Tatuaje Face - Monster Series LE #3

The third limited Halloween release from Tatuaje, "The Face" (after Leatherface from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre), is a large stick at 6 3/8 by 56 sporting a Mexican wrapper.  The band is actually a piece of tobacco in a lighter shade to mimic the look of the monster who it is a tribute to.  Only 666 coffins were released, though 1300 ten count plain boxes were produced, making this the largest Monster release yet.  The stick itself is truely a beast, and judging from other sources, seems to be a great smoke.

Pre-Light - The large size is very imposing on this cigar, and the gnarly uncut foot and tobacco band make it an interesting sight.  The smell is fantastic, and the pre-light draw gives a little sweetness with a nice lighter draw.

First Third - The first puffs are heavy with woody earth, dark sweetness, some spice and a bit of raw tobacco in billows of thick smoke.  The spice is muted, more of a tingle on the tongue, while the darker earth and wood take the lead.  Though it is certainly a jaw breaker, I'm enjoying the size, and it is a bit stronger than I had expected. 

Second Third - Not much spice in this third, while the earthy, tobacco and sweet flavors really shine.  The strength is definitely picking up (though I though even the first third was medium-full) and the construction proves to be excellent- the ash lasted close to 2 inches. 

Third Third - Definitely picking up more sweetness in this third (even some cocoa), as well a more wood, some nut and a bit of pretzel.  Draw, ash and burn are still going strong, just like the body.  I love the strength and dense, full flavors in this third, with the Mexican wrapper's sweetness being a real treat.  Definitely a great ending to a great stick!

Conclusion and Score - Though I've just got a soft spot for these Halloween LEs, I loved this cigar.  The sweetness of the Mexican wrapper was huge for me, as I love the type of dark, cocoa sweetness that this cigar so wonderfully exemplified, not to mention an ass-kicking body that got progressively stronger throughout.  Along with the sweetness, there was a complex mix of wood, earth, nut, some spice and raw tobacco that didn't once get dull.  On top of that, the construction (D/A/B) were all terrific.  Definitely a cigar worthy of a 93 rating, that will hopefully only get better with age.  Find some if you can, and have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Tatuaje Boris - The 'Frank Out of Costume'

Last year Pete Johnson released a slightly different version of the famed Frank from Halloween of 2008, with a different wrapper, called the Boris (after the actor who played Frankenstein in the movie).  Since Halloween is coming up this year, I figured I'd finally get around to smoking this LE!

Pre-Light - No noticeable smells, but the wrapper is a beautiful coffee colored brown with minimal veins and a leathery touch.

First Third - Right away I can taste the slight minty note that I've heard so much about in this stick, combined with a mild-medium bodied earthy tobacco flavor.  The smoke is abnormally cool, similar to a dry wine.  The draw, ash, and burn are fantastic thus far, and the smoke itself is thick and white.  A slight nutty spice character adds to the complexity of what seems to be a great cigar, though with a body lighter than I had expected.

Second Third - The body has beefed up a bit though the complex mix of flavors continues to be a mix of tobacco, mint, nut and some earthyness.  I am in awe of the perfection achieved in construction by Pete on this stick, its is a joy not to have to baby the stick or worry about a tight draw. 

Third Third - Moving into the last third, a cool spice takes the lead with some creamy nut and earthy flavors right behind.  The texture of the smoke is continuing to intrigue me, and D/A/B are, big surprise, still great.  I'm not noticing any heat near the nub, as the cool flavors and smoke seem to be consistent throughout.  Definitely worth nubbing. 

 

Conclusion and Score - This cigar was really 'different' for me (as I would expect from an LE), and it fits into a niche that I could see myself yearning for on occasion in the future.  The smoke itself was cool, minty and dry, while the flavors included a complex mix of earth, mint, raw tobacco, nut, and spice.  Construction was superb, and I really did enjoy this cigar, though it could have used a bit more in the body department.  Even still, I would rate this stick a 91 and look forward to seeing it progress over time.