• Tatuaje (Brown Label)
• Tatuaje Havana VI
• Tatuaje Black Label
• Cabaiguan
• Cabaiguan Guapo
• La Riqueza
• El Triunfador Original
• El Triunfador
• La Casita Criolla
• Fausto

Today, I will be reviewing the Tatuaje Fausto Lancero. Based on the T110 blend, an R. Fields exclusive in Hawaii, the Fausto line launched in 2011. Five regular production vitolas are available in the Fausto line including: FT114 Short Robusto (4 1/2 by 52), FT127 Robusto (5 by 54), FT140 Robusto Extra (5 1/2 by 52), FT153 Toro (6 by 50), FT166 Short Churchhill (6 1/2 by 28). Additionally, from 2011 through 2013, Tatuaje released an annual off-shoot of the Fausto line known as Avion.

The Facts

Price:$95 per sampler of 10
Vitola: Lancero
Size: 7 ½ by 38
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 25 Minutes
Drink: N/A

Pre-light

The Fausto band is eye catching against the consistent, medium brown Ecuadorian Habano Maduro wrapper. To be honest, that is the main reason I chose to review this cigar over any other in the sampler. A light amount of oils can be seen and felt and, from head to foot, the cigar is evenly packed. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Tatuaje. Wet earth and manure notes are found on the wrapper of the cigar, and similar notes found on the foot with the addition of chocolate.

Right in the center of the foot, there appears to be a void in the tobaccos. I sure hope it does not result in tunneling down  the road. The Fausto Lancero comes to a close with a small, pigtail style cap that has been neatly applied. My first cut presented a unpreferable draw, however, a second shallow cut is making it much more manageable. Big notes of cedar, dark fruit, and spice are found on the dry draw.

First Third

Quickly toasting the 38 ring gauge foot, the Tatuaje Fausto Lancero is underway. The smoke is just bellowing out of the cigar with each small puff coating all surfaces of my mouth. There is a unique woodsy, pine flavor that I am picking up on that I usually find in Mexican San Andres tobacco, and it has an acidic edge to it and a sweetness. The sharpness quickly evolves into a creaminess on the palate, along with a dough flavor. A spice heat is easily noticeable on the palate, but it is not until you retro-hale the smoke where you really pick up on the pepper. A gorgeous ash is being formed as the cigar burns just about perfect.

Middle Third

Burning into the second third, I find the cigar gaining in sweetness and richness. The dough flavor continues to build, there is a newly found garlic or herbal quality, and the unique woodsy notes are there but are being pushed behind the other flavors. On the finish, a dry cocoa has emerged, along with a jelly-like sweetness, and the spice has resided. The acidic edge mentioned earlier may be more of citrus at this point.

Final Third

There is not much change in the profile other than a some dry pencil-shaving notes and the profile is now more toasty. The flavor and body have remained full throughout the smoke, and the strength is on the edge of full. From start to finish, the Fausto Lancero has burned solidly. All I know is that I do not want this cigar to come to an end.

Wrap-up

Tatuaje’s Fausto Lancero is just another reason to get your hands on this sampler pack. Right of the bat, the Fausto Lancero delivered bold and intriguing flavors. The pine notes, the sweetness, and the acidic/citrus quality complimented one another making the smoke extremely enjoyable and satisfying. I expected the cigar to kick my butt in the strength department but that never occurred. The flavor and body of the smoke easily outdid the strength, which I love! Exceptional burn, copious smoke production, and a firm ash on the small ring gauge cigar made the Fausto Lancero an effortless smoke. Seriously, grab a sampler today. Well worth your hard earned dollars.

The post Tatuaje Fausto Lancero appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

The Havana VI Lancero is only available in the limited production lancero sampler featured in the picture above. The sampler features 10 highly acclaimed cigars from Tatuaje all in a 7 ½ by 38 Lancero vitola including Tatuaje (Brown Label), Tatuaje Havana VI, Tatuaje Black Label, Cabaiguan, Cabaiguan Guapo, La Riqueza, El Triunfador Original, El Triunfador, La Casita Criolla, and Fausto. At the start of August, I reviewed the Cabaiguan Guapo lancero, which can be found HERE.

Tatuaje’s Havana VI is produced under the direction of Jamie Garcia at My Father Cigar S.A. in Esteli, Nicaragua. Here is a list of other avalable vitolas in the line: Verocu No.5 (4 by 40), Angeles – Petite Corona (4 5/8 by 42), Victorias – Corona Especial (6 by 38), Hermosos – Corona Gorda (5 5/8 by 26), Nobles – Robusto (5 by 50), Gorditos – Toro Grande (5 1/2 by 56), Artistas – Torpedo (6 1/8 by 52), and Almirantes – Churchhill (7 by 47).

The Facts

Gift from my bride
Price:$9.50 ($95 for the sampler)
Vitola: Lancero
Size: 7 1/2 by 38
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 20 Minutes
Drink: Water

Pre-light

The Tatuaje Havana VI Lancero is dressed in oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that is milk chocolate in color. It has been a while since I smoked a cigar from this line but I do not recall the wrapper being so dark. The simple red band jumps out against the dark leaf that is scarred with small, black veins that crisscross down the stick. The Havana VI gives slightly when pinched but feels evenly filled.

The wrapper aroma is big and bold with notes barnyard and  manure. I am met with some spice as I smell the foot of the cigar with additional notes of earth and cedar. A triple cap comes to an end with a small pig-tail that gets the job done but nothing to write home about. Clipping through the 38 ring gauge stick is quick and painless, giving way to a somewhat firm cold draw that brings forth rich cedar and clove.

First Third

The cigar opens up with full flavors of cedar and pepper awakening my palate. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper is really shining through with a significant amount of spice heat. There is a unique finish to the smoke that makes me think of bubble gum once it loses its flavor.  The smallest of draws delivers a mouthful of smoke that is thick and chewy in the mouth. A light colored ash is dropping every half inch. At the close of the first third the perfromance has been spot on with a thin eye-liner burn.

Middle Third

At the thirty minute mark, I have run into what may be a major issue going forward. A tunnel is forming that has cut down the smoke production and put a damper on the flavors.  The profile has taken a shift to much more earthy notes and has also increased in richness. The burn-line has gotten a bit out of whack and I can’t seem to keep the cigar burning. The tunnel is now having an adverse effect on the flavors resulting in some charredness.

Final Third

Finally, with three inches remaining, the tunnel has come to an end but the flavors have not fully recovered. What I assume to be a result of the multiple relights, charred notes are dominating the profile. The earth has developed to diesel-like flavor and the finish of the smoke is of chocolate. The charred notes are masking the potential of the final third, which is very dissapointing. The spice is still prevalent and has turned from a pepper spice to more of a jalapeno spice. As I begin to put a close to the cigar, I notice a very appealing aroma from the smoke of tart cherries.

Wrap-up

2014 has been a year of tunneling cigars for me. It seems that every couple of cigars I smoke have had a tunneling issue. Having on the opportunity to only smoke one of these, I cannot give it a fair assessment due to the major tunnel that was encountered. I have smoked several other cigars from Tatuaje and I rarely find any issues with quality/performance. The Tatuaje Havana VI Lancero began with a bang, opening up with full flavors that were balanced and spicy, but that is where the fairy tale ends. The final two thirds became a story of bad performance and poor flavors. Knowing the high quality of Tatuaje and My Father cigars, this cigar has not deterred me from hunting down one more Havana VI Lancero and giving it another shot.

The post Tatuaje Havana VI Lancero appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

The Cabiguan Guapos is made in Esteli, Nicaragua at My Father Cigars S.A., the factory responsible for most of Tatuaje products. Available sizes include 5 5/8 by 54, 5 by 50, 5 5/8 by 46, 4 5/8 by 42, and 7 1/2 by 38. Tony reviewed the 5 ⅝ by 54 Gaupo here.

The lancero vitola of the Guapo is only available in the sampler. While the sampler will be in regular production, it will be made in limited quantities during each run.

The Facts

A gift from my bride
Price: $9.50 ($95 for the sampler)
Vitola: Lancero
Size: 7 ½ by 38
Wrapper:Ecuadorian Sun Grown
Binder:Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 and 35 Minutes

Pre-light

The Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper is consistent in its medium brown color. I am met with a pungent aroma once the cellophane is removed, along with cedar and wet earth notes. The foot gives off more of the cedar and earth with an added sweet vanilla smell. The wrapper leaf is marked with bumps and veins giving it a slightly rugged look.

The Guapos Lancer0 is filled evenly all the way down to its neat, pointy cap. The cold draw is on the dry side with the same cedar and earth notes from the wrapper and foot aroma, along with a faint clove flavor. I am also feeling a spice tingle on my lips the lingers for a good amount of time.

First Third

One thing I have come to expect from cigars produced at My Fathers is spice. And the Guapos does not disappoint in that area. I am met with a considerable amount of spice in the first couple of puffs that warms my mouth and lip, and leaves quite the burn through the sinuses during the retrohale. The other flavors are deep and in-line with the cold draw being of cedar and earth. As I take a smaller, shallower draw, I notice the pepper lessens and some sweetness comes through. I can’t put my finger on it yet, but it may be a vanilla-like sweetness. The finish is a bit dry with a dark fruit flavor. The burn-line is crazy thin and first ash made it past an inch.

Middle Third

Making my way into the second third, the dry cedar has moved to the front of the profile with the unique, vanilla sweetness. The sweetness is refreshing and brings a nice balance to the smoke. The earthyness is gaining ground and an acidic citrus has joined in right around the halfway point. As I knock off the ash, I find a small tunnel in the center of the cigar. So far it is not having any kind of negative impact on the flavors or smoke production. Even the smallest of draws fills my mouth with a satisfying amount of smoke. The flavors are full, with the strength falling not too far behind.

Final Third

The Tatuaje Gabaiguan Guapo Lancero is still smoking cool with two and a half inches left. The pepper has calmed but in no way completely departed and the spice is still warming my mouth and lips. The vanilla I got early on is really only noticable on the finish, along with a dusty cocoa flavor. The deep cedar and wet earth notes are still holding strong as I begin to wrap up this 7 1/2 by 38 lancero.

Wrap-up

I have been a fan of Tatuaje for some time, but there were several cigars included in the sampler that I had yet to smoke and the Cabaiguan Guapo was one of those. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect first experience with a cigar. The cigar burned cool and even. There were no touch-ups or ashes dropped in my lap. Just a complex, flavorful cigar to sit back and relax with. One thing I noted on this lancero was how big, deep draws brought out an overwhelming pepper, while a small shallow draw highlighted  the nuances of this stick. As is the case with lanceros, you need to slow down your regular smoking pace to fully enjoy what this traditional vitola offers. I highly recommend you get your hands on these. You won’t be disappointed.

The post Tatuaje Cabaiguan Guapo Lancero appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

This cigar was gifted to me by a great friend and BOTL. I want to give a big “Thanks” to Roman O. for hooking me up with this cigar. The Avion is a line extension of the Tatuaje Fausto  line. In 2011, Pete Johnson, owner of Tatuaje, released the first extension being the Avion 11, which has been followed by a release each year since. Currently, the extension includes:

• Avion 11 – Perfecto – 6 ¾ by 48/52
• Avion 12 – Perfecto – 5⅝ by 48/52
• Avion 13 – Perfecto – 6 ⅞ by 52
• Avion 13 Limited – Perfecto – 7 ¼ by 52 (Connecticut Broadleaf)

The Facts

Price: $8.50
Vitola: Perfecto
Size: 5⅝ by 48/52
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan – Esteli and Jalapa Ligero
Pairing: Club Soda
Smoke Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes

Pre-light

The Ecuadorian Habano Maduro wrapper is a beautiful dark brown and very oily. There is a small tear about an inch down from the head of the cigar but I don’t foresee it impacting the experience. The wrapper is almost seamless with small veins webbing across the leaf.  I’m loving the aroma off of the wrapper. Notes of chocolate, musty earth, and faint cedar arouse my senses.

The tapered foot makes it hard to find much in the aroma department other than the notes already pulled off the wrapper. The cap has been neatly applied on its pointed head. After a beautiful cut, the cold draw is revealing rich tobacco with clove and other spices.

First Third

A copious amount of smoke pumps out of the Avion with each small puff. The flavors are just as dark as the wrapper itself. Deep notes of earth and cocoa grab my attention and spice lingers on the palate. The retrohale highlights cedar and pepper, while oily smoke coats my entire mouth. As expected, the crazy thick burn started wavy. Burning pass the tapered foot, the eyeliner burn is now about perfect. The flavors are full but completely balanced and the strength is coming in at a solid medium. The dark grey ash is a bit flaky on the outside but holding firm past an inch.

Middle Third

As I enter the second third of the cigar, the smoke has become a bit toasty. But don’t get me wrong, it is not bad at all. The toastiness, which seems to be a combination of roasted coffee and burning wood, is complementing the cocoa . The earth flavor has also evolved from musty earth to diesel-like.  A sweetness is beginning to hit the tip of my tongue and I am interested to see what kind of role it will play later on.The  burn line is a bit wavy, flavors remain full, and the strength is putting me in a relaxed state of mind.

Final Third

Other than a slight tartness (think SweeTart) that has joined the mix, there has not been much development in the flavor department. The notes of cocoa, earth, and pepper are well balanced and extremely satisfying. The faint sugary sweetness is not making the appearance I expected. As I draw my final puffs, the strength cannot go unnoticed as it sits firmly in the full range. The burn line is right on and the ash is still nothing to write home about but nothing to complain about either.

Wrap-up

The Avion 12 was a pleasure to smoke. Well, to be honest, this cigar was unbelievable. The profile just fit my palate, a copious amount of smoke was produced, the burn line was rock solid, and the strength full but not overwhelming. At $8.50 each, and even lower with a box purchase, these cigars are a steal.  As I was smoking this cigar, I texted Roman O. and told him we had to get a box of these bad boys right away. Without hesitation he agreed. And that is my recommendation to you: Get over to your B&M and grab a handful. Smoke them. Then go back and grab a box.

The post Tatuaje – Fausto Avion 12 appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.

Prelight: Cigar #6 starts off with this absolutely beautiful, extremely toothy wrapper. This bad boy is oily! Bits of oil were rubbing off on my fingers every time I hold the cigar. The wrapper is a really dark, and consistent dark-chocolate brown. The construction on this cigar is immaculate. The only visible veins are very slight, and smooth. They blend so well in with the cigar they were hard to even find. Despite how lightweight this cigar is, it seems incredibly durable with very little give heading up towards the round double cap.

The wrapper of this cigar gives off a really nice cedar aroma while the foot lets loots a really, really deep spice. The cap clipped with extreme ease using my double bladed Palio cutter. The cold draw is really interesting. It starts with just a ton of pepper, spice, cedar, and some sweet raisin. Strange I know, but if the cigar bears as much flavor as the cold draw I know I’ll be impressed.

First Smoke: Cigar #6 lit and toasted really quick, and really easy. This cigar starts off with a ton of pepper. After the pepper simmered down a bit the cigar’s real flavors kicked in. Starting out with a ton of cedar, some really sharp spice, sweet tobacco, and this really interesting grape/plum flavor I pulled from the aftertaste. The burline started out completely solid, and razor sharp producing a very beautiful, tightly compacted white ash. Despite the beautiful ash, it only held on for about an inch before taking a dive right into my lap.

Halfway There: Going into the second third of cigar #6 and the pepper has completely faded leaving room for this cigar to really take off. The deep cedar flavor is still the main flavor backed by subtle spice, sweet cinnamon, and that strange plum flavor I pulled early into this cigar. At first, I thought the wrapper on this cigar was Connecticut Broadleaf, but the more I smoke it, the more I find myself leaning away from that. Stalk Cut Habano maybe? It just doesn’t have to same sweet characteristics that Connecticut Broadleaf normally does. Anyhow, getting back into it, the retrohale on this cigar is really sharp and spicy, I don’t find myself doing it too often at all. Not to mention the fact that I can already feel a bit of the nicotine from this cigar.

Finish: The complexity of this cigar never stops amazing me. Into the final third of this cigar the pepper flavor from the start of the smoke made a brief reappearance. The main flavor is still this plethora of cedar. My mouth taste’s like I have been chewing on a black of cedar. At this point the Plum flavor is really taking off too. What a neat mixture of flavor. The body has really started to jump up as well.  I am scared to get up and walk around. There was a little harshness in the end, but nothing that I didn’t mind smoking through. All in all this cigar took about an hour to take down. Probably too fast for me to call it the cigar I am about to, but that’s just part of the game.

Overview: This was a damn good cigar. Extremely complex, bold, strong, and interesting. It really kept me on my toes. Not for the faint of heart. Just make sure you have a nice meal, and something to drink handy before taking on whatever cigar this happens to be. (on a side note, all these blind reviews are paired with water. Since I don’t know what they are I don’t want to risk pairing them with something that could ruin the experience. )

So now, for the part that makes me look like a complete dumbass. What did I think this was?

First off all, I really want to say this is a Nicaraguan cigar. It had all the characteristics, but the flavors were so interesting that I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a crazy mix of tobacco in there. What Nicaraguan cigar did I think it is? Well, I really couldn’t get over the wrapper. It looks like something I am so used to be the experience didn’t match. That being said, my first guess is this is some crazy Liga Privada blend. The wrapper REALLY identified with the wrapper seen on the T52. The rest of the experience didn’t, but with all the experimenting that Drew Estate has been doing lately, and Brooks’ ability to get ahold of just about anything, it wouldn’t surprise me. Second guess? Viaje. I haven’t had the pleasure of smoking too many Viaje, but this is something that would definitely fit within their line. Flavorful, strong, and different. Now lets see just how far off I was.

And the cigar is, Tatuaje’s Fausto. Is this cigar even out yet? Brooks doesn’t mess around.

Tatuaje’s Fausto is a new blend being released this year. New blend? Kinda. If any of you remember the extremely limited T110 blend that Pete made for R. Fields in Hawaii then this cigar shouldn’t been unfamiliar to you. The Fausto is the same blend form the T110, only in different sizes. After all the success of the T110 Pete wanted to eventually turn it into a fully produced line. The Fausto is a damn strong cigar. This is a full ligero cigar composed of Jalapa and Estelí grown Nicaraguan tobacco. At least I got that part right. And the wrapper? Ecuador Habano Maduro. Again, I was close!

If you want to find out more about this cigar, and see a great review of it, head over to this link to check out what brooks over at Smokingstogie.com had to say about it.

The post Blind Review #6 from Smoking Stogie appeared first on Cigar Reviews | Beer Pairings | Casas Fumando.