The year 2014, brought us the 7th release in the Tatuaje Cigars Monster Series. This time it was the Jekyll which Pete Johnson based on the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde – the1886 Gothic horror novella by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. The story follows Gabriel John Utterson, a London-based legal practitioner who investigates a series of strange occurrences between his old friend, Dr Henry Jekyll, and a murderous criminal named Edward Hyde. Those that know the Tatuaje Monster Series also know that the 8th release was the Hyde, but today we will focus on the Jekyll.
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 Jekyll blend is described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sancti Spíritus
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
If you are curious about that wrapper leaf, Tatujae Cigars notes that it is a hybrid leaf that crosses Criollo and Pelo de Oro. It was designed to be mold resistant and to serve as a replacement for Pelo de Oro. So, it seems that Dr. Jekyll may have been hard at work in his laboratory.
The Jekyll 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 Jekyll is draped in a smooth oily leaf with a dark tan hue. There are a few veins noticeable along the barrel and a quite a bit of marbling to the leaf. I noted that the barrel of the Jekyll was a bit spongy in the center. A triple cap completes the construction.
As with all Tatuaje Cigars, the Jekyll is adorned with a single thin band with the word Tatuaje in the center. In the case of the Jekyll, it is a pale-yellow band with lime green lettering.
Running the Jekyll along the nose I was greeted with barnyard and cedar notes along the barrel along with nut and a touch of citrus off the foot.
I straight cut the cap right across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give the Jekyll a few cold draws. The cold draw offered an excellent restriction and delivered notes of nut, earth and a growing peppery spice.
Time to toast the Jekyll. 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 Jekyll, my palate was introduced to notes of citrus and pepper. Follow along as I burn the Jekyll to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Bright citrus and pepper initiate the journey
- A white ash forms on top of a thick wavy char line
- Cedar notes quickly join the mix
- An off burn develops
- Ash fell in a decent chunk revealing an off centered burn cone
- Nut essence finds its way into the profile starting the second third
- Enticing cinnamon spice adds to the profile midway
- Milk chocolate nuances add to the pleasure
- Profile starts to get bitter, deep in the second third
- A woody aroma begins to waft off the foot
- Not much change in the final third, just a slight increase in spice
- Medium strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 20 minutes
Final Analysis
The Tatuaje Cigars 2024 Monster Smash Collection Jekyll journey begins with vibrant bursts of citrus and pepper, awakening the senses. Notes of cedar soon join the mix, creating an aromatic profile. However, an uneven burn develops, and when the ash falls in a solid chunk, it reveals an off-centered burn cone. As the second third unfolds, hints of nut emerge, slightly enriching the experience. A tempting cinnamon spice follows, adding depth, and eventually becomes the predominate flavor note. Delicate milk chocolate nuances form in the background. Deep into the second third, the flavors begin to turn bitter, and a woody aroma starts to waft from the foot. In the final third, there isn’t much change except for a slight increase in spice, rounding out the experience. I rate this monster an 88.
Point Deductions: (-1) Bitter in Final; (-1) Off Burn; (-1) Wave in Burn; (-1) Loose Draw; (-1) Off Centered Burn Cone; (-1) Not Well Balanced
