As Halloween 2010 came upon us, Tatuaje Cigars released the 3rd monster in their Monster series of cigars – the Face. As you now know, I am reviewing all the monsters in the Tatuaje Cigars 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.
So, read on to see my review of the Tatuaje Cigars 2024 Monster Smash Collection Face as I continue my Monster journey. The name Face is an homage to Leatherface from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. An interesting fact – back in 2010, when Tatuaje Cigars first released the Face into the wild, only 666 limited edition 13-count boxes went to 13 retailers on the 13th of Oct. The company followed that up with 1,300 plain boxes of 10 that went to the company’s top 130 retailers.
The Tatuaje Cigars Drac blend is described as:
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andreas
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
They are handcrafted by the Garcia Family ~ My Father Cigars, SA in Estelí,
Pre-Light Examination
The Tatuaje Cigars 2024 Monster Smash Face is a silky smooth, reddish-brown cigar that has some minimal veins and just a hint of marbling through the barrel. The Face like all these monsters, is expressed, in a (5 1/4 x 52) box pressed vitola. It is packed from head to foot with no discernable soft spots. The wrapper leaf has a light sheen to it. The cigar is finished with a well applied cap. Fun Fact: the original had no band but instead used a leaf appliqué to resemble the mask.
As with all Tatuaje Cigars, the cigar is adorned with a single thin band with the word Tatuaje in the center. In the case of the Face, it is a cream band with brown lettering.
The barrel exudes an enticing baking spice aroma while the foot exuded an earthy barnyard note.
I straight cut the cap with right across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give the Face a few cold draws. The Face is treats the palate to notes of black pepper and earth. A little more cold puffing and there is a touch of leather on the tongue.
Time to toast the Face. 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 Face, my palate was introduced to notes of sweetness, pepper, and fruit. Follow along as I burn the Face to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Introductory notes of sweetness, pepper, and fruit
- White ash forms on top of a medium thick char line
- Dry Leather notes quickly join the profile
- Slight off burn
- The pepper faded after half inch giving way to pleasant baking spice notes
- Ash fell in small chunk revealing a decent burn cone
- Bittersweet chocolate notes enter deep in 1st third with continued dry leather notes
- A sweet cracker aroma wafts off the foot
- Touch up is eventually required in the second third
- Salty butter notes add to the profile midway
- There is a slight zing on the palate – can’t explain it any different
- Burn continues to be a bit jagged
- A slight fruity tang enters in the final along with a toasted cracker note
- Medium in strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
Final Analysis
The Tatuaje Cigars 2024 Monster Smash Collection Face opens with an inviting blend of sweetness, black pepper, and ripe fruit. Soon, dry notes of leather weave into the profile. As the smoke progresses, the initial peppery kick recedes after about half an inch, giving way to delightful hints of baking spices. As the first third unfolds, bittersweet chocolate notes mingle with the lingering dry leather, creating a rich tapestry of flavors. A sweet cracker aroma drifts alluringly from the foot, enhancing the experience. By the second third, a touch-up becomes necessary, but midway, salty butter notes enrich the profile, adding depth. A subtle zing dances on the palate, an elusive sensation that’s hard to define. As the final third approaches, a fruity tang emerges alongside a toasted cracker note, rounding out the complex flavor journey. This I rate a 92.
Point Deductions: (-1) Jagged Burn; (-1) Off Burn; (-1) Touch up required;
Bonus Points: (+1) Pleasant and interesting profile
