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The third limited Halloween release from Tatuaje, "The Face" (after Leatherface from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre), is a large stick at 6 3/8 by 56 sporting a Mexican wrapper. The band is actually a piece of tobacco in a lighter shade to mimic the look of the monster who it is a tribute to. Only 666 coffins were released, though 1300 ten count plain boxes were produced, making this the largest Monster release yet. The stick itself is truely a beast, and judging from other sources, seems to be a great smoke.
Pre-Light - The large size is very imposing on this cigar, and the gnarly uncut foot and tobacco band make it an interesting sight. The smell is fantastic, and the pre-light draw gives a little sweetness with a nice lighter draw.
First Third - The first puffs are heavy with woody earth, dark sweetness, some spice and a bit of raw tobacco in billows of thick smoke. The spice is muted, more of a tingle on the tongue, while the darker earth and wood take the lead. Though it is certainly a jaw breaker, I'm enjoying the size, and it is a bit stronger than I had expected.
Second Third - Not much spice in this third, while the earthy, tobacco and sweet flavors really shine. The strength is definitely picking up (though I though even the first third was medium-full) and the construction proves to be excellent- the ash lasted close to 2 inches.
Third Third - Definitely picking up more sweetness in this third (even some cocoa), as well a more wood, some nut and a bit of pretzel. Draw, ash and burn are still going strong, just like the body. I love the strength and dense, full flavors in this third, with the Mexican wrapper's sweetness being a real treat. Definitely a great ending to a great stick!
Conclusion and Score - Though I've just got a soft spot for these Halloween LEs, I loved this cigar. The sweetness of the Mexican wrapper was huge for me, as I love the type of dark, cocoa sweetness that this cigar so wonderfully exemplified, not to mention an ass-kicking body that got progressively stronger throughout. Along with the sweetness, there was a complex mix of wood, earth, nut, some spice and raw tobacco that didn't once get dull. On top of that, the construction (D/A/B) were all terrific. Definitely a cigar worthy of a 93 rating, that will hopefully only get better with age. Find some if you can, and have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
aj
PS more pics on my blog
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