Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Toro
Size : 6 x 50
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : ~$6 each
More info about purchasing Ambos Mundos cigars...

This is a cigar that I came across immediately following the release of Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 list of 2009. Naturally, being the obsessive-compulsive BOTL that I am, as soon as the list was published I immediately went to my local tobacconist to search out the 22 cigars on the list which are available in the U.S. My long trek through the top 25 list spanned several months, two states, and at least a half-dozen shops (and I still haven’t smoked the Opus X). Some of the cigars I smoked, of which reviews are forthcoming, were positively superb (the Padron 45th, the Casa Magna Solomon, and the Padilla 1932, to name a few), some not so much, some pretty good but simply not worth the hype, or the price tag, or both; but the broke college student in me holds in highest esteem those smokes that can consistently put a smile on my face for less than 12 dollars. The cigar that I’ll be reviewing today does just that, and for a mere 6 dollar price tag and about 70 minutes smoke time, you simply can’t go wrong.

Read the full review of Ambos Mundos...

Origin : Miami, FL
Format : Robusto
Size : 5 x 50
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : ~$10-11 each
More info about purchasing Tatuaje J21 Reserva cigars...

First of all, I am really sorry for the lack of my reviews lately. I’ve been through some important changes in my life (new job, new home, new city…) which barely allowed enough time to take care of the website. I would like to thank all the reviewers for bringing you fresh content every week. During the last months I’ve been mostly smoking cigars for pleasure, relaxing with a glass of cognac after a long day. I didn’t feel like reviewing a Petit Edmundo again, or a Party Short. Last week, however, I did some on- and off-line shopping and also received a little package from Cayman islands (more on that in one of the next reviews), so I’ve got some interesting experiences to share with you.

We’ll start with a Tatuaje J21 Reserva. This is the very first Tatuaje that I tried (can you believe that?) and I was really curious to see whether it would live up to its reputation (you can check Joe’s review for example).

Read the full review of Tatuaje J21 Reserva...

Origin : Miami, FL
Format : Robusto
Size : 5 x 50
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : ~$10-11 each
More info about purchasing Tatuaje J21 Reserva cigars...

Please welcome Joe K, our new reviewer. Here is a short intro that he wrote:

Joe K calls the upper Midwest home, currently residing in Wisconsin with his wife. Although he smoked cigars on and off throughout the past 8 years or so, it was not until this past year that he grew a certain affinity for them. While traveling, he mentioned to a business associate that he was looking for some cigars for his mates in light of his upcoming nuptials. That business associate generously gave him a La Riqueza #3. Finding it and the following two so enjoyable, Joe went out and bought a box of the La Riqueza #3's the very next day. Most enjoyable for him are Medium to Full bodied smokes that offer a lot of complexity and flavor changes.

Today, he reviews a Tatuaje J21 Reserva. Enjoy!

If I can say one thing about Tatuaje, it is that they are very confident in their product. Instead of relying on overly flashy bands and packaging, the cigars are allowed to do their own talking and the J21 does not stray. The standard solid brown background, adorned with the Tatuaje signature and Fleur de Lys, is very unassuming. The only indication that this is a unique smoke is the addition of a second “Reserva” band, which adds some definition but is still remarkably simple.

Having received this stick from a fellow BOTL who somehow managed to let this one sit for a while, I was not surprised to notice the buildup of plume on this cigar. A very nice sheen presented itself on the surface of the wrapper due to the delicious oils coming forward. A prominent smell of pepper came through when testing the foot.

Read the full review of Tatuaje J21 Reserva...

Origin : Miami, FL
Format : Torpedo
Size : 6 3/4 x 52
Wrapper : Nicaraguan Habano Maduro
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : ~$13 each
More info about purchasing Tatuaje cigars...

Pete Johnson, brand owner of Tatuaje, has been releasing annual special edition cigars around Halloween he calls the Monster Series. One of this year's releases, and the subject of this review, is the Drac-2009. Before I go any further, let me address some major issues which have surrounded this cigar. The Dracs were shipped in painted and lacquered, coffin shaped boxes which have been at the root of the primary complaint. There have been numerous complaints about a terrible odor emanating from the box and even some about that odor and even a flavor having been imparted to the cigars themselves. The Drac is a Halloween themed cigar which of course, had to be released by 31 October, but according to Pete Johnson the box maker in Nicaragua wasn't able to complete the boxes until shortly before the release date. This resulted in the boxes not having time to air out before they were packed, wrapped in cellophane, and ultimately shipped. When opened by B&Ms or individual buyers at their final destination, the trapped odor from the paint and lacquer has poured out. The second complaint about these cigars is that many of the wrappers were damaged when the boxes were opened and the cigars were still "wet."

Read the full review of Tatuaje the Drac...

Origin : Miami, FL
Format : Torpedo
Size : 7 x 49
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : ~$11-13 each
More info about purchasing Tatuaje Cojonu cigars...

This cigar is the fourth in the Cojonu series and was released earlier this year. They are rolled at DPG's El Rey de Los Habanos factory in Miami, FL.

Read the full review of Tatuaje Cojonu 2009...

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Corona
Size : 5 1/8'' x 42
Ring : 42
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : ~$8 each
More info about purchasing Tatuaje Noellas cigars...

This is another special release from Pete Johnson and Tatuaje cigars. The first Noella Reserva was released in 2006 . . . this is the 2009 version. I have yet to enjoy the original release, but if it’s anything like this little firecracker, it will be quite the treat!

As I understand the blend, it is the same as the standard Noella. However, the wrapper is a specially selected ligero that has been aged longer than the regular version. I have seen mixed numbers concerning the production of this release, but it appears that somewhere around 5,000 were produced.

Read the full review of Tatuaje Noella Reserva 2009...

Origin : Nicaragua
Format : Lancero
Size : 7.5" x 38
Ring : 38
Wrapper : Connecticut Broadleaf
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : ~$10 each
More info about purchasing Tatuaje cigars...

This is another creation from Pete Johnson of Tatuaje cigars. “El Triunfador” means “The Winner” in Spanish and is a line that, as I understand it, is being introduced in limited quantities to preserve the trademark. Let me just say that, as far as I’m concerned, this cigar lives up to its name.

Read the full review of El Triunfador...

Origin : Miami, FL
Format : Short Robusto
Size : 4 x 50
Ring : 50
Wrapper : Nicaragua
Filler : Nicaragua
Binder : Nicaragua
Hand-Made
Price : ~$8 each
More info about purchasing Tatuaje cigars...

This little stogie is a special make for Tower Cigars. I seem to be on a roll with these mini smokes lately, but they have been quite enjoyable. This one is no exception.

Read the full review of Tatuaje El Cohete...