Size: 6.5” x 52
Wrapper: Ecuador Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Price: If it follows the other Cojonu releases, ~$13.00
Image
The Stogie: This will be the fourth of the “year” release Cojonu cigars, with the predecessors being the 2003, 2006, and 2009. The difference in the 2012 release is instead of only having the Ecuador Habano wrapper, there will also be a Connecticut Broadleaf and Sumatra wrapper, for a total of three different cigars. All three will be box pressed and differentiated by a black (Broadleaf), white (Sumatra), and brown (Habano) band. Right now these are only available at Tatuaje events but should be released for sale in spring.
Initial Thoughts: The cigar looks great. The wrapper is smooth and slightly oily. Construction is great, with a triple cap and no soft spots. It actually gives a little more than expected when I squeeze it, but it isn’t what I would call spongy at all, just not firm. It almost feels over humidified, however I just went through all my humidors this last week checking their humidity, and they were all rock solid at 65%.
First Third: After cutting the cigar, the pre-draw brings a very minor spicy kick on the tip of the tongue, but not much else, maybe some very minor coffee notes. After lighting I get a big spicy, peppery kick. The draw is quite loose, so the give earlier might be contributed to an under filled cigar. Although the draw is loose, the cigar is still smoking quite well, producing large amounts of creamy white smoke. After the first half a dozen puffs, the pepper has actually faded enough to allow some wonderful cocoa, coffee, leather, and caramel notes to shine through. The pepper is still a dominant flavor, however it’s not drowning out the rest.
Image
Second Third: The second third has all but lost the pepper, and instead amazing cocoa, woodsy, coffee, and hazelnut are really shining right now. The burn is even, and while the draw is loose, it isn’t too loose and smokes easy. The grayish-white ash holds on to about ½-¾”. As of right now, I would classify this cigar as a mild to medium cigar, with plenty of flavor but not much strength right now.
Image
Final Third: As expected, the final third has grown in strength, but not in terms of peppery spice, just nicotine buildup. The flavors have muted a bit, but I’m still getting a great mix of woodsy cedar, nutty, and cocoa notes. Towards the end, some very distinct chocolate notes are at the forefront, finishing this cigar out quite nicely.
Image
Total Smoking time: 1:50
Final Thoughts: Another great showing by Tatuaje and one that makes me very excited about the release. What started out with the usual Tatuaje peppery kick, calmed down and ending up having some great, very distinct flavors. With an underlying strength that built up as the stick developed, the cigar ended up being what I would call a strong cigar. I really enjoyed this cigar and definitely look forward to the release of these. When you can find these I highly recommend picking a couple up to try.
Image
[Reply]
