Monday, May 28, 2007

Tatuaje Havana VI Hermosos (Expanded)


Cigar name: Tatuaje Havana VI
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo 99 wrapper
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Havana VI blend (Nicaragua)
Size: Hermosos (5 5/8" x 46) [Corona Gorda]

Notes: These cigars are Nicaraguan puros created from the same tobacco used to create Tatuaje cigars, but instead of being rolled in Miami, they are rolled in Nicaragua. This allows more cigars to be produced, at a lower price point, while keeping the quality and taste what you'd expect from Tatuaje.

The blend itself is between the fuller bodied Tatuaje cigars and the milder blend used in Cabaiguan cigars; this is achieved in part due to the use or aromatic volado leaf in lieu of ligero for some of the filler.

The cigar line is called the "Havana VI" because they are a collection of six classic Cuban vitolas blended and rolled in Cuban tradition (triple cap and all). These cigars are expected to be more widely available than the brown label Tatuaje line.

In keeping with the tradition he started with the "Cabinet" line of Tatuaje cigars, the first letter of each vitola in this cigar line spells out the name of Pete's other dog, "Havana".

I have done a really quick review of this cigar in the past, but in honor of my boy JoeBob, an expanded review!

Appearance: This cigars are pretty. Dark and rich looking, they just invite themselves to be smoked, beg for it even. This one was a bit toothy and very oily. Could not wait to light it up.

Pre-Light: Clip was easy, popped right off, haha. Much like all the other Havana VI I have had, this cigar was very dense and packed full. The prelight draw seemed a bit tight, but nothing to be terribly concerned about. Prelight notes were of earthiness and cedar wood flavors.

Burn/Draw: The burn was never a problem, razor straight and even the whole way down, a light and forget cigar, great. The ash wash bright white and firm and held for a bit more than an inch. The draw wasn't bad. I like a very forgiving draws generally, and almost all of the Havana VI I have had have been a bit tight for me on the draw. That said, it is nothing to be concerned about, more personal preference than anything.

Flavor: Like I have said before, in discussion with a friend of mine, we have kinda come to the conclusion that almost all Tatuaje and Don Pepin Cigars come down to some variation of four basic flavors: Tang, Spice (Pepper Specifically), Wood, and & Leather. In this case the cigars notes of wood & leather come to the forefront. Specifically its earthier notes burst out on top, though those other tanginess and pepper lurk in the background, building a great base for the earthiness to play off of. This cigar displays the contrast of those flavors to great effect, for its whole length, it is like a party in your mouth. If the draw was a bit more forgiving, it would be one of my favorite lines of cigars. That said these puppies are great. Recommended heartily.

TomC