Wrapper: Habano Oscuro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Vitola: 6 ½ by 52
Purchase Link: Tatuaje 15th Anniversary
TATUAJE 15TH REVIEW – CALIFORNIA
Summary: Is it just me or are closed feet becoming more and more common? Also, it sounds super weird to say "closed feet." Right off the bat I'm getting spicy wood, especially on the retrohale. Trying to fight through the sting, all I'm able to distinguish is a faint strawberry and damp wood. An inch down and finally flavors start popping off -- Chocolate, cooking spices, caramel wafer.
Second third brings some peat but without the scotch. Maple syrup comes in and out and I prefer when it's in because this stick is slightly bland without it.
Fruitiness comes out of left field in the final third. Spearmint. Admittedly, I was hoping to dislike this stick after the halfway point, but the latter half is proving to assuage my premature conclusions. Finishes off with white wine.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: The Browns mounting a comeback to tie the game at the end of OT.
Pairing Suggestion: Port.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Fiver.
TATUAJE 15TH REVIEW – WISCONSIN
Summary: Sometimes, cigars hide secrets under their wrappers. They might be light in color, but bring bold, dark flavors or a spiciness you wouldn't expect. That wasn't the case here. This cigar's light wrapper told much of the story - it brought flavors on the lighter side of the spectrum: cream, citrus, peanut, cedar, floral, a touch of mint, and a pleasant pepper on the finish.
The flavors were enjoyable, though I wouldn't describe them as complex. On the aroma side, it was very nutty.
Construction-wise, the burn didn't give any issues. But the draw was another story. I cut down farther and farther on the tapered head, trying to find a draw that wasn't impossibly tight. I eventually got it to draw, but it was still quite tight.
For my money, there are other cigars with a similar flavor profile that bring more to the table.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: Orange dreamsicle.
Pairing Suggestion: Cream soda.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: Single.
TATUAJE 15TH REVIEW – OREGON
Summary: This straw colored, torpedo shaped, closed foot cigar has an interesting cold draw that reminds me of fresh cut hay and... soap? Not surprisingly, near the sharply rolled cap the cigar is quite firm but near the foot, it is a bit mushy.
Cream, light cedar, mild spices, leather, a suggestion of lemon grass open the show. The lemon grass is very soft and just barely discernible, but unique. The retro hale is heavy cedar and cinnamon and a large amount of pepper spice that is really grabbing my attention. This stick is beginning with a seriously wavy burn, but good smoke production.
Towards the middle, light cedar, pepper, leather and a vegetal flavor all find different times to share the spotlight.
All of the flavors are really muted...like drinking a flat coke, which is strange.
The last third is picking back up and has an even burn with tons of smoke to enjoy. The smoke is really heavy and enjoyable. There is a long leather flavor with cinnamon and pepper flourishing and a slightly floral finish.
If You Like That, You Might Like This: If you like this then you probably like sitcom reruns on a Wednesday night.
Pairing Suggestion: Pair this with an IPA with some shoulders...meaning 7%+.
Purchase Recommendation to a Friend: 5 Pack purchase.
Participants in this blind review were completely unaware of the cigar they were evaluating until all submissions were received and processed. Each participant was asked to answer a summary paragraph, an if/than statement, a pairing suggestion, and a purchase suggestion. Cigars were provided by Small Batch with only the expectations of candid responses. All pictures, information, and formatting were completed by a Coordinator outside of the reviewing process.
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