Tatuaje Black: Review

Last Thursday was a special occasion: I smoked my first Tat Black. It wasn't that it was a special day and therefore I smoked this, it was a special day because I smoked it. This is a cigar I've wanted to smoke for a long time. For some reason, as soon as I woke up that day I knew it was "the day." I'm not the best at reviews, but here we go!



Construction:
This was a Black Robusto. I suppose I can see why some people call this an ugly cigar. It wasn't appealing to the eye, and had a very hard nob about 1/3 of the way from the foot that gave me some concern (turned out not to be a problem, though). It was firm, but also quite rough and had large bumpy veins.

Burn:
The burn was pretty good, especially considering the 10-15mph wind outside. It required two minor touch-ups, but I'm pretty anal about burn. It first ashed at 1 inch, then about every 1/2 - 3/4 inch after that (surprised me a few times, grrr). This cigar burned pretty slow for a robusto, though I was savoring it.

Smoke:
This cigar didn't give off a ton of smoke, but enough. The texture of the smoke was rather thin (other than the taste, it would have been hard to tell there was smoke in my mouth). It burned pretty cool until the 1 inch mark. This cigar was not particularly smooth, though there was not a harsh note in it either (it's not very old). I was able to retrohale a bit nearly every puff.

Flavor:

First Third:
I cut the "nipple" cap and had a good enough draw to proceed. There was not a ton of pre-light flavor, just sweet tobacco. The first 1/2 inch was very interesting. There was not a lot of the characteristic Pepin pepper on the palate, just a nice tobacco flavor with a bit of sweet spice. It was medium in body and flavor, and relaxing.

Then the flavor picked up and the pepper kicked in -- not really strong, but definitely there, especially on the back of the palate. At about the same time the characteristic Tatuaje rich tobacco flavor started coming through ... very nice.



From this point on, the cigar became more and more complex and fun. There was a lot of sweet spices though the nose, almost reminded me of a Westie, which I thought was kinda weird but in no way minded. Each puff was slightly different. I'm not the best at identifying specific flavors, but I swear to you that I tasted brownie 3 or 4 times (yes, I said brownies!). Hints of cocoa and wood here and there. Still medium or maybe medium-full in body and medium in strength.



Second Third:
During this time the sweetness gave way to more of a light woodsy flavor, and the pepper subsided quite a bit in terms of sensation but not flavor (if that makes sense). Those sweet spices still came through the nose, and a unique spice I couldn't identify (but loved) about 1/3 of the time. There were even some floral notes here and there. The cigar started getting stronger and I got the nicotine lump in my throat. I have a nice little buzz going now, but nothing major. At this point I am REALLY enjoying this cigar, and sort of bemoaning the fact that I'll probably have to at least split a box of the Tubos when the come out (I don't spend that kind of cash for a single stick). It was a relaxing yet exciting smoke and I was loving it. I had to move to the front porch, though, because I was getting hot on the swing by the pond.



Final Third:
The strength ratcheted up to full during the final third, and by the end my buzz was pretty strong (it was a long smoke, and by this time my stomach was totally empty). There were still sweet spices through the nose and more of that rich Tatuaje tobacco flavor, though I would say it was less complex as the cigar approached the end. There were still floral notes here and there as well. The last inch started getting hot, but I used a toothpick to nub that sucker anyway. Even at the end the flavor was still great.



Final Stats:
Flavor: Full
Body: Medium or maybe Medium-Full
Strength: Medium for the most part, lower end of full in the final third.
Duration: 90 minutes
Beverage: Water

Conclusion:
I loved this cigar! I tried very hard not to have unrealistic expectations, but I see now that it's not just the rarity of this stick that makes people crazy about it -- it's the flavor.

I'd have a hard time comparing this to another Tat, it was really quite unique. The more medium-bodied nature of this cigar sets it apart, as does the lack of a pepper onslaught. Sweet spices and wood are flavors that I always love in a cigar, so this was right in my wheelhouse. I could see where some people who prefer very strong cigars or very peppery cigars might find this one lacking, but for me it was just awesome.

I can't think of many criticisms, other than the fact that the ash didn't hold well. I just wish these were more readily available and more affordable.

I think this is one of the most enjoyable cigars I've smoked.

Rating:
96