We have seen and experienced some big monsters during the 2024 Monster Smash journey and now it is time to experience a not so sweet child monster. The name is Chuck, short for Chucky – the 11th Monster in the series. Fun fact, Tatuaje Cigars released 2 monsters in 2019 – The Chuck and his Bride Tiff. They were teased in a (4 x 50) vitola back in 2014. Today we focus on Chuck.
I also want to say, I purchased a box of Chuck skinny monsters early this year and enjoy them immensely, they are like candy to me – I can’t seem to get enough of them.
As you now know, I am reviewing all the monsters in the 2024 Monster Smash Collection. The 14-count collection has an MSRP is $175.00 but if you search around, you may find them discounted to about $160.00. As of this writing, if you have a discount code, check Neptune Cigars or check Fox Cigars as they have them for $159.99.
The Tatuaje Cigars 2024 Monster Smash Collection Chuck blend is described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
The Chuck like all these monsters, is expressed, in a (5 1/4 x 52) box pressed vitola and are handcrafted at My Fathers Cigars S.A. in Nicaragua.
Pre-Light Examination
The Tatuaje Cigars 2024 Monster Smash Collection Chuck is cloaked in a smooth, dark brown and marbled wrapper. The wrapper leaf is pretty much veinless. The cigar feels perfectly bunched, rolled and pressed from head to foot. A well applied cap completes the construction.
As with all Tatuaje Cigars, the Chuck is adorned with a single thin band with the word Tatuaje in the center. In the case of the Chuck, it uses a sky-blue, white, and red color scheme with the white word Tatuaje printed on a sky-blue background. The fleur-de-lis symbol is presented in red, along the sides of the band. Yea, little Chucky was a nasty, knife wielding little monster.
Running the Chuck along the nose I did not get much aroma off the barrel, but the foot exuded notes of rich candy store chocolate aromas. No mistaking this aroma. There is also some nut a hint of peppery spice.
I straight cut the cap right across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give the Chuck a few cold draws. The cold draw offered a restriction that was spot on and delivered notes of red peppery spice and tangy earth.
Time to toast the Chuck . I warmed the foot with my Xikar Fan Flame torch, bringing the foot to an even orange glow. As I drew in the first taste of the Chuck , my palate was introduced to notes of nasal opening peppery spice. Follow along as I burn the Chuck to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Nasal opening red pepper spice initiates the journey
- A light grey ash forms on top of a thin wavy char line
- Smoke volume is full, with a thick chewy texture
- Salt and nut essences join the early profile
- Stacking dimes ash
- Mild orange citrus notes
- Mild off burn develops deep in first third
- Honey notes enter adding a nice dimension to the orange citrus
- Palate enticing dark chocolate notes enter in the second the second third
- Ash fell in a solid chunk revealing a decent burn cone
- A tasty lingering nut coats the palate
- Moving into the final a continued dark chocolate and spiced honey profile maintains
- Slight off burn in final
- Medium strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 25 minutes
Final Analysis
The Tatuaje Cigars 2024 Monster Smash Collection Chuck journey begins with vivid red pepper spice tantalizing through the nasal passages, awakening the senses. The smoke is abundant, boasting a thick, chewy texture that envelops the palate. Early flavors of salt and nut harmonize, setting the stage for a complex experience. Mild notes of orange citrus emerge, providing a refreshing contrast. It is soon complemented by sweet honey undertones that enhance the citrus notes. In the second third, rich dark chocolate flavors make their entrance, adding depth. A delightful nutty essence lingers on the palate. As the final third unfolds, the blend of dark chocolate and spiced honey continues to enchant, leaving a lasting impression. I rate this a 93.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wave in Burn; (-1) Off burn
Bonus Points: (+1) Extremely Well Balanced and Moderately complex profile
