Tatuaje Anarchy

[OHRD]

Size: 6×54, Anarchy

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium to Full

Price: Box of 15, $149.85

Grade: 9.2

The Tatuaje Anarchy is a shop specific, limited edition cigar produced for Smoke Inn in out of Florida. Abe Dababneh, the owner of Smoke Inn, approached Pete Johnson in the Spring of 2009 about the idea of a limited edition smoke. Pete Johnson and D.P. Garcia worked up the blend after quite a few attempts, and according to Abe, “we felt Pete and Pepin struck gold with a blend that we were proud of”.

Pre-light, 1.8:
The Anarchy is a good looking cigar that has a unique shape for Pete Johnson; it appears to be a Salomon with the cigar tapering from foot to head. The wrapper is dark and somewhat oily with no noticeable veins or blemishes. The cigar is well packed and has a very unique, coiled pigtail cap at the head of the smoke. The shape, coupled with the pigtail cap and Anarchy band really makes for a nice presentation on the limited edition cigar. The pre-light aroma is of leather with no noticeable notes at the foot. The cold draw produces some spicy notes coupled with earthy tobacco and some leather.

Burn, 1.8:
I typically have not had much luck with Salomon or Perfecto shaped cigars, but as typical of Pete and Pepin’s creation, the construction on this smoke is excellent. The draw is spot on and produces a lot of aromatic smoke. The burn is even and produces a marbled ash that holds well past an inch before I let it go in the tray. The smoke temperature is pleasant throughout and heats up only when I get right down to the nub.

Flavor, 2.8:
The first puff on the Anarchy produces solid Nicaraguan tobacco with a bit of spice on the finish. I was expecting the “Pepin Blast O’ Spice” but it didn’t happen. The first third followed the above trend with notes of earthy tobacco, leather, maybe a bit of chocolate, and spices. The second third opens up a bit more and the tobacco takes on a more flavorful profile that is spicy, but not in a peppery way, just unique notes on the palate. The last third stays the course and continues to be a mouthful of flavor after each draw. This cigar is well balanced, produces solid tobacco notes coupled with layers of other notes, and is really a joy to smoke from a flavor perspective.

Overall, 2.8:
The Anarchy is another great smoke from two of the best in the industry and is beautifully presented. The price on this limited edition is reasonable and you can rest assured you will be getting a solid smoking experience for your money. Though this smoke carried the trademarks of all Pete and D.P.G. collaborations, it was unique enough that in a blind tasting I am not sure I would have pegged it as a Tatuaje right away. It’s a great smoke at a great price; pick a few up online if you can.

(Total: 9.2)