Posts Tagged cigar

Tatuaje ‘The Mummy’

Dec 31

Posted by admin in Tatuaje ‘The Mummy’ | 6 Comments

Cigar Review by Matt Zaccheo (guest)
Cigar Photography by Jay L (cigarphoto.net)

2012 Halloween brought another “Monster Series” limited release. This year, Pete Johnson of Tatuaje introduced 5th installment called “The Mummy.”

Cut: Palio
Drink: Unsweetened Lipton cold brew iced tea
Palate: Fresh. Had not smoked for 4 days prior.

Prelight: As my eyes move from the ragged closed foot, they are drawn to the subtle color variations in the veining on the light brown Colorado wrapper. There are few prominent veins and the creasing is accentuated by reddish hues giving it a mottled and weather-beaten appearance. The wrapper is smooth to the touch, has very little oils, and a very fine tooth right up to the gorgeous triple cap. To sum up the overall appearance: crude rustic elegance. It’s definitely a “Monster.” The prelight aroma is rather unassuming and muted: mild cedar, straight tobacco, and light barnyard. The cold draw is in keeping with the prelight aroma: mild cedar, some raisin notes, sweet tobacco and light hay. Nothing screams bold or adventurous.

Draw: Comfortable and effortless. Balanced to the length of the cigar perfectly.

Flavors: Initial spice, but not the classic Pepin black pepper. It’s a woody spice up front with cedar predominating. There are distinct cinnamon and nutmeg notes balanced by leather and earth. The pepper(black/cayenne) comes on the retro, and it’s BIG! As I settled into the first third there is a core of cinnamon and cedar. Initially, the smoke is drying on the palate, but as the cigar starts to transition a wonderful sweetness emerges and softens the sharp woody edges. It’s not a dense, thick molasses sweetness. It’s a bit nebulous at first. It’s there, but I can’t put my finger on it. It’s light and engaging. I’m hoping it continues to develop. The smoke becomes creamy and mellows on the palate. As I get into the second third the strength is consistent. On my palate it’s a medium minus. Flavors that continue to dominate are mild cedar and cinnamon and then that sweetness begins to take on a more defined role heading into the latter portion of the second third. I know what it is now. It’s fantastic. It’s graham cracker! As it transitions into the final third there are some fleeting herbal, grassy, and minty notes, but the cinnamon, cedar, and graham cracker are still center stage all the way to the nub.

Burn: Excellent. Two touch ups. The ash was a flaky salt and pepper and split in funky directions. The burn rate and temperature was spot on. Smoke production was good. Total smoke time was 2 hours.

Construction: Excellent.

Descriptive adjectives: Rustic Elegance, “Cinn-a-Monster”

Box worthy: Yes

Overall: Pleasantly surprised. Of the mini-monsters, the Mum was my least favorite. I was so underwhelmed, after my experience with it’s little brother, that I did a box split for the full size Mummy this year. That was a mistake!

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Sun Grown Criollo
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Length: 7.75″
Ring: 48

Please consider the following post:
* Tatuaje ‘The Face’
* Tatuaje ‘The Boris’ (* not Monster Series)

- click on photographs -

Tags: cigar, cigar construction, cigar flavor, cigar images, cigar photographs, cigar photography, cigar photos, cigar pictures, cigar review, cigar smoking photos, cigars, my father cigars, nicaragua, nicaragua cigar binder, nicaragua cigar filler, Nicaraguan Sun Grown Criollo wrapper, pete johnson, photography, stogie, tatuaje, tatuaje monster series, Tatuaje ‘The Mummy’

Studio Tobac 2012 Event-Only Release

Dec 18

Posted by admin in Studio Tobac 2012 Event-Only Release | Comments off

This week, CigarPhoto is displaying, not reviewing, Studio Tobac’s 2012 Event-Only releases. Below is the outcome of a commissioned assignment CigarPhoto did for Studio Tobac back in May of 2012.

During 2011 Studio Tobac Tour, attendees at each event had a chance to participate in a raffle with one custom Studio Tobac Scrimshawed Xikar Xi3 cutter body (* made by Rick “HutcH” Hutchings) as the grand prize. There was also the infamous and relatively strong ‘Donkey Punch’ upon “special” request. 2012 Studio Tobac World Tour, in addition to the Studio Tobac Limited Edition Sampler 2012, brought two event-only releases: Cain NUb Daytona 460 & Cain Special Release 550. Those were given out to the two winners of the grand prize at each event.

From Bryan “The Show” Scholle – Studio Tobac’s Ambassador:

The Cain Special Release 550 cigar was designed with a small rare batch of Ligero we had in the factory. We did not have enough to use for a normal production cigar or even a small batch release. We had enough to make 800 cigars total.

Both Cain NUb Daytona 460 & Cain Special Release 550 will never be available as regular production.

There are no more boxes of these cigars available. We used them all during events.

We are currently working on new stuff for 2013

The following are makeup / specs of each cigar:

Cain NUb Daytona 460 (4 x 60)
amount available – 800 cigars / 80 boxes
wrapper – Ecuadorian Sumatra
binder – Nicaraguan
filler – Jalapa Valley Ligero, Nicaragua

Cain Special Release 550 (5 3/4 x 50)
amount available – 800 cigars / 80 boxes
wrapper – Nicaraguan Habano
binder – Nicaraguan
filler – Nicaraguan Ligero (small rare batch)

- click on photographs -

Tags: Bryan Scholle, Bryan “The Show” Scholle, Cain NUb Daytona 460, Cain Special Release 550, cigar, cigar images, cigar photographs, cigar photography, cigar photos, cigar pictures, cigar smoking photos, cigars, nicaragua, nicaragua cigars, nicaraguan cigars, oliva, oliva cigar family, oliva cigars, photography, Rick “HutcH” Hutchings cutter, stogie, studio tobac, studio tobac donkey punch, Studio Tobac Limited Edition Sampler 2012, Studio Tobac Scrimshawed Xikar Xi3 cutter body, studio tobac tour, studio tobac world tour 2012, Studio Tobac's Ambassador, tobacco

Reinado Grand Empire Reserve

Nov 27

Posted by admin in Reinado Grand Empire Reserve | 6 Comments

Cigar Review by Matt Zaccheo (guest)
Cigar Photography by Jay L (cigarphoto.net)

From REINADO

Oradell, NJ, July 03, 2012 –(PR.com)– Following the success of the 92 rated Petite Corona known as the Habanito and the 91 rated Torpedo,REINADO unveiled the Grand Empire Reserve at the 80th Annual IPCPR Convention and International Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, in August, 2012.

The Grand Empire Reserve is a box pressed Robusto that incorporates a select habano maduro wrapper and an additional aged Nicaraguan filler which leverages REINADO’s signature fermentation process to provide even greater depth, richer undertones, and enhanced overall complexity for both the casual and the distinguished cigar smoker.

“The flavor profile of the Grand Empire Reserve was developed after extensive sampling to deliver a truly exceptional blend,” said Antonio, owner of Cubanero Enterprises. “We believe the flavors and balanced strength developed through extending REINADO’s unique fermentation process along with the inclusion of the aged Nicaraguan filler will distinguish the Grand Empire Reserve from all other cigars on the market,” said Antonio.

A single size called Elegidos meaning “chosen” is scheduled for release in August, 2012 followed by additional sizes.

Initial Specs:
• Size: 5 x 55 (Box Pressed)
• Wrapper: Nicaraguan Select Maduro
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua
• Price: $9.95/cigar – 20ct boxes

“As demonstrated through the REINADO core product line and the introduction of the Grand Empire Reserve, we are dedicated to innovation and offering smokers quality choices of highly rated cigars,” said Antonio.

The Grand Empire Reserve will be available through select retailers and, on a limited basis, directly through REINADO.

Cut: Palio
Drink: None
Palate: Fresh

Prelight: gorgeous oily dark chocolate maduro wrapper with very very fine tooth and a medium box press. No visible veins and extremely tight seams. I literally can’t identify the wrap line. Initial aroma: sweet tobacco, barn yard, and neglected gurl. Cold draw: ultra rich sweet tobacco, earth, and white pepper.

Draw: a bit on the loose side, but not uncomfortable or anywhere near wide open.

Flavors: Initial soft subdued spice that fades fairly quickly to allow herbal and floral notes to emerge. The smoke is light on the palate and there is a delicate nuanced complexity: tea, stone fruits, and sweet mild cedar. It reminds me of a Curivari El Gran Rey. Then it happens … the flavors gently transition into a beautiful soft and mellow full flavored finish: earth, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, coffee, and burnt toffee. Cinnamon, nutmeg and roast nuts on the exhale/retro. There is a wonderful black strap molasses sweetness evident throughout. The smoke becomes lush and creamy on the palate. The strength never goes past medium plus for me. Flavor is full from the start and never dies down. It’s delicate, but has some serious shoulders. It’s polished strength and a thing of beauty.

Burn: a bit wavy and required a few touch ups. The ash is a flakey dark salt/pepper pot ash grey. Each ash left a symmetrical glowing cherry.

Construction: excellent
Descriptive adjectives: Rich….F’ing Rich!
Box worthy: absolutely
Overall: going to be in my top 5 this year

Please consider the following post:

* REINADO

- click on photographs -

Tags: antonio, cigar, cigar construction, cigar fermentation, cigar flavor, cigar images, cigar photographs, cigar photography, cigar photos, cigar pictures, cigar review, cigar smoking photos, cigars, elegidos vitola, fermentation, nicaragua, nicaraguan binder, nicaraguan filler, nicaraguan puro cigar, Nicaraguan Select Maduro wrapper, photography, reinado, Reinado Grand Empire Reserve, soft box press cigar, stogie, stogie review

Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario 2007

Oct 22

Posted by admin in Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario 2007 | 4 Comments

This week we are photographing and reviewing the Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario 2007 robusto vitola – released under Fuente Aged Selection and produced in Dominican Republic at Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia. Year 2006 was the 30th anniversary of the Don Carlos cigars created by the patriarch of the Fuente family, Carlos Fuente, Sr. In 2006, in a tribute to his father, Carlito Fuente created the Don Carlos 30th Anniversary cigars – the Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario. The fillers and binders are Dominican tobaccos. They are wrapped in the shade-grown tobaccos from Chateau de la Fuente, same tobaccos one will find on the Fuente Fuente OpusX. The Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario has been released in relatively limited quantity since its inception in 2006. A total of 22,500 Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario cigars were shipped to the authorized Fuente Aged Selection dealers in May 2012. The next release will be in the spring of 2013.

500 of the Robusto 2006
500 of the Double Robusto 2006
500 of the Toro 2006

7,000 of the Robusto 2007 (50 x 5 1/4): 10 cigars per box, MSRP $289.00
7,000 of the Double Robusto 2007 (52 x 5 3/4): 10 cigars per box, MSRP $299.00
7,000 of the Toro 2007 (48 x 6 1/4): 10 cigars per box, MSRP $299.00

Visually, the Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario 2007 robusto is simply a thing of beauty: slightly box-pressed finish, tripple capped, well blended seams, invisible veins, light & smooth wrapper. On the “cover”: attractive main Don Carlos band with a secondary 2007 designation band. The bottom half wrapped in well applied cedar. Construction and burn wise, more accolades: light and tight ash (as depicted below), great smoke output, and excellent draw throughout the entire experience. In flavor department: noticeable cedar, cubanesque hints, nuttiness, a touch of caramel and increasing spice.

Overall, good experience. Good flavors, excellent construction, exceptional packaging. To get the best out of this cigar, I strongly recommend not rushing through it. Take your time and enjoy the complexity of the Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario 2007 which in my personal experience, wasn’t that simple to dissect. If rushed, especially in the last third, the nicotine kick will sneak up on you ! It did in the third sample I have smoked. Would I recommend the cigar ? – Yes. Is it an everyday smoke ? – Far from it. The price tag will scare plenty of cigar smokers but at the end of the day, your wallet will dictate Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario’s success.

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (Tabacalera A.Fuente y Cia)
Wrapper: Dominican Republic
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Length: 5.25″
Ring: 50

Construction > Good
Burn > Good
Enjoy > Yes
Recommend > Yes
Buy > Yes

* DISCLAIMER: Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario 2007 cigars were gifted by Keith K. Park of Prometheus. Keith’s generosity had no impact on the actual experience.

Please consider the following post:
* God of Fire by Carlito 2007
* God of Fire Serie B

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Tags: Carlito Fuente, Carlos Fuente, Chateau de la Fuente farm, cigar, cigar construction, cigar flavor, cigar images, cigar photographs, cigar photography, cigar photos, cigar pictures, cigar review, cigar smoking photos, cigars, dominican binder, dominican filler, dominican republic, Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario 2007, fuente cigars, Fuente Fuente OpusX wrapper, keith park of prometheus, photography, Prometheus cigars, stogie, stogie review, Tabacalera A.Fuente y Cia

Saints & Sinners 2012 Cigars

Sep 5

Posted by admin in Saints & Sinners 2012 Cigars | 2 Comments

Saints & Sinners – private social club and a brainchild of Pete Johnson of Tatuaje and Sean ‘Casper’ Johnson of L’Atelier.

In 2011, CigarPhoto posted an exclusive summary of the Saints & Sinners 2011 kit.

The expectation was / is that each year will bring another kit filled with prototypes and regular production cigars. This week CigarPhoto is delivering an exclusive overview of the Saints & Sinners 2012 kit. In addition, one can visit the following link to preview what was included in 2012 Saints & Sinners registration package.

For an annual registration fee of $150, each member will receive:
1. Exclusive, one-off products available only to members (select products may not be available for purchase through the S&S webstore)
2. Everyday Tatuaje branded merchandise at the Saints & Sinners discounted club rate.
3. Access to members-only forums, where you can discuss the finer points of cigars, smoking accessories, spirits, and anything else associated with the Saints & Sinners lifestyle.
4. Access to the Pete Johnson video blog. Here, Pete will update members on everything PJHC. Watch Pete as he travels around the world, visiting his production facility in Nicaragua, engages fans on cigar tours, and dishes on anything else he feels his Saints & Sinners family should know.
5. First looks at new cigar blends, swag, as well as insider info on Tatuaje and other Pete Johnson brands.
6. The knowledge that a portion of your annual membership fee will go to an eclectic mix of charities that Pete chooses for their commitment to their particular cause.