Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release)

danreeve · 06-08-2010, 09:06 AM

Today's review is a pre-release stick of the Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite. The actual release date has not been announced, but I am hearing it is due to be in shops hopefully in early July. This stick has a lot of rumors going around about it, but mostly about how much it is going to cost. Pete Johnson (@tatuajecigars on twitter, owner of Tatuaje) has not been shy with telling people that this might be his most expensive product to be brought to the market. I've heard that the cost isn't going to be as high as once thought, but really we won't know until they arrive.

Here is some more information on this cigar from the New Havana Cigars web page:

L'Esprit de la Verite is the brainchild of Pete Johnson of Tatuaje and has received a lot of attention from many who had the opportunity to experience one at IPCPR this year. This limited release is made entirely from tobacco from Pepin's Finca La Estrella (Star Farm) all from the same vintage, 2008. The cigars are currently rolled and resting in the drying room at the factory.

This cigar was generously given to me by Dan (NHCDAN on twitter) and, when I asked him if there is anything I should know about it he responded with, "Just smoke it. I think you'll like it". Dan knows what sticks I like, so hearing that was good news.

On to the review.

Specifics
Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5
Ring Gauge: 50
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano Criollo
Binder: Nicaragua Habano Criollo
Filler: Nicaragua Habano Criollo
Price: $??
Smoking Location: My back deck
Beverage: water

Pre-Light

The first thing about the L’esprit de Verite that stands out to me is the band. Unfortunately for me, this is a bad thing because I am not a fan of the design. I understand what Pete was going for with the date being the main focus of the band, and being one very distinguishable characteristic to use to not confuse these sticks from year to year, but for me it seems unfinished. I was actually surprised to hear that this was the final design and not just a mock up for the pre-release. With all of that said, I'm not smoking the band, so my judgment of the stick will not be swayed by this one detail. The wrapper of my L’esprit de Verite is very smooth and dry. Not dry because it was not stored properly, it just seemed to lack any oils like some sticks do. Squeezing the vitola from head to foot the cigar is very fully packed. I was concerned about this until I took the cold draw, which was just fine and free with a slight resistance. This stick has the perfect draw for my taste. Speaking of taste, the cold draw flavors were very earthy, mixed with hints of mild oak. The pre-lit aroma of the cigar was similar, leaning more towards the oak scent.

First Third

My L’esprit de Verite lit easily with my triple torch and produced lots of smoke from the get go. Even with being outside, the resting smoked filled the area of my deck where I was sitting. The initial flavors were spicy on the front, with some oak notes cooling it off, and a nice sweetness on the finish. The spice wasn't really that peppery flavor that I am accustomed with Tatuaje products, but more of a cinnamon spice. The oak flavors were nice, but what really got my palate interested was the sweetness on the finish. The finish didn't stick around all that long, but was a really great flavor while it was there, and it came back with every puff. The body of the cigar was hovering around the mild/medium range. About an inch into my cigar, I ran into a little problem...

(image)

CRACK! was the sound I heard after take a big puff. Turning the stick over, I saw that the wrapper had split right along one of the veins in the leaf. Luckily the split stopped half way down the stick and, due to the amount this stick is packed, I was able to burn right through it with a little loosening of the draw as the only setback. I must say that I have had very minimal construction issues with Tatuaje products in my time smoking cigars, but it does happen. And it happens to all companies. Cigars are a hand made product. Errors and mishaps are going to happen. Moving on to the second third.

Second Third

After burning past the crack in the wrapper my L’esprit de Verite was right back on track. The flavors were consistent with the first third, with the spice up front, creamy oak flavors in the middle, and the sweetness on the finish. Again that sweetness is what really kept my interest and kept me from getting bored. I have tasted that flavor before, and I was trying to think of another cigar that has that same sweetness on the finish, but it wouldn't come to me. If I think of it I'll edit this post and add it in. The body of the cigar ramped up a little more into the medium range, but nowhere near something like the Tatuaje brown label products.

Final Third and Final Thoughts

There is not much else to report in the final third that hasn't been said in the first two thirds. The flavors were the same, and the strength consistent with the second third. The burn was perfect after the crack, and the smoke volume never slowed down from the first draw to the last. As you can see in the picture I smoked this stick to the nub, and I'm happy to say it never got hot or harsh, right down to the last puff.

Final thoughts on the Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite? Dan (NHCDAN on twitter) was right. I liked this stick. Other than the one construction flaw, and it not being the most diverse flavor profile, this is a solid, consistent, and good tasting smoke. In my opinion it's not a "wow best Tatuaje ever!" but it's not one to pass up. I think if the rumors are true, and the price is not as high as once thought, a lot of people will pick these up to try and a lot of people will be happy with the smoking experience. I know this won't be the last one I smoke.

Would I buy it again? I will buy more of these, and can't wait to see if the full release is the same as this pre- release stick.

Would I buy a box? These will be a great cigar to have around and pass out to friends, so a box purchase would suit that situation well. A lot will come down to the price for me.

for more pictures please visit http://tinyurl.com/277ud9x

Dan

OHRD · 06-08-2010, 09:33 AM

Nice score Dan!

heavyd · 06-08-2010, 09:36 AM

Smoked one of these last year (NHC was giving them away with Tat box purchases). I liked it very much

. The price will dictate whether I buy a box or a couple of singles. Nice review!

kelmac07 · 06-08-2010, 09:41 AM

Thanks for sharing Dan.

montecristo#2 · 06-08-2010, 10:11 AM

Yeh, I have had one of these as well and to be honest, I was a little disappointed. I did not get a lot of complexity from the one I smoked. It was also very rough for the first couple of inches. It was not a bad cigar, but it wasn't great either. Maybe it just needed more time.

At the price point I have heard (around $20), there are a lot of regular release Tatuajes that I would rather smoke.

tomc3084 · 06-08-2010, 10:12 AM

Thank you for the review Dan, very nicely done

cigarlvr · 06-08-2010, 06:40 PM

Nice score and review

06-08-2010, 08:00 PM

Very nice review, well written.
Anywhere in the double digit range will put it out of my price range except for special situations.

danreeve · 06-08-2010, 08:45 PM

thanks for the kind words guys

Dan

acarr · 06-08-2010, 11:17 PM

Great review thanks! The RC's seem a bit pricey to me. If this is his most expensive stick and more expensive than those, I will leave them for the rest of you.

Adriftpanda · 06-09-2010, 12:09 AM

They alright... nothing that made me go ooooh and ahhh. For the price point, I think I will pass.

AlohaStyle · 06-09-2010, 12:19 AM

The La Verite is the Churchill size and price point discussed was $25. This Robusto was discussed as $15 but could be a few dollars less, it wasn't decided last I heard from Pete end of March.

I am anxiously waiting for next year's La Verite release as those are some amazing cigars!

danreeve · 06-09-2010, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlohaStyle

I am anxiously waiting for next year's La Verite release as those are some amazing cigars!

that is what I keep hearing.

tenbaseg · 06-09-2010, 06:06 AM

Thanks for the review. It'll be interesting to hear more about these when they arrive to the market. I agree with you on the band. I'm not a fan at all.

danreeve · 06-23-2010, 11:28 AM

you can pre-order these now, just FYI

http://www.newhavanacigars.com/La_Ve...s_com_s/90.htm

BigAsh · 06-23-2010, 12:26 PM

I got one of these at a Pete event at Holts a couple months ago...resting in humi but gonna smoke it soon!...thanks for review

Eleven · 06-23-2010, 02:16 PM

Dan are you affiliated with NHC in any way?

danreeve · 06-23-2010, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eleven

Dan are you affiliated with NHC in any way?

Nope, except that he is one of my friends and we hang out and smoke together pretty often. His shop/distribution center is about 3/4 mile from my house.

Confusing I know because we have the same name.

Dan

Eleven · 06-23-2010, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danreeve

Nope, except that he is one of my friends and we hang out and smoke together pretty often. His shop/distribution center is about 3/4 mile from my house.

Confusing I know because we have the same name.

Dan

Just wondered cause you seem to have exclusives on his stuff. Don't hurt being friends AND being close huh!?!?

Beagleone · 06-23-2010, 04:13 PM

I've have several of these and each has gotten better than the one before. I have one I have been sitting on for a few months now that I want to smoke soon. I have been impressed with the flavors I got off the cigars (the review was spot on).

06-08-2010, 09:06 AM	#1
danreeve Feeling at Home Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Dan Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 733 Trading: (2)	Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) Today's review is a pre-release stick of the Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite. The actual release date has not been announced, but I am hearing it is due to be in shops hopefully in early July. This stick has a lot of rumors going around about it, but mostly about how much it is going to cost. Pete Johnson (@tatuajecigars on twitter, owner of Tatuaje) has not been shy with telling people that this might be his most expensive product to be brought to the market. I've heard that the cost isn't going to be as high as once thought, but really we won't know until they arrive. Here is some more information on this cigar from the New Havana Cigars web page: L'Esprit de la Verite is the brainchild of Pete Johnson of Tatuaje and has received a lot of attention from many who had the opportunity to experience one at IPCPR this year. This limited release is made entirely from tobacco from Pepin's Finca La Estrella (Star Farm) all from the same vintage, 2008. The cigars are currently rolled and resting in the drying room at the factory. This cigar was generously given to me by Dan (NHCDAN on twitter) and, when I asked him if there is anything I should know about it he responded with, "Just smoke it. I think you'll like it". Dan knows what sticks I like, so hearing that was good news. On to the review. Specifics Vitola: Robusto Length: 5 Ring Gauge: 50 Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano Criollo Binder: Nicaragua Habano Criollo Filler: Nicaragua Habano Criollo Price: $?? Smoking Location: My back deck Beverage: water Pre-Light The first thing about the L’esprit de Verite that stands out to me is the band. Unfortunately for me, this is a bad thing because I am not a fan of the design. I understand what Pete was going for with the date being the main focus of the band, and being one very distinguishable characteristic to use to not confuse these sticks from year to year, but for me it seems unfinished. I was actually surprised to hear that this was the final design and not just a mock up for the pre-release. With all of that said, I'm not smoking the band, so my judgment of the stick will not be swayed by this one detail. The wrapper of my L’esprit de Verite is very smooth and dry. Not dry because it was not stored properly, it just seemed to lack any oils like some sticks do. Squeezing the vitola from head to foot the cigar is very fully packed. I was concerned about this until I took the cold draw, which was just fine and free with a slight resistance. This stick has the perfect draw for my taste. Speaking of taste, the cold draw flavors were very earthy, mixed with hints of mild oak. The pre-lit aroma of the cigar was similar, leaning more towards the oak scent. First Third My L’esprit de Verite lit easily with my triple torch and produced lots of smoke from the get go. Even with being outside, the resting smoked filled the area of my deck where I was sitting. The initial flavors were spicy on the front, with some oak notes cooling it off, and a nice sweetness on the finish. The spice wasn't really that peppery flavor that I am accustomed with Tatuaje products, but more of a cinnamon spice. The oak flavors were nice, but what really got my palate interested was the sweetness on the finish. The finish didn't stick around all that long, but was a really great flavor while it was there, and it came back with every puff. The body of the cigar was hovering around the mild/medium range. About an inch into my cigar, I ran into a little problem... (image) CRACK! was the sound I heard after take a big puff. Turning the stick over, I saw that the wrapper had split right along one of the veins in the leaf. Luckily the split stopped half way down the stick and, due to the amount this stick is packed, I was able to burn right through it with a little loosening of the draw as the only setback. I must say that I have had very minimal construction issues with Tatuaje products in my time smoking cigars, but it does happen. And it happens to all companies. Cigars are a hand made product. Errors and mishaps are going to happen. Moving on to the second third. Second Third After burning past the crack in the wrapper my L’esprit de Verite was right back on track. The flavors were consistent with the first third, with the spice up front, creamy oak flavors in the middle, and the sweetness on the finish. Again that sweetness is what really kept my interest and kept me from getting bored. I have tasted that flavor before, and I was trying to think of another cigar that has that same sweetness on the finish, but it wouldn't come to me. If I think of it I'll edit this post and add it in. The body of the cigar ramped up a little more into the medium range, but nowhere near something like the Tatuaje brown label products. Final Third and Final Thoughts There is not much else to report in the final third that hasn't been said in the first two thirds. The flavors were the same, and the strength consistent with the second third. The burn was perfect after the crack, and the smoke volume never slowed down from the first draw to the last. As you can see in the picture I smoked this stick to the nub, and I'm happy to say it never got hot or harsh, right down to the last puff. Final thoughts on the Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite? Dan (NHCDAN on twitter) was right. I liked this stick. Other than the one construction flaw, and it not being the most diverse flavor profile, this is a solid, consistent, and good tasting smoke. In my opinion it's not a "wow best Tatuaje ever!" but it's not one to pass up. I think if the rumors are true, and the price is not as high as once thought, a lot of people will pick these up to try and a lot of people will be happy with the smoking experience. I know this won't be the last one I smoke. Would I buy it again? I will buy more of these, and can't wait to see if the full release is the same as this pre- release stick. Would I buy a box? These will be a great cigar to have around and pass out to friends, so a box purchase would suit that situation well. A lot will come down to the price for me. for more pictures please visit http://tinyurl.com/277ud9x Dan __________________ http://cigarpress.com/

06-08-2010, 09:36 AM	#3
heavyd Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Nov 2008 First Name: Dave Location: La Mesa CA Posts: 316 Trading: (22)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) Smoked one of these last year (NHC was giving them away with Tat box purchases). I liked it very much . The price will dictate whether I buy a box or a couple of singles. Nice review! __________________ "You can't get to wonderful without passing through alright." ~Bill Withers

06-08-2010, 09:41 AM	#4
kelmac07 Resident Maduro Whore!! Join Date: Apr 2009 First Name: Mac Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 27,322 Trading: (218)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) Thanks for sharing Dan. __________________ Dom in the MLB thread "I could probably get you to wear a Yankee hat for a Maduro!"

06-08-2010, 10:11 AM	#5
montecristo#2 Don't Taze me Bro! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 1,063 Trading: (49)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) Yeh, I have had one of these as well and to be honest, I was a little disappointed. I did not get a lot of complexity from the one I smoked. It was also very rough for the first couple of inches. It was not a bad cigar, but it wasn't great either. Maybe it just needed more time. At the price point I have heard (around $20), there are a lot of regular release Tatuajes that I would rather smoke.

06-08-2010, 10:12 AM	#6
tomc3084 Feeling at Home Join Date: Dec 2009 First Name: Tom Location: Baden, PA Posts: 710 Trading: (26)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) Thank you for the review Dan, very nicely done __________________ [SIGPIC]

06-08-2010, 09:33 AM	#2
OHRD Garage w/ couch & ashtray Join Date: Sep 2009 First Name: Matt Posts: 1,377 Trading: (39)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) Nice score Dan! __________________ Did I tell you my garage has a couch and an ashtray? My wife doesn't let me sleep or smoke inside.

06-08-2010, 06:40 PM	#7
cigarlvr Adjusting to the Life Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 289 Trading: (11)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) Nice score and review

06-08-2010, 08:00 PM	#8
E-Tx Surveyor Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) Very nice review, well written. Anywhere in the double digit range will put it out of my price range except for special situations.

06-08-2010, 08:45 PM	#9
danreeve Feeling at Home Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Dan Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 733 Trading: (2)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) thanks for the kind words guys Dan __________________ http://cigarpress.com/

06-08-2010, 11:17 PM	#10
acarr Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,307 Trading: (34)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) Great review thanks! The RC's seem a bit pricey to me. If this is his most expensive stick and more expensive than those, I will leave them for the rest of you.

06-09-2010, 12:09 AM	#11
Adriftpanda Peter's Daddy Join Date: May 2009 First Name: Huy Location: No one wants me Posts: 10,313 Trading: (74)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) They alright... nothing that made me go ooooh and ahhh. For the price point, I think I will pass. __________________ Who eats plantains when they can eat placenta.

06-09-2010, 12:19 AM	#12
AlohaStyle Have My Own Room Join Date: Sep 2009 First Name: Ryan Location: WA Posts: 1,168 Trading: (40)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) The La Verite is the Churchill size and price point discussed was $25. This Robusto was discussed as $15 but could be a few dollars less, it wasn't decided last I heard from Pete end of March. I am anxiously waiting for next year's La Verite release as those are some amazing cigars!

06-09-2010, 06:06 AM	#14
tenbaseg Saying no to daily deals! Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Garrett Location: Masshole Nation Posts: 1,094 Trading: (40)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) Thanks for the review. It'll be interesting to hear more about these when they arrive to the market. I agree with you on the band. I'm not a fan at all.

06-23-2010, 11:28 AM	#15
danreeve Feeling at Home Join Date: Jan 2010 First Name: Dan Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 733 Trading: (2)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) you can pre-order these now, just FYI http://www.newhavanacigars.com/La_Ve...s_com_s/90.htm __________________ http://cigarpress.com/

06-23-2010, 12:26 PM	#16
BigAsh Don't knock the Ash... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Keith Location: Yardley, PA Posts: 5,046 Trading: (46)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) I got one of these at a Pete event at Holts a couple months ago...resting in humi but gonna smoke it soon!...thanks for review __________________ Keith

06-23-2010, 02:16 PM	#17
Eleven Solid As The Sun Join Date: Aug 2009 First Name: Scott Location: SW Ohio Posts: 1,859 Trading: (23)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) Dan are you affiliated with NHC in any way? __________________ CA: putting the 'man' in bromance since 2008! --markem.

06-23-2010, 04:13 PM	#20
Beagleone Feeling at Home Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Between here and there Posts: 830 Trading: (18)	Re: Tatuaje L’esprit de Verite (pre release) I've have several of these and each has gotten better than the one before. I have one I have been sitting on for a few months now that I want to smoke soon. I have been impressed with the flavors I got off the cigars (the review was spot on). __________________ Whoever said "laughter is the best medicine" didn't have gonorrhea.