CRQuarto
Brrraaaiiinnnsss.....
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2009
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Tatuaje Zona del Este Verocu No. 2
Size: 5 1/2" x 54 rg
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium - Full
I snagged this beauty of a cigar very recently in the "Cops, Lawyers, Outlaws and Asshats '09" pass, and obviously it didn't last long in the humidor. I've been wanting to smoke one of the East Coast and one of the West Coast Havana VI's for quite some time, and I wasn't about to let this chance slide for long. These cigars were a limited release, with each being available at select retailers for their respective side of the US. The blend is different than the regular Havana VI line in that the strength was kicked up with the addition of more ligero, and a special Cafe Rosado Oscuro wrapper was used giving this thing an amazing, oily and otherwise delicious appearance.
Pre-Light
I guess one could say that my obvious lack of self control in firing up this cigar is evidence of its appeal. The wrapper is a gorgeous deep brown color with a tinge of rosado in it, and is loaded with oils. The superb, yet typical Pepin triple seam cap is huge, and is paired with a very nicely bunched foot. The squeeze test doesn't point out any glaring flaws in construction in the form of either soft or hard spots, only providing for a slight spring that was very uniform along the length. The scent of the wrapper is a deep, rich tobacco scent that left me with mouth watering anticipation, and the foot was more of the same.
Draw & Burn
With a cigar this large in ring gauge, I tend to avoid punching it, so instead I used my Zikar to reveal a perfect cold draw that once lit, only further enhanced my overall enjoyment of this cigar. The burn was outstanding throughout, save for a couple times when a quick touch up was needed to straighten it back out, but it was nothing out of the ordinary nor an inconvenience. The only negative mark in this category would be that the medium gray ash was weak and tended to crumble, though I never ended up with chunks of it in my lap.
Flavor Profile
Right from the start, I knew this cigar was going to be a treat to smoke, as the pre-light draw was ripe with a heavy, deep tobacco taste that left a nice sweetness on the lips. Upon lighting, I found the first puff to be surprisingly balanced in that it was devoid of the usual, "kick in the face" peppery blast that Pepin's stuff tends to begin with. Instead, I found an immediately complex, delightful array of tastes that left me smacking my lips. Flavors of worn leather, pecan, rich tobacco and a brown sugar sweetness were abundant, with other fleeting tastes that I could not quite figure out. I thought I was detecting a faint orange peel taste, but I couldn't be sure.
Overall Impression
I almost hate to smoke cigars like this, as it is quite saddening to know that with each one enjoyed, that is one less out there. Limited releases are great, but it is really a love/hate relationship when it is a cigar that blows you away. I'm glad I had the chance to smoke it, as it fit my tastes perfectly, and hopefully I have the chance to snag a few more before they are all gone.
Size: 5 1/2" x 54 rg
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium - Full
I snagged this beauty of a cigar very recently in the "Cops, Lawyers, Outlaws and Asshats '09" pass, and obviously it didn't last long in the humidor. I've been wanting to smoke one of the East Coast and one of the West Coast Havana VI's for quite some time, and I wasn't about to let this chance slide for long. These cigars were a limited release, with each being available at select retailers for their respective side of the US. The blend is different than the regular Havana VI line in that the strength was kicked up with the addition of more ligero, and a special Cafe Rosado Oscuro wrapper was used giving this thing an amazing, oily and otherwise delicious appearance.
Pre-Light
I guess one could say that my obvious lack of self control in firing up this cigar is evidence of its appeal. The wrapper is a gorgeous deep brown color with a tinge of rosado in it, and is loaded with oils. The superb, yet typical Pepin triple seam cap is huge, and is paired with a very nicely bunched foot. The squeeze test doesn't point out any glaring flaws in construction in the form of either soft or hard spots, only providing for a slight spring that was very uniform along the length. The scent of the wrapper is a deep, rich tobacco scent that left me with mouth watering anticipation, and the foot was more of the same.
Draw & Burn
With a cigar this large in ring gauge, I tend to avoid punching it, so instead I used my Zikar to reveal a perfect cold draw that once lit, only further enhanced my overall enjoyment of this cigar. The burn was outstanding throughout, save for a couple times when a quick touch up was needed to straighten it back out, but it was nothing out of the ordinary nor an inconvenience. The only negative mark in this category would be that the medium gray ash was weak and tended to crumble, though I never ended up with chunks of it in my lap.
Flavor Profile
Right from the start, I knew this cigar was going to be a treat to smoke, as the pre-light draw was ripe with a heavy, deep tobacco taste that left a nice sweetness on the lips. Upon lighting, I found the first puff to be surprisingly balanced in that it was devoid of the usual, "kick in the face" peppery blast that Pepin's stuff tends to begin with. Instead, I found an immediately complex, delightful array of tastes that left me smacking my lips. Flavors of worn leather, pecan, rich tobacco and a brown sugar sweetness were abundant, with other fleeting tastes that I could not quite figure out. I thought I was detecting a faint orange peel taste, but I couldn't be sure.
Overall Impression
I almost hate to smoke cigars like this, as it is quite saddening to know that with each one enjoyed, that is one less out there. Limited releases are great, but it is really a love/hate relationship when it is a cigar that blows you away. I'm glad I had the chance to smoke it, as it fit my tastes perfectly, and hopefully I have the chance to snag a few more before they are all gone.
Excellent review Charles!
