The year 2016, gave us all a little nightmare in the cigar world. Not only was it the introduction to the FDA deeming regulations, but it was the appearance of the 9th Tatuaje Monster – the Krueger. This time it was named after Freddy Krueger, the psychotic killer from the classic film – Nightmare on Elm Street.
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 Hyde blend is described as:
- Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
The Krueger 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 Krueger is draped in a toothy, reddish-brown leaf that has a nice oily sheen. There are minimal veins running along the barrel. The cigar has just the right give from head to foot with no discernable soft spots. A triple cap completes the construction.
As with all Tatuaje Cigars, the Krueger is adorned with a single thin band with the word Tatuaje in the center. In the case of the Krueger , it uses a forest green and red color scheme which i symbolic of the colors in the sweater, Freddy Krueger wore in the film.
Running the Krueger along the nose I was greeted with a light floral aroma along the barrel while the foot exuded notes of earth and sweetness.
I straight cut the cap right across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give the Krueger a few cold draws. The cold draw offered a restriction that I felt was spot on to my liking and delivered notes of light peppery spice and earth. I noted the pepper starts to grow the more you puff on it.
Time to toast the Krueger . 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 Krueger , my palate was introduced to notes of caramel and zesty pepper. Follow along as I burn the Krueger to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Caramel and zesty pepper initiate the journey
- A white toothy ash forms on top of a medium thin char line
- Cedar notes quickly join the mix
- The profile settles in nicely after an inch plus of burn as butter cracker notes add to the mix
- Moving into the second third a pleasant dark chocolate note makes its appearance
- Smoke volume is thick and full
- Ash fell in a solid chunk revealing a well-formed burn cone
- Citrusy fruit notes help to keep the palate moist as a cream note wraps it all together
- Early pepper, though toned down, morphs into a pleasant background cinnamon note midway
- The spice increases in the final becoming the predominate note
- Medium strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 30 minutes
Final Analysis
The Tatuaje Cigars 2024 Monster Smash Collection Krueger journey begins with a delightful interplay of caramel sweetness and zesty pepper, creating an inviting first impression. Cedar notes swiftly weave into the blend. After an inch of burn, the profile settles gracefully, introducing buttery cracker undertones that enhance the experience. As the second third unfolds, a rich dark chocolate note emerges, adding depth to the flavor. The smoke is thick and full, enveloping the palate with each draw. Bright citrusy fruit notes keep the palate vibrant and moist, harmonizing beautifully with a creamy finish that binds the flavors together. The initial pepper, though softened, evolves into a gentle cinnamon background midway through. As the cigar progresses into the final third, the spice intensifies, becoming the dominant note and culminating the experience in a satisfying crescendo. This is by far one of the best in the 2024 Monster Smash Collection. I rate this a solid 96.
Point Deductions: NONE
Bonus Points: (+1) Pristine Burn; (+1) Well Balanced and Pleasurable profile
