Posts Tagged don pepin garcia

Tatuaje ‘The Boris’

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This week we have looked deeper into the coolidor and selected a cigar through which we can celebrate another Fall and upcoming halloween. The lucky specimen is Tatuaje ‘Boris’, a spin-off ‘Actor Series’ project to extremely successful ‘Monster Series’ project. The ‘Boris’ is named after William Henry Pratt aka. Boris Karloff (Frankenstein’s monster in Frankenstein).


I have smoked ~5 samples prior to opening this box so I knew exactly what I was up against this time. Visually, Tatuaje ‘Boris’ was not the prettiest kid on the block. When I smoked my first sample, I laughed and wondered “Did someone forgot to cover the binder with a silky wrapper ?” The cigar was sporting an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper that was extremely dry and even ‘ashy’ in few spots. One could easily spot more than one color shade. Unlike many cigars reviewed on this blog, ‘Boris’ had visible veins and seams. Without knowing the concept of ‘Monster / Actor’ series, one could be disappointed with the visual presentation but since this was done intentionally, kudos to Pete Johnson for creativity and execution. After clipping and lighting, perfect free-flowing draw with much appreciated amount of smoke. In flavor department, this is were a lot of folks will scream MINT !!! I concur and did enjoy the hints of peppermint that I have yet to find in any other cigar. There was an abundance of woody & cedary flavors with tiny hints of spice and sweetness. Delicious combination. Burn was nearly razor sharp and ash was top notch. Light gray and falling ~2″ chunks.


Tatuaje ‘Boris’ is definitely a unique cigar and I wouldn’t agree with a “typical Pepin / MyFather cigar” comment. Despite the look and the size, this was a clean and fairly quick smoke, respectively. For some strange reason, in flavor department (* minus peppermint), it reminded me of a Liga ‘A’ by Drew Estate. Hmmm. I have smoked Tatuaje ‘Frank’, ‘Drac’, ‘Face‘ and I’m still torn between ‘Frank’ and today’s ‘Boris.’ If you can find singles, 5-packs, boxes, go for it ! At this point, I’m patiently waiting for 2011 Monster Series – ‘Wolfman.’


Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Sumatra Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 7 1/8″
Ring: 49

Construction > Great
Burn > Great
Enjoy > Absolutely !
Recommend > Absolutely !
Buy > Yes


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Humidor Update (2011 Part 1)

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CigarPhoto.Net is now 6+ months into cigar photography, smoking, reviewing, etc. Although we occasionally receive pre-releases from various manufacturers, 99% of what is aging in our humidors came through our personal wallet. Back in JAN2011 we unveiled this blog and our Humidors. Few months and many boxes later, humidors/coolidor are packed to gills. As I said in my Intro, cigar researching and ultimately purchasing is as equally enjoyable as cigar smoking. Attending events, participating in online forums and social media, expending circle of fellow cigar ‘aficionados’ surely didn’t help in keeping this hobby in check. I’m actively thinking about cabinet humidor purchase (Aristocrat or Avello ?) to add an extra cushion. While this is in works, please find recent bulk arrivals. There was obviously a lot of singles that were purchased / smoked immediately that were not photographed for blog’s humidor update. However, you can keep track of those purchases and experiences via Facebook Fan Page and / or Twitter. Below boxes / 5packs came through random sources: Ruben’s Smoke Stack, Federal Cigars, Fume Cigars, Hava CigarShop, Saints & Sinners, Cigar Mas Fino, and various online cigar communities. Enjoy !

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Tatuaje ‘Pork Tenderloin’

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This week we are reviewing a Tatuaje ‘Pork Tenderloin.’ Another B&M exclusive collaboration between Pete Johnson of Tatuaje and Gloucester Street Cigar shop located in Boston, MA. As the name suggests, ‘Pork Tenderloin’ is part of the “Meat Locker” series which also includes Tatuaje ‘Porkchop’ release. I have not had a chance to try the latter but based on the feedback, ‘Pork Tenderloin’ has been labeled as the creme of the crop. Those that were fortunate enough to buy a bundle (* this cigar was not available in the box) are most likely hoarding this specimen or selling it and making a ridiculous profit. I have seen ‘Pork Tenderloin’ selling for $20-25 per stick vs. $8 when originally purchased via bundle.


From visual perspective, Tatuaje ‘Pork Tenderloin’ was a “good” looking cigar. On the cover, smooth and slightly oily wrapper with one visible vein and smooth seams. Triple cap finish with much appreciated pigtal. In addition, the cigar had a slight box-press finish to it and no band. On the cold draw, slight hint of spice. After lighting it up, the experience continued with excellent draw and just the right amount of spice. The first third introduced a hint of dark chocolate which ultimately morphed into a delicious and overwhelming, in a good way, amount of espresso. At times, it felt like I was sipping on cafecito instead of smoking a cigar. The burn wasn’t perfect at the beginning but improved with time. Ash, as depicted below, was white and fell off in ~1″ chunks.


I had extremely high expectations for Tatuaje ‘Pork Tenderloin’ and fortunately it delivered. It was probably one of the best Tatuaje cigars I have smoked and from my personal perspective, it did circles around Tatuaje Black (jar release). I honestly don’t remember where I was when this cigar was released but I know that I missed out, big time. If you can find a single, 5-pack or a box, don’t even think twice about it, buy it before I do !


Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5 1/8 ”
Ring: 52



Construction > Good
Burn > Good
Enjoy > Absolutely !
Recommend > Absolutely !
Buy > Box-es worthy !



Please consider the following post:
* Tatuaje ‘Anarchy’
* Tatuaje ‘M80’
* Tatuaje Federal 90th Anniversary

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‘JJ for JJ Day’ Tribute – Contest Winner

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On July 21st, 2011 we have announced a ‘JJ for JJ Day’ Tribute / Contest. The rules were simple – “On July 22nd, 2011, gather virtually with the rest of the cigar community and smoke a Don Pepin Garcia ‘Series JJ’ (* or one of the MyFather Cigars). Take a photograph of yourself smoking a ‘Series JJ’ cigar and submit it via email to jay at cigarphoto.net.” Although the announcement went live fairly late, a lot of cigar smokers were eager to participate and show much appreciated support. Submissions for the contest were sent by people from different walks of life: cigar brand owners, cigars reps, cigar bloggers, cigar smokers, etc.

The announcement of such Tribute carried a bittersweet feeling for obvious reasons but after Jerry’s blessing, ‘My Father Le Bijou 1922’ contest went live. Before we announce the winner, I would like to share with all of you, few, very kind and emotional words that came directly through my mailbox. I’m sure Jerry Cruz and his family will appreciate them as well:

Sebastian C – My first son past away 30 days from SIDS and I know the effects of this first-hand! Don’t know if I can find a “JJ” series in my area but I will definitely try! If not I will still smoke something in honor of his son! God Bless Him and His Family – Long Ashes to everyone!

Shawn P – I had a nephew who passed away at 20 months old. On his headstone it reads: “Playing with the Angels”.
Now, me being a father of a 5month baby girl, this day really hits home to me. I couldn’t imagine the loss of my daughter and my heart goes out to Jerry and his family today.

William C – I typically don’t enter contests, but this is obviously an exception. In the spirit of things, if by some chance I am the lucky one, I’d like to donate the box to the troops or someplace else.

Jon H – Let me know if there’s anything else I can do. Very generous and thoughtful of you. It’s people such as yourself that make me grateful to be involved in this industry.

Barry S – This year I am making a donation to the American SIDS Institute in memory of Jermiah Cruz Jr for $100. To all those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, I remind you, “Those who we keep in our hearts, are with us forever”.

Ben L – As a father myself, this is gut wrenching. Thank you for your support.

David J – Today is the 4th Annual Smoke a JJ for JJ Day, begun by our friend, Jerry Cruz of Stogie Review in honor of his son, JJ, who would celebrating his 4th birthday today if his life were not cut short by Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). If you have money to spare, consider sending a donation to the American SIDS Institute.

Mitch G – With the hopes that no parents will have to endure a loss like this again.

Jacob K – I had the Serie JJ Robusto and Serie JJ Maduro Robusto. One in honor of each of my young children and both in remembrance to JJ Cruz.

Rhonda B – My heart goes out for all who are affected by SIDS.

Matt M – If by some chance I win, I don’t want the cigars. Ship them to Jerry.

Charly G – As a father like you (Jerry), I’ve been smoking the stick and thinking about how fortunate I am to have my daughter in my life. All life is precious, no matter how big, how small, how short, or how long. I wish you (Jerry) and your family the absolute best.

And the winner of the My Father Le Bijou 1922 ‘petit robusto’ box is … Jacob K (image # 23)

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‘JJ for JJ Day’ Tribute

We are deviating from cigar photography today to recognize a special day – ‘ JJ for JJ Day.’ Cigar community gathers every year on July 22nd to honor the memory of the ‘Little Robusto.’ For those who are not familiar with this tribute, ‘Little Robusto’, who passed away at the age of 3.5months from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), is the son of widely recognized and respected cigar blogger – Jerry Cruz (stogiereview.com). This special day is recognized by smoking a cigar made by Don Pepin Garcia, appropriately called ‘Series JJ.’


In 2010, my fellow blogger and a friend – Barry Stein from acigarsmoker.com has initiated a generous fundraiser to recognize the ‘Little Robusto.’ We are now in 2011 and I would like to echo Barry’s generosity and continue with the tradition.

This year we are announcing a very simple contest. Tomorrow, on July 22nd, 2011, gather virtually with the rest of the cigar community and smoke a Don Pepin Garcia ‘Series JJ’ (* or one of the MyFather Cigars). Take a photograph of yourself smoking a ‘Series JJ’ cigar and submit it via email to jay at cigarphoto.net. Deadline for submissions is 11:59pm EDT on July 22nd, 2011. Random winner will be selected and announced on Monday, July 25th, 2011. All photographs will be posted on cigarphoto.net blog. Winner will receive a box of My Father Le Bijou 1922.


Take your time, enjoy your ‘Series JJ’ cigar and remember our ‘Little Robusto.’





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