Tatuaje 20th Anniversary review by Don José
Hey team, Don José here back with another review.
Today we have the
20th Anniversary Grand Chasseur
by Tatuaje
If this is your first time here, my reviews rate each cigar on 10 factors and each factor gets a rating out of 10 giving me an overall out of 100. The 10 factors are: Construction, Draw, Burn, Flavour, 1/3 overall, 2/3 overall, 3/3 overall, Journey (how well it flows), Complexity & Value for money.
Overview
The Tatuaje 20th Anniversary line uses an Ecuadorian habano-seed wrapper, and Nicaraguan tobacco is used for the double binder and filler and was created to celebrate the 20th year in business for Tatuaje, which they achieved in 2023.
To me, I usually think of small cigars when i think of Tatuaje, but thats because them make some of the best 'little' cigars in the world IMO.
This stick however is not little, not even a little little.
While Pete Johnson, owner of Tatuaje, hasn’t compared the blend to any of the blends in the company’s portfolio, it does use a similar list of tobaccos to that of the Seleccion de Cazador line, otherwise known as the Brown Label line due to the colour of its bands, and which is generally thought of as the company’s signature core line.
Details:
Brand: Tatuaje
Size: 6 3/8 x 54
Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A
About the wrapper.
Habano cigar wrapper is a leaf grown from a Cuban seed, hence the word “Habano” or “Havano,” referring to Cuba's capitol.
Habano tobacco wrapper is darker in colour, has a much spicier flavour, a richer aroma, and has been grown in Nicaragua's Jalapa Valley and Estelí since the 1990's.
More important than the pronunciation are the reasons we like Habano cigar wrappers. Mainly we like the Habano wrapper’s flavour. It’s spicy, rich and the colour is generally dark. Chocolate is commonly tasted in Habano wrappers. And the Habano cigar wrapper is going on many of your favourite cigars.
let's get into the review.
First thoughts
I've been lucky. enough to have had one of these as my Planet 13 Wrap cigar thanks to my good mate Grant, so my first thoughts are kind of second thoughts?? I guess. Either way, its a great. looking cigar and before smoking one I already had high expectations begin a Tatuaje.
A little sweetness on the cold draw. but mostly natural tobacco.
Construction
Exceptional construction, not surprised really, Tatuaje and MFC don't really fuck up. Great firm roll, with a nice bit of oiliness to touch.
Burn & Draw Great burn and draw, no touch ups.
Flavour & Complexity Wood, pepper and cream are present throughout, with hints of sweetness and occasional dough weaving in and out as well as Cocao and spice.
Strength 68% - Mid - For me both have been mid strength, mid body - even tho its advertised closer to full.
Enjoyment / Journey This cigar comes out the gate ready to go and stays strong to the last. Slight increase in profile in the final third which is nice.
Overall This is an incredible cigar from brand that consistently delivers. I'm not sure there are any. readily available... but if you can, get. your hands on one.
I rate this cigar 93 points!
A look at the numbers.
Construction -- 10/10
Burn -- 9/10
Draw -- 9/10
Flavour -- 10/10
Complexity -- 9/10
First 1/3 -- 9/10
Second 1/3 -- 9/10
Third 1/3 -- 10/10
Journey -- 9/10
Value -- 9/10
HERF Wanaka Easter Saturday 30th
Come join Joe "Don Jose" Murdie from The Cold Draw & Grant "The Cigar Merchant" Ovenden from CANTEROS.nz at Rove Bar & Eatery Easter Saturday the 30th of September!
Cigars will be available for purchase on the day (cash or EFTPOS)
Come on down for a cigar or two, or simply swing by to pick up some supplies
See you there!
Rove Bar & EateryPost Office Lane, 33 Ardmore Street, Wanaka
Easter Saturday, 30th of September from 5:00pm
Feel free to invite your fellow aficionados to join us.
About the author
Joe Murdie aka Don José has been reviewing cigars in New Zealand for over 10 years now, originally as a writer for NZBlokes, a mens magazine.
Outside of Cigars Joe is an international award winning film-maker based in Wānaka, OTA.
