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BoM Jan '11
Up For review today, Tatauje Havna VI Verocu No. 2 Zona del Este
Bombed to me by a member of the burning leaf crew
This cigar was originally produced by Tatuaje in 2007 as a special limited release stemming from the regular Havana VI line in three sizes: The No. 1 @ 6 ¼ x 52 (Westie), No. 2 @ 5 ½ x 54 (Eastie) and the No. 9 4 ½ x 49 (Holts release). It differs somewhat from the regular Havana VI blend as Ligero was added to the filler making a deeper and more complex cigar, the Verocu line also saw the regular Cafe Rosado wrapper replaced by the Cafe Rosado Oscuro – adding to the aforementioned trait. Interestingly, this particular vitola was only released to the East coast of the united states, hence the term “Eastie”and its other counterpart – the Verocu No. 1 – was released to the West coast, perhaps mimicking the regional releases often seen in CC's.
My angst to try one of these beauties stems as far back as the first month I joined BOTL, I was gifted a Havana VI Angeles and thought “how much better can it get than this” and of course, I was soon pointed in the right direction.
Upon examining this cigar, the first thing that comes into perspective is the oil sheen that adorns the wrapper even after 3 years of age, additional the colour is rich and beautiful – I've always been a fan of reddish brown look a Rosado gave off, though here it is darker due to its Oscuro nature. There appear to be few imperfections other then some cracks at the foot and some minor veining, the pack appears to be rather firm with triple cap applied flat and even.
Now for the exciting part.
Pre-Light: Taking in the notes from the wrapper, I am amazed at the complexity: coffee, cocoa and cedar immediately flood the nose. Moving to the foot, the bouquet gives off spice and hints of strong tobacco – I excitedly clip off the cap in anticipation of what the draw has to offer. Notes of spice hit the palate first, followed by cedar, hints of earth and again tobacco nuances.
Light: After a quick toast and light, I can only describe the first few draws as an explosion of flavor. Cocoa, spice and earth all consume my palate with the same notes taken into the nose. The ambient burn is equally enjoyable, offering up wonderful cocoa-vanilla fragrances.
First third: Ten minutes in and the smoke output is incredible – rich and creamy in the mouth – cocoa remains the dominant note and earth is still present along with spice, although it has died down to more of an undertone that lingers after the draw. The expelled smoke carries with it plenty of cocoa and almond characteristics, some of my favourites. The burn is problematic and rather lopsided (see picture below) but for the most part isn't anything beyond what a simple touch up cannot fix. The ash initially held to half an inch before falling, but held for another inch and a half before dropping into the ashtray there after.
Second Third: Unfortunately, the burn issues have transferred from the first third into the second, though it doesn't take away from the experience as a whole. The draw seems to be largely unchanged mid way through the second third: plenty of light cocoa still present on the palate along with some earth and now almond on the finish, spice continues to linger as well on the finish. The expelled smoke still retains an generous amounts of cocoa and almond, though it has become slightly more complex as leather is now present. Despite repeated touch ups, the ash holds to solid inch and a half at the end of the second respectively.
Final Third: Approaching the band, the flavor profile has begun to strengthen, while cocoa and earth are still carried in droves, leather has also made an appearance, largely replacing the almond present in the second third – interestingly enough the spice also appears to have died down toward the finish. Though the nasal retro-hale holds on to the ever present cocoa, almond and leather, it hasn't developed as I thought it would, however I am not disapointed. The burn seems to have improved somewhat at near the nub and while issues are still present, the ash holds close to two inches before dying out.
Final Thoughts: Short and to the point, this was a GREAT cigar. Rarely am I so impressed by the draw and fragrances a particular cigar has to offer that I am willing to overlook its short comings entirely, but this cigar offers something special. Perhaps I am moderately biased as I have long been a fan of the Nicaraguan flavor profile, specifically Padron's, which carry many of the notes present in this Verocu, although I urge anyone reading not to be swayed by this. This is an excellent example of how a cigar, when blended properly, becomes a wonderful balance of consistency, intriguing flavour, and strength that sets in at just the right time. While the Eastie may be hard to find, and as such, carry with it an elevated price tag, it is certainly a cigar that is worth tracking down for the newcomer and the experienced connoisseur alike.
Total smoking time was roughly an hour.
Cheers,
Shawn
Bombed to me by a member of the burning leaf crew
This cigar was originally produced by Tatuaje in 2007 as a special limited release stemming from the regular Havana VI line in three sizes: The No. 1 @ 6 ¼ x 52 (Westie), No. 2 @ 5 ½ x 54 (Eastie) and the No. 9 4 ½ x 49 (Holts release). It differs somewhat from the regular Havana VI blend as Ligero was added to the filler making a deeper and more complex cigar, the Verocu line also saw the regular Cafe Rosado wrapper replaced by the Cafe Rosado Oscuro – adding to the aforementioned trait. Interestingly, this particular vitola was only released to the East coast of the united states, hence the term “Eastie”and its other counterpart – the Verocu No. 1 – was released to the West coast, perhaps mimicking the regional releases often seen in CC's.
My angst to try one of these beauties stems as far back as the first month I joined BOTL, I was gifted a Havana VI Angeles and thought “how much better can it get than this” and of course, I was soon pointed in the right direction.
Upon examining this cigar, the first thing that comes into perspective is the oil sheen that adorns the wrapper even after 3 years of age, additional the colour is rich and beautiful – I've always been a fan of reddish brown look a Rosado gave off, though here it is darker due to its Oscuro nature. There appear to be few imperfections other then some cracks at the foot and some minor veining, the pack appears to be rather firm with triple cap applied flat and even.
Now for the exciting part.
Pre-Light: Taking in the notes from the wrapper, I am amazed at the complexity: coffee, cocoa and cedar immediately flood the nose. Moving to the foot, the bouquet gives off spice and hints of strong tobacco – I excitedly clip off the cap in anticipation of what the draw has to offer. Notes of spice hit the palate first, followed by cedar, hints of earth and again tobacco nuances.
Light: After a quick toast and light, I can only describe the first few draws as an explosion of flavor. Cocoa, spice and earth all consume my palate with the same notes taken into the nose. The ambient burn is equally enjoyable, offering up wonderful cocoa-vanilla fragrances.
First third: Ten minutes in and the smoke output is incredible – rich and creamy in the mouth – cocoa remains the dominant note and earth is still present along with spice, although it has died down to more of an undertone that lingers after the draw. The expelled smoke carries with it plenty of cocoa and almond characteristics, some of my favourites. The burn is problematic and rather lopsided (see picture below) but for the most part isn't anything beyond what a simple touch up cannot fix. The ash initially held to half an inch before falling, but held for another inch and a half before dropping into the ashtray there after.
Second Third: Unfortunately, the burn issues have transferred from the first third into the second, though it doesn't take away from the experience as a whole. The draw seems to be largely unchanged mid way through the second third: plenty of light cocoa still present on the palate along with some earth and now almond on the finish, spice continues to linger as well on the finish. The expelled smoke still retains an generous amounts of cocoa and almond, though it has become slightly more complex as leather is now present. Despite repeated touch ups, the ash holds to solid inch and a half at the end of the second respectively.
Final Third: Approaching the band, the flavor profile has begun to strengthen, while cocoa and earth are still carried in droves, leather has also made an appearance, largely replacing the almond present in the second third – interestingly enough the spice also appears to have died down toward the finish. Though the nasal retro-hale holds on to the ever present cocoa, almond and leather, it hasn't developed as I thought it would, however I am not disapointed. The burn seems to have improved somewhat at near the nub and while issues are still present, the ash holds close to two inches before dying out.
Final Thoughts: Short and to the point, this was a GREAT cigar. Rarely am I so impressed by the draw and fragrances a particular cigar has to offer that I am willing to overlook its short comings entirely, but this cigar offers something special. Perhaps I am moderately biased as I have long been a fan of the Nicaraguan flavor profile, specifically Padron's, which carry many of the notes present in this Verocu, although I urge anyone reading not to be swayed by this. This is an excellent example of how a cigar, when blended properly, becomes a wonderful balance of consistency, intriguing flavour, and strength that sets in at just the right time. While the Eastie may be hard to find, and as such, carry with it an elevated price tag, it is certainly a cigar that is worth tracking down for the newcomer and the experienced connoisseur alike.
Total smoking time was roughly an hour.
Cheers,
Shawn
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