Well, this is it. I have completed my 2024 Monster Smash journey with today’s review of the Tatuaje Creature cigar. There was a point in time, Pete Johnson said he would only create 13 blends in the monster cigar collection but adding the Creature, now makes it 14. I must scratch my head for a moment. Is 14 the end? Is that official? Or is the door to the attic, cellar, garage, or wherever these monsters come from, open for more to appear? I mean they had a great run, but there are more monsters lurking in the darkness. I guess only time will tell. As for today, I am left with an empty box of monsters as I remove the Creature from its lonely rest the past 24 hours.
The Creature by Tatuaje Cigars is a homage to the 1954 movie “Creature from the Black Lagoon”. That was a fun horror flick. In fact, it was filmed in 3D, which was quite the fad back in the early 1950’s. There is not much we know about the Creature cigar. The blend is a secret, but we do know that the cigar was officially released in 2021 in a special 14-count sampler of all the original releases in their original vitolas. We also know that is has a double binder from Nicaragua.
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 Creature blend is described as:
- Wrapper: Undisclosed
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Undisclosed
The Creature 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 Creature is a slightly rugged, dark reddish brown cigar. The wrapper has quite a bit of marbling and noticeable veins and bumps running along the barrel. There is a bit more give in the middle of the cigar as there is on the head or foot. A triple cap completes the construction.
As with all Tatuaje Cigars, the Creature is adorned with a single thin band with the word Tatuaje in the center. In the case of the Creature , it uses a black on black color scheme. The gloss word Tatuaje and the fleur-de-lis symbols are printed in gloss black on top of a matte black background. This black on black is a direct reference to the Black Lagoon.
Running the Creature along the nose I picked up a faint sweet aroma along the barrel, while the foot exuded notes of pepper, nut and earthiness.
I straight cut the cap right across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give the Creature a few cold draws. The cold draw offered a fine restriction and delivered notes of nut, sweetness and cocoa. A few more draws and a peppery spice greets the lips.
Time to toast the Creature. I warmed the foot with my fan flame Xikar lighter, bringing it to an even orange glow. As I drew in the first taste of the Creature, my palate was introduced to notes of pepper and earth. Follow along as I burn the Creature to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- The journey starts with notes of earth and pepper
- A mostly white ash forms on top of a medium thick and mildly wavy char line
- The early profile is a bit sharp – attacking the palate, which I hope settles down
- The smoke volume is medium to full
- There is a pastiness to the smoke early in the burn
- Tangy notes begin to evolve an inch into the burn, with a wafting sweet nut aroma
- The ash fell in a small chunk revealing a flat but fairly centered burn cone
- The profile begins a shift as there a level of creamy notes entering as it moves toward the second third
- Woody notes join the mix along with an IPA-like grapefruit citrus
- Barrel get squishy midway – I could have seen that coming based on the pre-light squeeze exam
- The nut has found its way on the palate as mild almond note is lingering after each puff now
- Pepper is increasing through the second third
- A touch of dark chocolate enters in the final behind the pepper
- Medium strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 15 minutes
Final Analysis
The Tatuaje Cigars 2024 Monster Smash Collection Creature journey begins with an intriguing blend of earthy undertones and a hint of pepper that captivates the senses. Initially, the flavor profile strikes sharply, almost aggressively, on the palate—a sensation I hope will mellow with time. The smoke itself is rich, ranging from medium to full in volume, with a slight pastiness evident early on. As the burn progresses, tangy notes begin to unfurl an inch in, accompanied by a delicate waft of sweet, nutty aroma that dances in the air. The profile starts to evolve, introducing creamy notes that blend into the second third of the cigar. Woody elements join the ensemble, alongside a rich grapefruit citrus reminiscent of a hoppy IPA. Midway through, the barrel becomes squishy, a development I anticipated based on the pre-light squeeze. Now, a mild almond flavor lingers on the palate after each puff, weaving its way into the experience. The peppery bite intensifies as the final third unfolds, while a subtle touch of dark chocolate emerges in the final act. It felt like the Creature just couldn’t not find its equilibrium point. I rate this an 88.
Point Deductions: (-1) Mild wave in Burn; (-1) Pasty Notes early in the burn; (-1) Sharp Attack on the Palate in the first third; (-1) Not well balanced; (-1) Flat Burn Cone; (-1) Squishy Barrel
Bonus Points:
