Tatuaje Drac - Monster Series LE #2

It's Halloween, and time to smoke the Drac! This stick was produced as the second installment of Pete Johnson and Tatuaje's 'Monster Series,' a Nicaraguan Puro made in a limited quantity -1300 coffins of 13 cigars. The Drac is a huge Torpedo cigar with a beautiful, dark wrapper. Should be a treat!

It is a bit rainy out today so I'm set up in the garage -nothing was stopping me today! Cut is a Xikar and light is matches. Drink is some Anni Blend Starbucks coffee.

Pre-light - The foot still had a mild paint smell from the inside of the box, but the draw was nice and light. More on the airy side.

First Third - Draw is light but beautiful upon the first draw. Billows of thick, white smoke pour out. The normal Pepin 'pop' of spice is not detectable so far, it is more of a sweet flavor with a light touch of toasty nut in the background. A coffee flavor breaks through as well. creating quite a complex and pleasant flavor. The burn is less than razor sharp, but still reasonably straight. I had expected a very full body on this cigar, but it is turning out to be much closer to medium.

Second Third - The flavors are rich and complex in this stick. A toasty, coffee, possibly woody flavor has evolved, but continues to change with each puff. The burn continues to be decent, and the draw is wonderful. I enjoy a draw more on the lighter side, and this hits the spot. The ash held for over an inch before I dropped it, and has a nice darker gray color with layers throughout. Mr. Drac did not overly impress me in the first third, but has really exploded with flavor in the second third. The flavor is smooth and creamy -a very classy smoke. A leather touch appears, only complimenting the other flavors. Still haven't tasted much spice, but the strength has certainly picked up.
Third Third - I have to say that the creamy, leathery, coffee with the underlying sweetness is just blowing me away. This may be one of the best smokes I've had the chance to try, and am now very happy I procured a whole box. The burn and ash are staying the same, as the flavor constantly changes. It really is a winner!Conclusion and Score - This is probably one of the best cigars that I have ever had the pleasure of smoking. I was truly blown away by how rich the flavors were. The first third was good, but the second and third exploded with creamy, complex flavors that left me speachless. Burn and ash were nice, and the draw was perfect. I am really happy that I was able to grab these, and if you have a chance to get one I would highly recommend it. Before smoking it, this stick rested for only about a week in the humi, and a dark, full complex cigar like this will almost definitely improve with age. A few months or even year will only improve it. I dub this stick a hearty 94 rating, with room for another point or two after aging. Certainly a Happy Halloween for me!

Diplomaticos No. 4

Been a while since my last review, and it's a beautiful day out, so time to light up. Today is a
Diplomaticos No. 4 with about 8 years of age on it. Recently did my first CC, so now I've gotta one-up and go for an aged stick. This little beauty is courtesy of a BOTL on the CA forums, and I think I should be in for a treat. The only worry is that it is from '01, which often had draw problems... but all I can do is hope its not plugged!

On the back patio at about 3, with a glass of water. Cut was a pocket knife (can't find my Xikar :(, I didn't butcher it too bad) and light is matches.

Pre-light - Draw is not plugged (woohoo!), but does have the tug many CC's are known to have, but definitely not unpleasant. taste is mildly sweet and reminds me of honey.

First Third - Wow. The second I got baby lit I could tell I was in for a great smoke. A sweetness is the predominating flavor with flowery tones behind it, and it is a great combo. The draw leaves something to be desired, but is not terrible. Ash is reasonably tight with distinct layers and dark grey coloring. The flavor cooled down and has become more mild after about a half an inch, but still leaves distinct toasty-flowery notes lingering in my mouth. Burn is even but ragged.

Second Third - The flavor has developed and become rather complex, adding spice to the mix now. The ash is beautiful and last lasted to about an inch and a half at this point. Draw has opened up a bit, but still has a tug. It is a heavier medium-bodied cigar. The flavor is more mild than I would like, though I believe this could be an effect of age. Creaminess has developed which balances nicely with the spice.

Third Third - This third is showing a teenie bit of bitterness, but not enough to be nasty tasting. Creaminess is more prevalent and a wood taste is showing up as well. Burn is still great but draw has tightened up a bit. A little skewer takes care of that! The relatively small amount of smoke with this stick has picked up a bit and the toasty wood aftertaste is nice. Still a bit mild for my taste, but the flavor has picked up in this third. I am enjoying the creaminess and spice as well as the sweet taste. This has been a loooong burning stick, almost an hour at this point. This third was definitely my favorite, and I had a hard time putting it out!

Conclusion and Score - This stick was great overall. The draw was ok at best, but great once I poked it. Burn and ash were beautiful, the latter growing long and having a beautiful dark color. Flavors changed throughout and included a flowery, almost herbal flavor throughout, creaminess, wood, and spice with a nice toasty-wood aftertaste. The last third was really fantastic, as it picked up a heftier flavor than the mostly mild first two thirds. I would give this an 88 score, as it was a great cigar but didn't quite hit the upper eschelon of "awesome." If the flavor had been more robust, I would have probably given it a 90. Aging anymore and I would fear the flavor would mellow even more than it did already, so if you can get some, 5ish years of age would most be optimal as not to lose too much punch. For the mild-medium smoker, this would be a gold mine. Very enjoyable afternoon smoke.