flamchop
65/65
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2008
- Messages
- 1,185
I had the good fortune recently of scoring some Tatuaje Black Labels for the first time. The ones I got are wrapped in cello, which from reading up on them, came from bundles of 25 that were sent to retailers before the jars were released. What I can't find is whether there is any difference to these compared to the sticks that came in the jar. After setting fire to a couple here's my review.
Specs:
5 5/8 x 46
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Unknown, probably Nicaragua?
From Vitolas.net: This classic corona gorda vitola with a covered foot and fuma cap bears a rather intriguing black variant of the usual Tatuaje band. The cigar is Pete Johnson's personal cigar; the blend is a closely guarded secret for now, but it does use Nicaraguan tobaccos.
The wrapper had a nice dark caramel look to it. The construction on this cigar is good and the wrapper has some tooth. Giving it a little squeeze I didn't find any hard spots. After clipping, the pre-light draw had an almost sweet taste to it, and draw seems like it'll be very good. Right away the covered foot had me concerned that either I wouldn't get it lit even enough or some uneven burns would but unable to avoid.
On toasting the foot and within the first half inch there was that usual Tatuaje blast of peppery spice. So much so that it made me cough a couple times. I happen to like this with Tatuajes... call me crazy! But I would also say there was a slightly sweeter hint to this pepper taste, probably more like dark chocolate than anything but hard to pick up on. And I was please to see that the burn was nice and even.
After another inch or so I noticed the ash. The ash was a nice bright gray color and seemed to be holding on pretty well. The first Tat Black I smoked had a very flaky ash, but this seems to be the norm with these. But this one wasn't as flaky. A flaky ash doesn't bother me in the least to be honest as look as the smoke is tasting good, which this one was doing very much so in the first couple inches.
About the midway point the flavors mellowed out very much, and became a nice even distribution of what I considered a slightly sweet toasted nut flavor. Very pleasing and it made it hard not to smoke this guy too fast. The strong pepper flavor was pretty much gone by now.
As I came toward the band and beyond, I noticed the good flavors continuing steady and strong, and it never got harsh on me. The slightly sweet hint was gone, and now it was pure leathery tobacco... and it was very pleasing, never harsh.
Overall I really enjoyed this smoke. And I would say the price point is right on at $12, albeit a very difficult stick to get your hands on. There no wonder in my mind why Pete would smoke these all the time, I would too if I had access to them!
Here are some pics. I smoked late at night inside, so apologies on the lighting. I know sunlight is the best!
Specs:
5 5/8 x 46
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Unknown, probably Nicaragua?
From Vitolas.net: This classic corona gorda vitola with a covered foot and fuma cap bears a rather intriguing black variant of the usual Tatuaje band. The cigar is Pete Johnson's personal cigar; the blend is a closely guarded secret for now, but it does use Nicaraguan tobaccos.
The wrapper had a nice dark caramel look to it. The construction on this cigar is good and the wrapper has some tooth. Giving it a little squeeze I didn't find any hard spots. After clipping, the pre-light draw had an almost sweet taste to it, and draw seems like it'll be very good. Right away the covered foot had me concerned that either I wouldn't get it lit even enough or some uneven burns would but unable to avoid.
On toasting the foot and within the first half inch there was that usual Tatuaje blast of peppery spice. So much so that it made me cough a couple times. I happen to like this with Tatuajes... call me crazy! But I would also say there was a slightly sweeter hint to this pepper taste, probably more like dark chocolate than anything but hard to pick up on. And I was please to see that the burn was nice and even.
After another inch or so I noticed the ash. The ash was a nice bright gray color and seemed to be holding on pretty well. The first Tat Black I smoked had a very flaky ash, but this seems to be the norm with these. But this one wasn't as flaky. A flaky ash doesn't bother me in the least to be honest as look as the smoke is tasting good, which this one was doing very much so in the first couple inches.
About the midway point the flavors mellowed out very much, and became a nice even distribution of what I considered a slightly sweet toasted nut flavor. Very pleasing and it made it hard not to smoke this guy too fast. The strong pepper flavor was pretty much gone by now.
As I came toward the band and beyond, I noticed the good flavors continuing steady and strong, and it never got harsh on me. The slightly sweet hint was gone, and now it was pure leathery tobacco... and it was very pleasing, never harsh.
Overall I really enjoyed this smoke. And I would say the price point is right on at $12, albeit a very difficult stick to get your hands on. There no wonder in my mind why Pete would smoke these all the time, I would too if I had access to them!
Here are some pics. I smoked late at night inside, so apologies on the lighting. I know sunlight is the best!
