Tatuaje Limited Release 2010 HCS #2 Toro Grande Review

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Rosado Criollo
Filler: Nicaraguan
Price: $8.50

This Tatuaje is an exclusive blend made for Holt's Cigar Company. When I learned this I had to grab a couple of these to try. I still consider myself fairly new to Tatuaje, but I find fun in trying the various blends. I have smoked probably five of these so far, and saved my last one for this review. If you find yourself wanting to try this one, they are available on the Holt's website.

The Ecuadorian wrapper on this cigar is a medium shade of brown. The wrapper is very smooth with a few very thin veins that run through it. The cap is composed of three layers, all of which lay perfectly flush with the rest of the cigar. The cigar is evenly box-pressed and is pretty solid all the way through. After the last look over I noticed that the cigar gave off an earthy and spicy smell.

The flavors came out as soon as the cigar was lit. There were some nice strong pepper notes right away. The pepper picked up quickly and levels out one some more flavors come out. There were some light earthy tones as well as some woody notes that formed. Overall it was a very smooth start to the cigar.

Once I got through the first inch the woodiness picked up quite a bit. Some coffee notes started to form and compliment the pepper and earthy tones. Surprisingly the pepper and coffee notes work perfect together. As thr first third rounds out, the coffee notes pick up a little bit more.

The second third really balances out in terms of flavor. The pepper flavor dulls down to the point where is becomes just an accent to the wood and coffee flavors. Just when I though the flavors couldn't get any more complex, little notes of leather started to come out.

At the halfway point the leather picked up a little bit. Once the leather picks up, it dulls out the coffee flavor quite a bit. There was also a creamy flavor that came out and combines with the leather. The combination of the leather and creaminess build up on my palate quickly.

The last coupe inches contained a bit more pepper. The pepper was more on the finish of the smoke instead of the draw like earlier. The leather flavor held on strong throughout the finish and the creaminess seemed to build up. The finish was great with a ton of flavor throughout.

The ash on this cigar was a medium shade of gray. The ash was also nicely layered and held on about two thirds of the cigar. The burn was pretty even all the way through. It was a little wavy at times, but it never got bad. The draw was very easy all the way through and produced a thick white smoke. The smoke gave off a very earthy and peppery aroma.

This is definitely one of my favorite Tatuaje cigars to date. The flavors were just great all the way through and was right on the line between medium and full body. If you are a Tatuaje fan, you have to try this cigar. I give it a 8.5 out of 10.

Thanks for reading,

Zack the Stogie Man