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#1 |
Feeling at Home
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![]() ![]() 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
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http://cigarpress.com/ |
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#3 |
Adjusting to the Life
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Smoked one of these last year (NHC was giving them away with Tat box purchases). I liked it very much
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"You can't get to wonderful without passing through alright." ~Bill Withers |
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#4 |
Resident Maduro Whore!!
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Thanks for sharing Dan.
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#5 |
Don't Taze me Bro!
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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. |
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#8 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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Very nice review, well written.
Anywhere in the double digit range will put it out of my price range except for special situations. |
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#9 |
Feeling at Home
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thanks for the kind words guys
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http://cigarpress.com/ |
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#11 |
Peter's Daddy
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They alright... nothing that made me go ooooh and ahhh. For the price point, I think I will pass.
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Who eats plantains when they can eat placenta. |
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#12 |
Have My Own Room
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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! |
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#13 |
Saying no to daily deals!
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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.
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#14 |
Feeling at Home
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that is what I keep hearing.
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http://cigarpress.com/ |
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#15 |
Feeling at Home
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http://cigarpress.com/ |
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#16 |
Don't knock the Ash...
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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
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Keith |
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#18 |
Feeling at Home
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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).
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Whoever said "laughter is the best medicine" didn't have gonorrhea. |
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#19 |
Pepin Ho of the NorthWest
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Saw the pre-order today. I was hoping these would be out in time to smoke one on my wedding night, but it looks like they'd be 1 or 2 weeks late anyway.
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Make sure you visit the chat! Newcomers welcome. Pete_Johnson: Tripp get the **** out of here with that bull**** Benchmade. C'mon Son! |
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#20 |
I'm nuts for the place
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Pretty steep price point. Sadly, even if these are great I will probably pass at $15 for a Robusto. May grab a handful but no box purchase for me. Just too many great sticks in the lower price points to pull the trigger on a box. I really enjoy Petes stuff but there is a point when you have to say no thanks with them priced that high. Like I said I really do enjoy Petes stuff but I am willing to bet that they are not Padron Anniversarios and even those I buy a handful at a time rather than going full pop.
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