Update[5/28/08]: I finally got the jar!!!
A couple weeks ago I was at the beach and visited one of my favorite B&M cigar shops. They have been a Tatuaje account almost since the beginning so they get all the good stuff. A major reason why I like them so much. I got lucky and just happened to stop by when they had just a few of the elusive and almost mythical Tatuaje Blacks in the humidor. I didn’t have enough money to buy all eight *snif* but I did grab these four. The Tatuaje Black is Pete Johnson’s personal cigar. Once upon a time the only way to get one of these was to meet the man and have him offer you some. He has decided this year to release a limited amount to the public. Select shops received one or two cabinets of 24 and later this year they will be released for sale in a collectible ceramic jar. I can’t wait. I’ve already started to save up for one. These are really cool looking cigars. They have a really unique nipple on the head and the foot is unfinished. They smell amazing but I am admittedly a little hesitant to spark one up before I get my hands on that jar. Maybe I’ll talk myself into smoking just one sometime soon. Here is a picture of my good fortune…
February 11, 2008 at 3:24 am
Yo Matt!
Met you couple of times at the poker games.
Just started to collect cigars last year around september. Why do you like these so much?
February 11, 2008 at 9:58 am
Good to hear from you Dae. That’s a question with a long answer, but I’ll see if I can simplify it a bit and condense it here.
For me there is a lot to like about Tatuaje cigars but in the end, flavor and enjoyment of the cigar is what really counts and that is why I’m a fan. The construction on the Tatuaje cigars is superb. I rarely ever have any issue with burn and have only once had a cigar with a bad draw. That’s pretty good for a hand made product and it speaks to the quality control the brand implements. Also, I enjoy full bodied robust cigars and I like them to be like little events. Tatuajes tend to be very complex with a lot subtle flavors that develop and fade as you make your way through the cigar. That is what makes a cigar enjoyable for me. It has to take me on a ride and hold my attention. I also like a cigar to challenge me occasionally and a Tatuaje Cojonu is a powerhouse cigar that will try and knock you on your butt.+
When I take the time to sit down with a smoke I like to devote my attention to it so it has to be interesting and keep me from getting bored with it. Tatuajes have never disappointed in that regard. Especially the Brown Label line. I have adopted a cigar philosophy that has served me well…
Life is too short to smoke crappy cigars.
That is why I like Tatuajes.
There is also a lot of history and background on these cigars that helps add to the mystique and my enjoyment of them. Also I could go into a discussion on presentation and asthetics. I could spend time discussing the kinds of tobacco that is used to make them and the region they are grown in. All of these things add to my enjoyment and appreciation of these cigars. But like I said. The cigar’s flavors and the enjoyment of it during the actual smoking of the cigar will trump all that other stuff in the end.
Good luck with your new found hobby. If you’re like me, you wallet will get a nice workout because of it. Next time I see Polchai, I’ll give him a Tatuaje to give to you, unless of course the next time I see him, I happen to see you as well. Then I’ll give it to you myself.
February 12, 2008 at 2:31 am
Matt,
Found you blog a few weeks ago and its great. I love the answer you gave to Dae on the T-Blacks. Keep up the good work and I’ll keep up the reading.
Long Ashes, Ben
February 12, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Matt
Discovered the Tat’s here and as a new cigar smoker found some in Atlanta. They are above all the best out there for the price. I have ordered several boxes and tend to the Regios and the Unicos. Also here learned of 601 and Pepin Black Cuban Classic–both great.
Have a box of Padilla 1932 and Black Cubans coming. My golf buddies with the Ashton VSG and Cohibas from Cuba are now Tat boys.
I like your taste.
Also picked up 3 Black Tats. Great sticks.
February 13, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Thank you Matt for sharing your information.
I can’t wait to try them. One of the favorite cigar I’ve tasted so far was Arturo Fuente Hemingway Classic. Smoking this puts me into happy mood.
February 14, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Well then Dae, be sure to check back soon. the Hemingway Classic is one of my next reviews this month. You can compare my experience with your own.
March 6, 2008 at 10:55 am
I have a box of camacho libertys I think they are 2004, maybe you can help me tell what year. the box is not painted and there is no year on anything box 1037 out of 1500