Tatuaje TAA 2011
Tatuaje TAA 2011 Review
(skip the next paragraph to get straight to the review)
Background
Pete Johnson (founder of Tatuaje) decided to take a different approach to one of his many limited release cigars back in March of 2011, by offering retailers belonging to the Tobacconists’ Association of America an opportunity to order a limited production cigar. The idea would be that only those retailers belonging to the Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA) would be able to order and sell the cigar, with 2011 being the debut year fo an ongoing series. The 2011 TAA blend, according to Pete, is going to be “…similar to the styles of Brex and Tenderloin…”
There were 1,500 boxes produced with 20 cigars/box, wet packed in foil created for 40 TAA retailers.
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Prelight
The cigar was very rough, and had only a very slight box press. I almost wonder if these were (wet) packed a bit too early, which would explain the rough wrappers and the less than crisp edges. (The wrapper does not look bad, just course and uneven)
The closed foot provided a nice touch, and the Indian head design added to a rustic look and feel to the cigar.
Wrapper smell offered up leather and sweetness, and the cold draw provided spice and honey
First Third
….Love toasting a covered foot!
The cigar started off with loads of black tea, black pepper, and a hint of leather. The sweet CBL wrapper balanced the cigar well, and the burn was even. I also noticed a very slight salt note, like seaweed.
Second third
The cigar continued to burn well, with no need to touch up. The draw was easy and provided lots of smoke. The ash was firm and dense with a tight pattern.
Continued strong notes of tea, pepper and slight leather; all tempered by the sweetness of the wrapper.
Last Third
Flavor profile remained unchanged…Enjoyable from start to finish, with lots of aromatic smoke
Closing
Much like the Barclay Rex, this cigar is not a roller coaster of ever changing flavors. The cigar’s profile was wonderfully rich and smooth and so nicely balanced by the sweetness of the wrapper. While hints of salt, wood, and leather came and went, the dominate flavors were black tea and black pepper, delivered with typical excellent Tatuaje craftsmanship and attention to detail. This cigar easily ranks within my personal top 5.
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Originally Posted by Ecks
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