If you’ve never heard of the cigar brand Tatuaje, you will soon. I could write forever about the contributions they have made to the modern world of fine cigars. But I will say only this; Pete Johnson, the man behind Tatuaje, is more than your average Gentleman. He named his brand Tatuaje, Spanish for ‘tattoo’, as he has arms full of bold ink, just as bold as his cigars. PJ came out with his brand of full bodied cigars in 2003, and has been selling cigars faster than he can create them since then.
Last year was Tatuaje’s 10th anniversary. The brand has a reputation for always bringing out limited releases and editions. Everyone, including myself, was wondering what PJ would do to celebrate the occasion. However, instead of some special limited edition, he re-released his famous and esteemed brown label saying; “when you have a blend like the Brown Label, why f**k with a classic?” The special release features the same Nicaraguan filler and binder as the classic brown label with an Ecuadorian wrapper, but in new sizes.
I have never smoked this vitola before, which I believe is called a ‘celestiales finos’. A figurado, slightly tapered at both ends, but neither coming to a point. You don’t see many cigars this shape any more, so I was intrigued straight away.
The cigar has an absolutely gorgeous shiny wrapper. I mean, seriously, I could almost see my reflection and use it to shave. I have pulled this smoke out of my cigar fridge many times, just to look at the flawless construction, feel the oily wrapper and sniff the sweet and spicy foot. I almost didn’t want to smoke it because it looked so darn good. Nah, only kidding, I never thought that.
The cold draw is similar to dark spicy Christmas cake, and I can’t wait to light it up. The Christmas spice is strong in the first third of the cigar. There are thick cocoa and black pepper notes coming through too. I’m not sure why I ate dinner before hand, as this cigar has so much to it, it’s almost a meal in itself. Oh wait, I do know. It’s because this cigar has already started out medium, and I can already tell it will finish medium-full.
As I enter the second third and get down towards the fatter part of the cigar, the Christmas spice is still present in all its glory. The cocoa has gone from the dark, slightly bitter kind to more of a milky chocolate, and now there is some sweet coffee coming through too. There are some cigars that I smoke and think ‘oh cool, dried tobacco, that was a good way to spend an hour or so’. Then there are others, such as this one, where the smoke actually tells me the story of the people behind it. I can see why Pete is held in such high esteem in cigar circles. This cigar is not just a bunch of dried leaves, but a mans passion to create something that borders on perfection, purely for other people to enjoy.
I know I am smoking 10 years plus worth of commitment from PJ to his art and passion.
As I enter the last third, the strength switches from med to med-full as I expected. The leather notes that I have come to know and love in a Tatuaje begin to arise and finish with a massive POW right on the end. The chocolate has gone, and there is an increase in coffee and that strong Christmas spice that has been consistent and loyal the whole time. I finish the cigar needing to run my fingers under cold water as I had smoked it right down to the nub.
For a brand that is always looking for the next new cigar, looking to create the next craze, I am really impressed that PJ has turned around and looked back to celebrate his 10 years in the business. This brilliant cigar was a great tribute to Tatuaje’s journey and is a reassurance that they are here to stay.
I paired this with The Organic Whisky from Bruichladdich, a smooth, sweet and syrupy malt that was a nice refreshing compliment to such a strong cigar.
To Sum up
Look: so shiny and smooth and delicious looking. This cigar would not be out of place in an art gallery. But then, that would be such a waste
Feel: there were no imperfections or veins to be found at all in the wrapper, and very little sponge, which I prefer
Taste: classic Tatuaje flavours, but I think they are more pronounced due to the slight tapering of the shape. Spice, both dark and light coco, coffee and leather. The progression of flavours is outstanding.
Burn: straight and sharp, never needing a touch up or relight
Accompanying tracks: I actually sat outside and listened to the Braveheart sound track, an old classic to match this new classic
A big shout out to my good friend Adam, who sourced this cigar from the US for me. Thanks mate!
~ Written by Lex Getley
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