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BoM Jan '11
Delivered unassumingly in cellophane, without a band and nothing to distinguish it other than its rich dark wrapper and the small pigtail that adorns its triple cap, the Tatuaje Pork tenderloin is almost a cigar without the needs of introduction. The latest in Pete Johnson's meat locker series, this is a robustoesque cigar measuring in at 5 1/8x52 and has been described as a “large J21”, although the blend, apparently based on the one used in the J21, would prove (at least to me) to be considerably different.
Upon closer inspection, the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper gives off that classic deep dark and oil hue, the kind of look that just makes your mouth water a tad when you take the cigar out of the wrapper – perhaps that is the idea behind the name
Some large veining is apparent, but there are no other imperfections and the cigar is packed well with a nice give to the body, so I have doubts that there will be difficulty with the burn.
Pre-Light: Freshly removed from the cellophane, cocoa and light coffee notes rise up from the body as if I just put on a cup of hot chocolate and threw some whole beans in the grinder, notes from the foot are equally as aromatic, though somewhat stronger with a hint of spice. Clipping cap gives way to an easy draw with mild cocoa, espresso tones mixed with spice.
Light: The light is initially a spice bomb leaving quite the tingle on the palate while light cocoa and coffee nuances dance faintly in the background. The aroma is rather floral sharing dry cocoa and vanilla fragrances that are similar to the notes perceptible on the draw.
First Third: Spice remains ever present throughout the first third, not having died down as I expected it would, although it adds an interesting paring with the semi sweet cocoa and what has become a strong black coffee aftertaste - unique notes that I don't often find together in a cigar. The expelled smoke offers yet another unique paring as dry cocoa and leather come together for a surprisingly pleasant meld. The burn is showing some deviation, but is good for the most part and the ash has dropped just as it kissed the inch and a half mark.
Second Third: Midway through the second third, there is little change from the first, spice is mild but still present and semi sweet cocoa is still in the midst, however the black coffee flavor has died away for the most part leaving almond and leather on the finish. Interestingly, the expelled smoke has changed to marry with the draw some what, cocoa and leather are still present but almond seems have joined now as well. Unfortunately the burn has deviated somewhat severely towards the end of this third warranting a touch up and the ash has dropped at only an inch.
Final Third: Approaching the nub, spice has pulled ahead in force almost snuffing out the cocoa that shone rather brightly in the first two thirds, leaving leather and almond behind to take over what is left of the profile. Despite the changes in the draw, the retro-hale hangs on firmly to cocoa and leather that have been present now for some time. The burn has improved some, though there is still some deviation towards the nub, however an inch of ash hangs on tightly with a little less than an inch towards the cut.
Down to the cut yet again
Final Thoughts: The first thoughts that come to mind when I think of my experience with this cigar can generally summed up as “wow, this was great, but I wish it had lasted longer”. While the Tenderloin presented great flavor and hearty complexity, I found my self expecting more time to enjoy this cigar given its size, but after only an hour I was surprised to find my self already at the nub. I wouldn't discourage anyone from buying this cigar given that the $8 price tag is relatively inexpensive, though for the money other equally enjoyable and longer lasting smokes can be sought out.
Total Smoking time was roughly an hour.
Thanks for reading!
Upon closer inspection, the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper gives off that classic deep dark and oil hue, the kind of look that just makes your mouth water a tad when you take the cigar out of the wrapper – perhaps that is the idea behind the name
Some large veining is apparent, but there are no other imperfections and the cigar is packed well with a nice give to the body, so I have doubts that there will be difficulty with the burn.
Pre-Light: Freshly removed from the cellophane, cocoa and light coffee notes rise up from the body as if I just put on a cup of hot chocolate and threw some whole beans in the grinder, notes from the foot are equally as aromatic, though somewhat stronger with a hint of spice. Clipping cap gives way to an easy draw with mild cocoa, espresso tones mixed with spice.
Light: The light is initially a spice bomb leaving quite the tingle on the palate while light cocoa and coffee nuances dance faintly in the background. The aroma is rather floral sharing dry cocoa and vanilla fragrances that are similar to the notes perceptible on the draw.
First Third: Spice remains ever present throughout the first third, not having died down as I expected it would, although it adds an interesting paring with the semi sweet cocoa and what has become a strong black coffee aftertaste - unique notes that I don't often find together in a cigar. The expelled smoke offers yet another unique paring as dry cocoa and leather come together for a surprisingly pleasant meld. The burn is showing some deviation, but is good for the most part and the ash has dropped just as it kissed the inch and a half mark.
Second Third: Midway through the second third, there is little change from the first, spice is mild but still present and semi sweet cocoa is still in the midst, however the black coffee flavor has died away for the most part leaving almond and leather on the finish. Interestingly, the expelled smoke has changed to marry with the draw some what, cocoa and leather are still present but almond seems have joined now as well. Unfortunately the burn has deviated somewhat severely towards the end of this third warranting a touch up and the ash has dropped at only an inch.
Final Third: Approaching the nub, spice has pulled ahead in force almost snuffing out the cocoa that shone rather brightly in the first two thirds, leaving leather and almond behind to take over what is left of the profile. Despite the changes in the draw, the retro-hale hangs on firmly to cocoa and leather that have been present now for some time. The burn has improved some, though there is still some deviation towards the nub, however an inch of ash hangs on tightly with a little less than an inch towards the cut.
Down to the cut yet again
Final Thoughts: The first thoughts that come to mind when I think of my experience with this cigar can generally summed up as “wow, this was great, but I wish it had lasted longer”. While the Tenderloin presented great flavor and hearty complexity, I found my self expecting more time to enjoy this cigar given its size, but after only an hour I was surprised to find my self already at the nub. I wouldn't discourage anyone from buying this cigar given that the $8 price tag is relatively inexpensive, though for the money other equally enjoyable and longer lasting smokes can be sought out.
Total Smoking time was roughly an hour.
Thanks for reading!
