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Tatuaje Black Robust Review

r3db4r0n

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Tatuaje Black Robusto 5x50

Modelled on a custom rolled Cuban cigar, the original inception of the Tatuaje Black line was as Pete Johnson's private label, but in 2007 is was released in ceramic jars of 19 to specific retailers until shady activity was carried out by the relaters ceasing the sale of these hard to find cigars. Today they can generally only be found at events which Pete Johnson attends, or online in auctions.

An examination of the cigar shows the wrapper to be a light brown colour reminiscent of milk chocolate with a burled hue in places, the veining is minimal and largely free of imperfection although there is the odd spot in the wrapper. The filler was bunched well and the cigar rolled tightly as the body has little give and the head is capped with a nipple atop an intricate triple cap.







Pre-light: Both the body and foot exude rich fragrances of cocoa, earth and faint hints of the barnyardy. Clipping the cap reveals an easy draw on which are carried notes of cocoa and earth with spice in tow.



The light: As with most closed or shaggy footed cigars this one lights well, giving off toasted almond notes, earth and spice with an aroma of floral laden cocoa from the foot.



First Third: After the cigar has settled some, hints of cocoa have also become apparent at the on set of the draw but this is quickly washed out by stronger notes of earth, espresso and a kick of spice on the finish. The expelled smoke proves to be a tad heavier than the draw, expelling notes of almond and espresso with hints of leather lingering afterword. Construction appears to be so-so as the burn line at times was rather even and at others wavering up to half an inch although it seems to be self correcting, additionally the ash held a clean inch and a half before falling.







Second Third: After letting it sit for only a minute or two, the ash fell do to lack of attention and began to burn quite unevenly, despite this, the draw continues to deliver excellent flavor. The cocoa hint that heads the draw is still present but again is quickly over powered by a meld of espresso, roasted almond and spice to a lesser extent at the finish. The expelled smoke continues to exude a wonderful pairing of almond, espresso and leather, though the latter now carries with it much more of a presence than in the previous third. Impressively, the burn issues at the onset of this third have self corrected for an even edge carrying with it half an inch of ash before entering the finale.







Final Third: Following a trend, the half inch of ash that was present leading into the final third has again fallen shortly after entering the finale. A sweet floral-cocoa note still seems to be present at the onset of the draw, though the rest of the profile is now much darker. Espresso and leather now round out the rest of what is now perceptible in the flavour department with spice bucking nicely on the finish. The retro-hale has come through in force at the nub finally having let go of the ever present cocoa, leaving espresso and leather in its place. For the most part, the burn appears to have given up its tendency to waver with half an inch left to go and an equally amount of ash showing as it dies out.







Final thoughts: This was a quick smoke at only an hour, but like all blacks it carries with it a unique set of nuances and notes that set it apart from other cigars. I'm not sure that I would buy these enmas, but its something I would smoke again in the future... If I can find one at a decent price.

Total smoking time was roughly an hour.



Thanks for reading!
 

danthebugman

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Thanks for the review Shawn. I have a black that's sitting in my humidor. Plan on smoking it on "Black Friday" if I can find the time...I think it's fitting :grin:.

Dan
 

SkinsFanLarry

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Mighty fine review and pic's as usual Shawn and thanks for sharing your experience. :cbig:

Definately a different smoke compared to the CG Black that was released in the jar in my opinion.
 

Thegreekone

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Great review. Thanks, Shawn. Once again, well done!

I like Dan's idea of sparking on Black Friday at my B&M, which just happens to be across the street from one of the nicest malls in Cleveland. I may just peer out the window and watch the carnage. :)
 
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Great idea on smoking a black on black Friday , ultimate choice for me between a black tubo or robusto... Help me figure out !!
 

Docbp87

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:togetherl

Not you Shawn. That cigar. I am in love with that cigar.:grinFU:


Great review. You're getting even better. Oh man the wrapper on that thing looks delicious. I know that the Black was supposed to look rustic and ugly, but frankly, I must be a lover of ugly wrapper, because the Face and the Blacks have two of my favorite wrappers I know of. YUM.
 

Fourtotheflush

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I have a black that is a torpedo. Is this the same cigar/blend? Im thinking it was probably the Tubo that was removed before I got it.

Also, can anyone expand on the shady dealings that were happening surrounding this cigar?
 

r3db4r0n

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I have a black that is a torpedo. Is this the same cigar/blend? Im thinking it was probably the Tubo that was removed before I got it.

Also, can anyone expand on the shady dealings that were happening surrounding this cigar?
Your black torpedo would be a Tubo that was removed from said tube. Also these "shady dealings" consisted of retailers receiving shipments of blacks, setting them aside and then auctioning them off instead of selling them to consumers in a regular manner
 

MiamiE

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One of my 3 packs of these has some seriously yellow cello. Maybe time to try one!!!
 
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