Vital Stats:

This cigar was reviewed blind (no bands) by a panel of at least 4 reviewers. They did not know what they were smoking beforehand. The scores are an average of all the reviewers' scores with outliers removed.

Initial Impressions

Appearance: 90

“Dark chocolate in color, this cigar was very appealing with tiny sparkles and plenty of tooth. There was almost no oil to the cigar, but that didn’t affect the construction of the cigar.” –Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)

Aroma: 91

“Coffee, wood, peppery spices and earthy aroma has me looking forward to smoking it.” –Ron (shuckins)

Construction: 90

“The cracks are more apparent in the wrapper and the cigar is medium firm the entire length. There are no soft spots that are apparent at this time.” –Sandeep (Djangos)

First Third

Flavor: 92

Strength: Medium

Body/Complexity: Medium

“Black pepper and a light bitterness was present upon initial light. There was a sweetness there as well which is indicative of maduro wrappers. This cigar produced tons of creamy smoke that coated the palate with that sweetness and also some type of woody flavor, maybe oak or cedar, and freshly roasted coffee beans. It’s surprisingly good so far.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

Not as peppery as I thought it would be on light up, although it was still spicy with a light coffee flavor and woodsy tasting tobacco. Towards the end of the first third a taste of bitter chocolate joined with the coffee, bringing a trace of creaminess with it.” –Ron (shuckins)

Second Third

Flavor: 92

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The pepper, especially on the retrohale, has picked back up but the char has transformed into a smooth and creamy character. There is still a hearty component to this stick with an espresso and dark chocolate finish on the palate. All of the flavors have a smoky edge to them.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

“The flavors continued from the first third into the second. There was slightly less sweetness to the smoke, but still had little notes appearing here and there. The pepper from the first third dissipated. Dark chocolate, earth, espresso bitterness, oak and leather were the main flavors. Smoke and draw performance was still excellent as well!” –Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)

Final Third

Flavor: 93

Strength: Medium-Strong

Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“The sweetness of the final third kept me wanting more. It seemed to have constantly changed from chocolate to a vanilla extract and back several times. The bitterness crept back in during this third but wasn’t a major distraction at all as well as black pepper and cedar. The consistency of flavors were remarkable as they were present throughout the entire cigar.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“Leather was the main component of the last third.. this is where it was the strongest. The pepper reappeared, slightly less than the first third. There was an intermingling with sweetness, woodiness, dark chocolate and espresso. There was a smooth finish to this cigar. Extremely enjoyable. Nubbed it!” –Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)

Overall Impressions

Draw: 96

“A 1960’s hippy draw: free, loose and easy, with plenty of smoke.” –Ron (shuckins)

Burn: 94

“A near perfect burn throughout. Volumes of smoke right up to the end.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong

Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

Overall Experience: 93

“I must admit, the sheer size of this cigar had me a bit intimidated prior to lighting but the more I smoked it, the more I enjoyed it. This cigar had a familiar profile to one I’ve had before but I couldn’t place it. Anyway, this was, by far, the most enjoyable cigar I’ve smoked in quite some time. I look forward to finding out what it is. This was one that I’d definitely save my pennies for to add a box (or three) to the stash. Consistency. Flavor. Complexity. All the makings of an extraordinary cigar.” –Milton (mjohnsoniii)

“The flavors were right in my wheel house, and I would be happy to smoke another one.” –Ron (shuckins)

“All elements combined, this is a great cigar. It would pair well with a steak dinner and favorite bourbon or scotch. The smoky char begs for a combination that would enhance the experience. A bit strong at times but not so much that I’m reaching for something sweet. While it wouldn’t be an everyday smoke, I would definitely keep some on hand for those times at the grill.” –Gregg (McGreggor57)



“Truly a very enjoyable smoke with a myriad of flavors that keep coming in and out throughout the length. Had it not been for the issues with the wrapper it would have scored higher. Definitely need to find out what this one is.” –Sandeep (Djangos)



“This cigar is exactly what I look forward to! The whole experience was wonderful. I would have loved to give it a complete 100 for a score, but there were just a few nuances to bring the total down a tad (which were mentioned previously). I would DEFINITELY recommend this cigar and would get many, many more of these for myself!!” –Cindy (Ms_CindyLynn)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 98

Total Score: 92 (Very Good)

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To view the complete scores and notes, click here

Blind Cigar Review: Tatuaje | Halloween 2013 Jason JV13