- click on photographs -
This week we are jumping back on the Tatuaje bandwagon and smoking one of my favorite vitolas – lancero. What sets this cigar apart is unconventional 6″ format, hence Tatuaje Black Petite Lancero name. This project is a collaboration between Pete Johnson of Tatuaje and Tobacco Grove B&M shop in Minnesota. Many Pete’s projects with B&M shops turned into Limited Editions so once they are sold out, they are gone forever (example: Anarchy, Federal Cigar 90th Anniversary). Tatuaje Black Petite Lancero, which I obtained couple months ago, was a pre-release with fancy pigtail and closed foot. Fortunately, as per Pete, this cigar will become a regular production line (* no pigtail / no closed foot) landing in the shop near you around July2011.
From Pete Johnson: “Production on these cigars continued immediately after the first batch. We only changed the finish. Meaning the foot was cut normal and the cap is a traditional triple cap. No pigtail. The big difference is the newer ones are packed in foil paper and the box is different. The tobacco and blend is the same.”
Black Label / Lancero combination had enormous impact on availability and sale of this product. I was fortunate to secure a total of 15 sticks from two fellow BOTL. I have smoked through 6 of them and each one provided an unforgettable experience. Starting with flawless wrapper, excellent construction and good burn. Not easy to achieve with lancero, especially the burn & draw. If you can appreciate cigar flavor complexity, you don’t have to look any further. Tatuaje Black Petite Lancero will provide you exactly that, and some. Appropriate amount of spice without tasting like a spice-bomb, chocolate, cocoa, a touch of cinnamon and hint of floral notes are some of the characteristics of this cigars. If you are from North East and are familiar with NYC roasted nuts’ smell and taste, get ready for nut-fest. In construction department, one should expect light gray / almost white ash and close to perfect burn. Out of six samples only one had a minor hiccup where I had to re-light few times but considering the lancero format, personally, this is a nonissue.
If I was to rate this cigar with a numerical value, we are looking at 95+ home-run. I’m definitely picking up a cabinet when regular production becomes available. Good job, Pete !
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua Sun Grown Criollo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 6″
Ring: 38
Construction > Great
Burn > Good
Enjoy > Absolutely !
Recommend > Absolutely !
Buy > Box Worthy !
#1 by Dalamscius on May 10, 2011 - 10:40 am
Damn those look tasty! Great shots yet again. That bottle has some interesting textures on it!
I haven’t tried these yet but I’ll try to get some of the regular production when they come out since it seems everyone loves them. I hope they are just as good as the pre-prod.
Great job yet again Jay, keep it up!
#2 by admin on May 18, 2011 - 12:00 am
Thanks, Daniel !
Bottle has interesting mesh over it. It was actually the reason why I bought it to begin with :)
#3 by Tony Casas on May 10, 2011 - 10:48 am
These look soo damn good…I just realized Daniel posted before me. You should probably block that guy.
Anyways, great photos man. You are making me crave a black now. I can only imagine how flavorful the Lancero is.
#4 by admin on May 18, 2011 - 12:01 am
Thanks for stopping by, Tony !
You and Daniel have a love and hate relationship, don’t you ? LoL. Black labels are indeed delicious, especially CG vitola.
#5 by BlackBeard on May 10, 2011 - 12:35 pm
Probably one of my favorite series of photos you’ve done so far. Every one of them is top notch!
#6 by admin on May 18, 2011 - 12:02 am
Thanks, Anthony !
#7 by Danny on May 10, 2011 - 3:56 pm
I want them. Give them to me.
But seriously, awesome shots and fantastic cigars.
#8 by admin on May 18, 2011 - 12:02 am
Danny,
LoL. You never had any ? Those or any black labels ?
#9 by Patrick on May 12, 2011 - 4:34 pm
I love the sixth pic. I may need to comission you when I finish my basement. I had that stick last night. The first third blew me away. The spice was awesome. THe rest of the stick, while still very good had a hard time holding serve. Great stick all around though.
#10 by admin on May 18, 2011 - 12:03 am
Patrick,
I will be honored to make a print for you. Let me know when you are ready ! Glad you enjoyed yours as well.
#11 by Jeff Senske on May 12, 2011 - 10:18 pm
Imagining the wonderful aroma and superb flavors this stick surely produces. I dont have anything even close in my box right now- but review has me craving.
#12 by admin on May 18, 2011 - 12:06 am
Thanks, Jeff !
We need to solve that humidor stock ASAP :)
#13 by Mast3rShake on May 12, 2011 - 10:21 pm
Didn’t think the stick was as good as the pics of it on your site. I expect a lot from cigars in that size and I just felt let down. It’s reputation certainly preceded it and unfortunately it let me down like Gogo let O-Ren Ishii down when facing Black Mamba.
#14 by admin on May 18, 2011 - 12:07 am
Hey Joe,
I can always count on your honesty :) Not everyone’s palate is the same. Thanks for contributing !
#15 by Jan on May 14, 2011 - 12:02 am
Of the 5 I have smoked, 5 have been spectacular!! Great smoke!! Great pictures, once again. Keep ’em coming Jay.
#16 by admin on May 18, 2011 - 12:08 am
Thanks, Jan !
I have some left but looking forward to buying a box when regular production is available in my local B&M.