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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 !


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