Stogie Reviews: Tatuaje Boris

In 2008, Pete Johnson launched a limited release around Halloween called “The Frank.” It came in coffin-shaped boxes of 13 cigars. Only 13 tobacconists nationwide got to carry these rare, treasured cigars, each of which sold for $13.

Johnson followed up the blend’s success with two new monster-inspired cigars in 2009: “Drac,” a fang-shaped torpedo (6.75 x 52) with a red and black band around the foot, and “Boris,” a Churchill that was marketed as “Frank out of costume” (because of its non-green band). Both highly sought-after cigars sold out quickly and are now being hoarded by collectors.

This year’s monster release is called “The Face,” a Mexican-wrapped, chubby cigar that Johnson calls “real ugly.” The band will be made of tobacco, enabling customers to smoke the cigar all the way through. Only 666 boxes will be shipped for an October 13 delivery, then another 1,300 boxes of 10 will be available on the week of Halloween.

Before “The Face” becomes the talk of the town—and quickly sells out—I wanted to examine the Tatuaje Boris. This cigar measures seven inches long with a ring gauge of 49. It sports a rustic Ecuadorian Sumatra rosado wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos.

Prior to sampling the two Boris cigars I smoked for this review, I had read that they smell like mint candies. I would have to agree. The pre-light aroma of this oily, firm-feeling smoke reminds me of the Frango Mints that Marshall Field’s used to make in Chicago. That takes me back.

After toasting the foot and establishing an even light, the first thing I notice is the texture of the smoke, which is simultaneously creamy and dry. Flavors include herby spice, leather, roasted nuts, and a sweet baseline of subtle mint. Superbly balanced, the Boris has a unique profile you can get lost in as its mild flavor slowly intensifies to the medium-bodied spectrum.

The cigar’s excellent physical properties allow you to do so without interruption. The white ash is sandy yet solid, the draw is easy, and the burn is straight—exactly what you’d expect from a $13 smoke. My only complaint is that, on both of my samples, at least one re-light was required.

As it concludes, the Boris stands as a wonderful example of Pete Johnson’s immense talent. This Halloween release is barely shy of tremendous after only one year of aging. So count me as one of those Tatuaje fans who will snatch up “The Face” while it lasts. Meanwhile, this rare gem is worthy of four and a half stogies out of five.

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

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys