am still detecting light pepper at the back of the palate. The burn and construction continue to be superior.
The finish is long and sweet with a floral and light tobacco character. This is an excellent smoke.
Appearance- 89 a very attractive cigar, hurt by some prominent veining
Taste- 94 extremely complex and full of satisfying character
Construction- 97 extremely well done, burn and draw were superior
Strength- 92 a wonderful medium/full experience that offsets the flavor characteristics in a fulfilling way.
Overall- 93 a superior smoking experience
The cigar begins with an identifiable sweetness and notes of cedar and light earth greet the palate. The burn develops well and the ash is sharp. In the first two inches the profile also picks up a nice light tobacco character this marries well with the sweet cedary notes already present. There is also a nice shoulder developing at the one third point.
At just before the half way point this cigar loses the sweet cedary notes and develops a more rich tobacco character. There is still a note of sweet spice on the palate and the smoke becomes rich and voluminous, coating the palate with a satiny tingle of nicotine. The burn has stayed consistant and the ash holds for nearly half the smoke.
Just beyond the halfway point the cigar gains more depth with the introduction of a nutty flavor, there is also the presence of some light pepper at the back of the palate. The core of rich tobacco flavor stays prominent, but mingles beautifully with the other notes that have developed. The burn and draw have stayed flawless to this point.
In the final third the cigar continues to perform well. The sweet notes have returned and there is a floral essence accompanied by notes of nuts and light tobacco. This is a complex smoke and I am still detecting light pepper at the back of the palate. The burn and construction continue to be superior.
The finish is long and sweet with a floral and light tobacco character. This is an excellent smoke.
Appearance- 89 a very attractive cigar, hurt by some prominent veining
Taste- 94 extremely complex and full of satisfying character
Construction- 97 extremely well done, burn and draw were superior
Strength- 92 a wonderful medium/full experience that offsets the flavor characteristics in a fulfilling way.
Overall- 93 a superior smoking experience
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tatuaje Noella
This cigar presents in a vitola close to a Petit Corona. The wrapper is a coffee brown and looks very appealing. There is some veining and the wrap does not look uniform down the length of the smoke, it appears as if the wrapper was wrinkled and in need of a quick iron before being applied. The pre light aroma is sweet and fruity. The pre light draw is unremarkable and does nothing to provide an indication of the profile.
The cigar started with very pleasing notes of chocolate and light coffee. There was not a hint of bitterness or any other characteristics that would detract from a cigar at this stage of the smoke. For a small cigar the smoke is satisfying and flavorful.
This cigar developed beautifully for the first half, maintaining an exciting blend of coffee and chocolate notes. Through the nose the cigar shows a profile of rich tobacco adding to the experience. The burn is slightly awkward but is holding its own. The ash is a gray/white combination and holds well for the first half of the smoke.
At the two thirds point this cigar developed a run in the burn that develops into a canoe towards the end of the smoke. This development is disappointing as the cigar was of excellent construction to this point. The flavor is still a mix of chocolate and coffee, but has picked up a slightly sour note at the back of the palate.
The finish is long and sweet leaving lingering notes of coffee and light tobacco flavors. The smoke was medium and all in all a very superior taste experience.
Appearance- 85 the wrinkling and veins hurt this score
Taste- 89 the slightly sour note at the end detracted from this score, there was also a lack of depth in the profile
Construction- 84 the run and canoe at the end hurt this score dramatically
Strength- 91 a very pleasing medium smoke
Overall- 87.25
The cigar started with very pleasing notes of chocolate and light coffee. There was not a hint of bitterness or any other characteristics that would detract from a cigar at this stage of the smoke. For a small cigar the smoke is satisfying and flavorful.
This cigar developed beautifully for the first half, maintaining an exciting blend of coffee and chocolate notes. Through the nose the cigar shows a profile of rich tobacco adding to the experience. The burn is slightly awkward but is holding its own. The ash is a gray/white combination and holds well for the first half of the smoke.
At the two thirds point this cigar developed a run in the burn that develops into a canoe towards the end of the smoke. This development is disappointing as the cigar was of excellent construction to this point. The flavor is still a mix of chocolate and coffee, but has picked up a slightly sour note at the back of the palate.
The finish is long and sweet leaving lingering notes of coffee and light tobacco flavors. The smoke was medium and all in all a very superior taste experience.
Appearance- 85 the wrinkling and veins hurt this score
Taste- 89 the slightly sour note at the end detracted from this score, there was also a lack of depth in the profile
Construction- 84 the run and canoe at the end hurt this score dramatically
Strength- 91 a very pleasing medium smoke
Overall- 87.25
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