As noted, on a short intro video on my Facebook page, I will be reviewing all the Monsters in this year’s Tatuaje Cigars Monster Smash collection. MSRP is $175.00 for the 14-count collection 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.
I am starting this journey with the Frank, which just so happens to be the first in the line-up within the box and it also was the inaugural cigar in the company’s Monster series that stared back in 2008. I should also note that it represents one of my favorite monster movies and novels.
Frank is one ugly monster. But then old Frankenstein never was pretty – even when he was a movie star.
The Tatuaje Cigars Frank blend is described as:
- Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
They are handcrafted by the Garcia Family ~ My Father Cigars, SA in Estelí, Nicaragua.
Pre-Light Examination
The Tatuaje Cigars 2024 Monster Smash Frank is a veiny medium to dark brown cigar that is full of blotches and marbling in the wrapper. It is expressed, like all these monsters, in a (5 1/4 x 52) box pressed vitola. It is well packed with just a little extra give on the foot. The wrapper leaf has a matte vs gloss finish to it. A triple cap finishes the construction.
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 Frank, it is an olive green band with black lettering.
The barrel exudes a pungent barnyard aroma with a slight essence of sweet spice. The foot was more enticing with a pleasant nutty aroma.
I straight cut the cap with right across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give the Frank a few cold draws. Mmmm – tasty for sure. Sweetness and peppery spice hit the palate first. Then a little stronger draw and you can tase that nuttiness adding in. I think i will cold puff this one a little more.
Time to toast the Frank. I warmed the foot with my Xikar Fan Flame torch, bringing the foot to an even orange glow. As expected, I was smacked hard with pepper bursts on the palate and nasals. Frank is a tough monster, but he can be gentle if you know the story, so we shall see where this monster journey takes me.
Cigar Review Notes
- The initial puffs hit the palate hard with rich peppery spice
- A solid white ash unfolds on top of an even, medium thick char line
- The pepper spice is seriously opening the nasals and gives way to a sweet nutty aroma
- After an inch of burn there is pleasant sweetness and earth notes that break through.
- The ash fell in a small chunk revieing a well formed burn cone
- Thick full volume of smoke fills the palate
- Notes of fresh citrus rind produce a mouth watering sensation
- A slight leathery note joins the mix deep in the first third
- An off-burn develops in the second third which eventually required a mild touch up
- Dark chocolate notes with a more subtle spice moving through the second third
- Bitter notes deep in the second third
- The early pepper blast resurges in the final with additional earthy notes
- Medium plus in Strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes to the nub
Final Analysis
The initial puffs, of the Tatuaje Cigars 2024 Monster Smash Collection Frank, strike the palate with a bold punch of rich peppery spice, immediately commanding attention. The pepper opens up the nasal passages and gives way to a sweet, nutty aroma. After the first inch of burn, pleasant sweetness and earthy tones begin to break through, adding balance to the intensity. The palate is filled with thick, voluminous smoke, and notes of fresh citrus rind provide a mouthwatering sensation. As the first third deepens, a subtle leathery note joins the profile. Moving into the second third, a slight off-burn develops, eventually requiring a minor touch-up. Dark chocolate flavors emerge, accompanied by a more restrained spice, though bitter notes become prominent toward the latter part of the second third. The final stretch brings a resurgence of the initial pepper blast, interwoven with rich earthy undertones for a powerful finish. Ok so the Frank is in the books. An admirable start. We shall see how the rest of the Monsters compare. I rate the Frank a 91.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wave in Burn; (-1) Off-Burn; (-1) Touch Up Required; (-1) Bitter Deep in second third
Bonus Points: (+1) Moderately Complex and Balanced
