Who doesn’t remember Michael Meyers, the iconic character from the 1978 psycho-thriller flick – Halloween. The movie turned into a saga of movies over the ensuing decades from 1978 to 2022 with a total of 13, that is if you don’t count the 2017 spin-off “Us”. It was also in 2017, that Pete Johnson and Tatuaje Cigars, paid homage to the film saga with the release of the Michael – the 10th Monster in the series.
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 Michael blend is described as:
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
The Michael 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 Michael is draped in a fairly smooth, dark tan wrapper that exhibits minimal veins. There is a slight bit of marbling in the leaf. The cigar has a decent give from head to foot, but there is bit more give down at the foot. A triple cap completes the construction.
As with all Tatuaje Cigars, the Michael is adorned with a single thin band with the word Tatuaje in the center. In the case of the Michael, it uses a blue and white color scheme with the white word Tatuaje printed on a blue background.
Running the Michael along the nose I was greeted with a fragrant baking spice aroma along the barrel while the foot exuded notes of barnyard and nut essence.
I straight cut the cap right across the shoulder of the cigar and proceeded to give the Michael a few cold draws. The cold draw offered a restriction that was spot on and delivered notes of peppery spice and tangy earth.
Time to toast the Michael. 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 Michael, my palate was introduced to notes of nut and pepper. Follow along as I burn the Michael to ash.
Cigar Review Notes
- Nut and pepper initiate the journey
- A white ash forms on top of a medium thick wavy char line
- Full volume of rich smoke coats the palate
- Leather notes join the early profile
- A hint of sweetness enters after an inch or so of burn
- Buttery notes add to the pleasure deep in the first third
- Ash fell in a decent chunk reveling a slightly off centered burn cone
- Moving into the second third a sweet cinnamon note develops
- Sweet nut aroma wafts off the foot
- Mild chocolate notes weave into the profile midway through
- Cinnamon spice notes build down into the final along with a touch of coffee
- Final few puffs offer a reassurance of sweetness
- There is an off burn in the final
- Medium strength
- Total Smoking Time was 1 hour and 20 minutes
Final Analysis
The Tatuaje Cigars 2024 Monster Smash Collection Michael journey begins flavors of nut and pepper that awaken the senses. The smoke, rich and voluminous, coats the palate, while earthy and leather notes emerge early on. About an inch into the burn, a subtle sweetness sneaks in, and buttery hints enrich the experience during the first third. As the cigar transitions into the second third, a sweet cinnamon note develops, complementing the aroma of roasted nuts wafting from the foot. Midway through, mild chocolate notes subtly weave into the profile, enhancing the complexity. By the final stretch, cinnamon spice intensifies, joined by a hint of coffee to round out the flavors with a reassurance of sweetness at the end. This is an excellent morning cigar pair with a good cup of coffee. I rate this monster a 93.
Point Deductions: (-1) Wave in Burn; (-1) Off burn in final third
Bonus Points: (+1) Well Balanced and Moderately complex profile
