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BoM Jan '11
Okay, so I'm behind on my reviews and specifically late with this one in particular. I had originally intended for this to have been written up yesterday for Halloween, but due to matters beyond my control I was not able to get to it until today. For all those who regularly look forward to reading my reviews, I apologize.
Now, on to the good stuff.
As most of you are already aware, Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars recently released The Face as the third edition to his much loved Monster series. The release featured 666 “dress” or limited edition 13 count boxes that were scarred and marred to pay tribute Leatherface of Texas Chainsaw Massacre fame. An additional 1300 boxes of 10 were also released for those not vying for harder to find dress boxes.
As for the cigar itself.
The first thing that catches my attention upon examining the cigar is its size. It is a large vitola measuring in at 6 3/8” with a 56 ring gauge. Perhaps the most intriguing bit of information behind this cigar is the blending behind it. Tatuaje utilized the bold make up of the Cojonu as a filler, a new San Andreas Mexican wrapper and a unique strip of Ecuadorian Connecticut tobacco in place of a band – supposedly made to look like a strip of torn leather, which I think turned out nicely.
Taking a closer look at the cigar, the wrapper displays rich chocolate brown tones, thick with oil deep and a not often seen covered foot. The veining is relatively minimal, to the point that it is barely tangible beneath my finger tips and as far as I can see, there are no patches, sun spots, or other imperfections.
Pre-light: Sometimes I find the pre-light is almost my favourite part of a review, despite the flavours and fragrances exhibited by the wrapper and cold draw, its almost impossible to tell what the cigar will taste like in the end. In this case the body exhibits rich notes of cocoa, barnyard nuances and a hint of spice from the foot. The cold draw is quite sweet, also sharing notes of cocoa, with hints of spice in the background.
On a side note, shortly after cutting the cap from the cigar, half of the “band” fell off, which was unfortunate as I was looking forward to smoking that part.
Light: The shaggy foot lit up like a dirty shirt with the aid of my cheapo Ronson and the flavours that came with it can only be described as a flavor BOMB. Sweet floral flavors are everywhere, cocoa is abundant, as are coffee and a kick of spice on the finish, amazing! The aroma is equally as pleasing and shares many of the same notes.
First third: At about 20 minutes and one inch in, I am completely wowed by the flavour profile. Carried on swathes of thick creamy smoke, sweet cocoa, coffee and spice continue to come forth in droves. However, when taking in the expelled smoke, it gives off a surprisingly deeper set of fragrances, while coffee notes are present here, they are accompanied by thick leathery and okay tones – an outstanding start to a cigar. The burn is keeping to a relatively even edge and holding an inch of ash respectively – it would likely be an inch longer but much to my dismay, I managed to drop the cigar in my lap early on.
Second Third: A 50 minutes in and The Face is still putting out impressive volumes of smoke. The flavours here have already begun to strengthen some, the exceptional sweetness present on the light/first third have begun to fade somewhat, though cocoa is still abundantly present. Coffee and espresso flavours have made a move to show themselves somewhat more in force while a hint of spice still bucks on the palate near the finish. The nasal retro-hale continues to share notes of strong leather and oak where the ambient burn remains very floral – a wonderful meld. The burn is still very even throughout and appears to be holding an inch of ash firmly.
Final Third: A strong finish for to a great cigar, at just under 2 hours and finally at the “band” the profile of this cigar has become more akin to a strong cup of coffee. Espresso flavours are shining brightly here, although sweet cocoa still hangs on towards the nub. Leather has made a strong appearance to couple with spice to round out the finish on the palate. The retro-hale hasn't made much of a discernible change, but continues to compliment the draw nicely. The burn remains exceptional as it has right from the light, though the ash has fallen prey to the stinky at only the half inch mark – probably because I'd let it sit longer than I should of between draws.
Final Thoughts: This was a fantastic smoke, especially for the 13 dollar price tag it carries. It had everything I look for in a cigar; great complexity, strength, consistency, and to a lesser extent, a great burn. If I were to compare it to anything, the first cigars that come to mind are Tatuaje Verocu no. 2 or perhaps even a Padron 80th maduro – yes, it was that good.
Total smoking time was about 2 hours.
Thank you for reading,
Shawn
Now, on to the good stuff.
As most of you are already aware, Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars recently released The Face as the third edition to his much loved Monster series. The release featured 666 “dress” or limited edition 13 count boxes that were scarred and marred to pay tribute Leatherface of Texas Chainsaw Massacre fame. An additional 1300 boxes of 10 were also released for those not vying for harder to find dress boxes.
As for the cigar itself.
The first thing that catches my attention upon examining the cigar is its size. It is a large vitola measuring in at 6 3/8” with a 56 ring gauge. Perhaps the most intriguing bit of information behind this cigar is the blending behind it. Tatuaje utilized the bold make up of the Cojonu as a filler, a new San Andreas Mexican wrapper and a unique strip of Ecuadorian Connecticut tobacco in place of a band – supposedly made to look like a strip of torn leather, which I think turned out nicely.
Taking a closer look at the cigar, the wrapper displays rich chocolate brown tones, thick with oil deep and a not often seen covered foot. The veining is relatively minimal, to the point that it is barely tangible beneath my finger tips and as far as I can see, there are no patches, sun spots, or other imperfections.
Pre-light: Sometimes I find the pre-light is almost my favourite part of a review, despite the flavours and fragrances exhibited by the wrapper and cold draw, its almost impossible to tell what the cigar will taste like in the end. In this case the body exhibits rich notes of cocoa, barnyard nuances and a hint of spice from the foot. The cold draw is quite sweet, also sharing notes of cocoa, with hints of spice in the background.
On a side note, shortly after cutting the cap from the cigar, half of the “band” fell off, which was unfortunate as I was looking forward to smoking that part.
Light: The shaggy foot lit up like a dirty shirt with the aid of my cheapo Ronson and the flavours that came with it can only be described as a flavor BOMB. Sweet floral flavors are everywhere, cocoa is abundant, as are coffee and a kick of spice on the finish, amazing! The aroma is equally as pleasing and shares many of the same notes.
First third: At about 20 minutes and one inch in, I am completely wowed by the flavour profile. Carried on swathes of thick creamy smoke, sweet cocoa, coffee and spice continue to come forth in droves. However, when taking in the expelled smoke, it gives off a surprisingly deeper set of fragrances, while coffee notes are present here, they are accompanied by thick leathery and okay tones – an outstanding start to a cigar. The burn is keeping to a relatively even edge and holding an inch of ash respectively – it would likely be an inch longer but much to my dismay, I managed to drop the cigar in my lap early on.
Second Third: A 50 minutes in and The Face is still putting out impressive volumes of smoke. The flavours here have already begun to strengthen some, the exceptional sweetness present on the light/first third have begun to fade somewhat, though cocoa is still abundantly present. Coffee and espresso flavours have made a move to show themselves somewhat more in force while a hint of spice still bucks on the palate near the finish. The nasal retro-hale continues to share notes of strong leather and oak where the ambient burn remains very floral – a wonderful meld. The burn is still very even throughout and appears to be holding an inch of ash firmly.
Final Third: A strong finish for to a great cigar, at just under 2 hours and finally at the “band” the profile of this cigar has become more akin to a strong cup of coffee. Espresso flavours are shining brightly here, although sweet cocoa still hangs on towards the nub. Leather has made a strong appearance to couple with spice to round out the finish on the palate. The retro-hale hasn't made much of a discernible change, but continues to compliment the draw nicely. The burn remains exceptional as it has right from the light, though the ash has fallen prey to the stinky at only the half inch mark – probably because I'd let it sit longer than I should of between draws.
Final Thoughts: This was a fantastic smoke, especially for the 13 dollar price tag it carries. It had everything I look for in a cigar; great complexity, strength, consistency, and to a lesser extent, a great burn. If I were to compare it to anything, the first cigars that come to mind are Tatuaje Verocu no. 2 or perhaps even a Padron 80th maduro – yes, it was that good.
Total smoking time was about 2 hours.
Thank you for reading,
Shawn
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