The Stogie Guys

These days everyone is looking for a value, and one way to find more affordable cigars is to look for ones with mixed filler.  The theory is, because they use the otherwise unusable clippings of premium cigars, you get the top level tobacco in a value price.

If ever there were a cigar to test that theory it would be the Tatuaje Series P, which combines one of the top names in premium, boutique smokes with mixed filler theory. According to reports, the Series P uses the same filler as Tatuaje’s medium-bodied Havana VI line (we’ve reviewed the Verocu No. 1 and No. 2 vitolas) , but at less than half the price—around $3.75 each.

Like all Seris Ps, the Robusto (5 x 50) is a Nicaraguan puro. While the wrapper is similar to the Havana VI line, it is a little more rustic with some water spots and more veins.

Not surprisingly, because it’s a mixed filler smoke (60% medium-filler and 40% long-filler, to be exact) this cigar is softer and more spongy than what you’re use to from Tatuaje.  That manifests itself later with an overly easy, airy draw and an unstable ash.

While the construction is a predictable step down from the Havana VI line, the drop-off was far less pronounced when it came to taste.  Medium-bodied earth and nut flavors combine to produce an enjoyable, if not all that complex, blend.

Everyone will have to make their own decision when it comes to trading the lower price point for lesser construction and complexity, but it isn’t hard to see why this is a popular smoke. After all, how else can you get a box of 31 Tatuajes for under $4 per stick?

Ultimately, everyone needs to try the Series P versus the regular Havana VI line for themselves. However, when judged on it’s own merits, the Tatuaje Series P2 Robusto earns a respectable rating of three and a half stogies out of five.

[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.]

-Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

This Churchill-sized smoke (7 x 49) remains my favorite vitola in the Centro Fino Sungrown blend. With notes of wood, earth, nuts, and milk chocolate, it is well-suited for a weekend afternoon at home or on the golf course. And its excellent combustion qualities—including a sturdy white ash—only enhance the experience. At $6-8 a pop, I’m always happy to keep a few of these on hand.

Verdict = Buy.

-Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

This brand from United Tobacco is a bit of an enigma. The website says that each Mi Barrio release will be the same unique size and shape with a different blend. The insert that came in my box of El Aceres (6 x 50) says the same thing. This second release in the line, however, is clearly a different vitola than the first, called El Puro (7.5 x 52). I’ve smoked both, and the difference in flavor is subtle enough to make me believe that the blend stayed the same and the size is the only thing changing from release to release. At any rate, the construction of the El Acere is excellent. It starts with lots of earthiness and a grassy sweetness that plays off of a subtle spice. About halfway through, a strong vanilla flavor emerges with a hint of roasted almonds. The El Acere is medium-bodied but full-flavored with a crisp finish. Even at $9-$11 apiece, this complex cigar is definitely worth a try.

Verdict = Buy.

-Patrick M

photo credit: Stogie Guys