Tatuaje West Side - Verocu No. 1

A few years ago Pete Johnson decided to release some smaller quantities of 'RE' Verocu cigars, the No. 1 (or 'West Side') available only on the west coast, and the No. 2 (or 'East Side') available only to the eastern US. I was lucky enough to get a hold of the West Side from a great BOTL, and was in the mood for a good Tat today- hopefully this will fit the bill!

Lighting up at the B&M today, cut with my Palio and lit with matches. Cold water to drink.

Pre-Light - There is a slightly stiff draw, and some mild sweetness on the pre-light draw. Not much otherwise.

First Third - My first puffs of the 'West Side' yielded rich, smooth flavors right off the bat. There is a definite sweetness (molasses?), with some wood, mild coffee, and possibly some leather flavors. The draw is perfect, with a nice darker gray ash forming already. I'm still not sure exactly what the sweetness is here, but it sure is interesting- reminds me of the HDM EL 07 I had recently.The beautiful ash I was working on decided to drop right as I was going to snap a pic, a true shame.Second Third - Flavors entering the second third continue to be the same as the first for the most part, mainly sweet with some rich wood/coffee/leather faintly rounding it out. I'm surprised that there hasn't been any spice yet, but from what I have heard both this stick and the 'East Side' pick up in strength and spice towards the end. So far, it is medium bodied with flavor more towards full. Ending the second third darker flavors start to gain on the sweetness, mostly earthiness and strong coffee.
Third Third - Burn has needed a touch up or two, and the ash is very nice but isn't sticking around too long. The strength has definitely picked up from the first third, while spice is starting to appear and a bitter coffee/woody flavor is taking the reins from the molasses sweetness. The flavors are getting a bit muddled, but what can you ask for at the nub.

Conclusion and Score - I've got to admit that this stick was very different from most other Tataujes I have had. This is not to say it wasn't good, as I thoroughly enjoyed it until I burned my fingers. The 'West Side' wasn't necessarily a complex cigar, but did have some nice changes throughout- moving from medium bodied molasses sweetness at the start, to a stronger, dark earth flavor in the last third. I have only had one or two other cigars with sweetness like this, and this was by far the best. If you're looking for a change of pace and enjoy sweet flavors, try and find one of these. I'd gladly score this a 90, with the possibility of another point or two if aging could eliminate the occasional bitterness and average burn. Will be looking for more!

Avalon Juke Blue Series Toro

Been a bit nicer outside lately, and I've been dying to try something interesting and new, so tonight I'm lighting up an Avalon Juke Blue Toro (6x46). Avalon is a recently founded, smaller company coming out of Mississippi- making their sticks a bit hard to come by. I have had one other cigar from this company, and although I have no idea exactly what it was (pre-release of the 'Numbers' series possibly?), it was a fantastic smoke. I've been excited to smoke this for a while now, and as I'm getting ready to smoke, I realized that the cello is already tinted yellow! I should be in for a nice experience.

Out on the porch tonight, cutting with a Palio and lighting with a torch. Drink is water.

Pre-Light - The wrapper on this smoke is a rough, dark chocolate brown with a few lumps here and there. Draw is nice, and flavor is a mildly sweet, raw tobacco.

First Third - The first few puffs bring clouds medium-bodied smoke, loaded with toasty and nutty flavors. The Juke Blue's draw has a perfect tug to it, and after about a quarter inch a nice spiciness takes the stage. Burn is straight so far, and a slightly ragged, gray ash is forming. The body and flavors have picked up in strength about an inch in; the spice, toasty and nutty flavors are still prominent, but I can taste a slight cinnamon flavor as well now.

Second Third - My ash dropped before I could get a good picture (bummer), but I am thouroughly enjoying this stick so far. Avalon prides itself on a bluesy, southern attitude, and I can totally see that in this stick. The flavors are meaty but not overpowering, and very rich for the price point (about $100 a box or less). The ash continues to be a bit loose, but the burn is alright so no complaints here. A bit farther than half way in, I got a strange bitter flavor, the first disappointing note yet... Tried a re-cut, figuring a nicotine buildup was to blame, which helped.Third Third - Moving into the last third, the Juke Blue continues to have a toasty flavor, now with more earthyness to it and less spice. The burn needed a touchup or two, and the ash is still ragged but no major problems. I'm tasting the bitterness in and out now, which is marring an otherwise fantastic cigar. Smoking this down to the band at least, as the meatyness is hitting the spot tonight.Conclusion and Score - Gotta say this was a nice smoke, but the bitterness I tasted in the second and third thirds held this back from being great. I would give the stick an 85, as I really did enjoy the dense smoke and nutty/coffee/toasty flavors. Would some extra age help? Gonna have to get some more and see. Definitely worth a try if you happen upon them.