Tatuaje Wolfman - Happy Halloween!

[RightAJ]

For Halloween 2011, Tatuaje again released another Monster Series smoke, this year being the 'Wolfman.' As with the previous year there were only 666 dress boxes (coffins) of thirteen cigars, and 1300 (though Pete claims more like 1500 were made this year to compensate for demand) plain boxes of ten. As usual the Monster cigars again created quite a stir for those searching out this year's offering- a box pressed torpedo sporting a Sumatra wrapper and an unwrapped foot. Weighing in at 7.5 inches, this will be the second longest stick in the lineup. Given the hype created every year with these LEs, the expectations are high, so lets see what the Wolfie has to offer...

Lit with matches on a brisk evening, accompanied by water.

Pre-Light - Smells of raw tobacco and hay, and sports a splotchy, smooth, leathery wrapper. Pre-light draw is fairly loose.

First Third - The first third, starting with the uncut foot, begins with some mild cedary spice, leather, wood and some hay. The spice lingers in the back of my mouth. Once the wrapper starts to burn, the flavors begin to round out and become heavier/more complex. Draw is light but not too light, and the burn is fantastic.

Second Third - The strength has began top pick up a notch, and the spice has cooled down a bit, though it is still there. Flavor-wise there is a bit of chocolate/molasses sweetness, leather, hay, and developing earth notes. Not the most complex, but very enjoyable. The draw is still going well, and the burn is fantastic.

Third Third - Flavors continue to be similar to the second third, though both body and flavors have dipped in strength just a notch. Though still not particularly complex, the flavors meld together in a tasteful manner. The finish is quite dry (as in wine) which adds a nice touch. I can taste a tiny bit of bitterness which I will attribute to youth until further exploration down the road.


Conclusion and Score - As usual, I was not disappointed by Pete Johnson's spooky Halloween offering. The dress box was well detailed, the cigars themselves quite a treat to the eye, and the smoke itself a memorable experience. I am definitely partial to LE smokes, the Monsters specifically, but there is no denying the richness of the spice, wood, leather and subtle sweetness that the Wolfman delivers. Pile on the solid construction, and you have a winner. The mild bitterness toward the end of the cigar is my only fuss, though I think with time this will fade. Overall this Monster gets a 91 in my book, though I have no doubt it will get better with even a few months of age.


Update on the prior year Monster cigars:
*I had a Face recently and it was fantastic, it's amazing what a year can do for these; the Drac wasn't quite what I remembered but still a very good stick; the Frank was a bit disappointing ( I remember thinking 88-ish) after all the hype and high prices, though I'm keeping a few around hoping it is just a sick period!*

aj

Ps, as always, more pics on my blog!

[Fordman4ever]

great review. I smoked The Face tonight and they are awesome with 1 year on them. can't wait to smoke the wolfman next year. still trying to get my hands on the others.

[Kneo]

Great review. I bought a few Wolfmans and I had one. I thought it was pretty good. This is my first in the monster series. Would love to get my hands on some from each release. I have also been looking for some Viaje zombies so I can keep the monster theme.

[HollywoodQue]

Nice review, thanks for sharing

Thanks review; nice for sharing.

[kelmac07]

Great review AJ!!

[Blak Smyth]

Great review, love the pumpkin in the pic!
Looks like a great Halloween!

[maninblack]

Great review! Loving these sticks.

[BryanB]

Nice review AJ. These are tasty smokes.
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[Sin]

Enjoyed the review and the pics, thanks!

Thanks for the review, I'm going to try to crack open my box in the next week or two.

[xlc12rf]

This all seems familiar.

Wish I could've let one sit, but had to smoke them for Halloween weekend!

Agree with lack of complexity, thought at the time that aging would improve that, but, oh well!

[WittyUserName]

I got a box of 10 and have not touched them. Maybe this weekend.

[Taki]

Great review....wish I had one