Quick Smoke: Tatuaje Exclusive Series Hassell (Saints & Sinners 2013)

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief verdict on a single cigar of “buy,” “hold,” or “sell.”

Since its inception, I have been a member of Saints & Sinners, a Tatuaje club that annually sends participants exclusive cigars (as well as other Tatuaje-branded merchandise like wine openers, poker chips, and apparel). Part of the 2013 smoke kit was an Exclusive Series “Hassell”—Pete Johnson’s middle name. It’s a large perfecto (6.9 x 52) based on the Tatuaje Avion, with a twist. Like Avion, it has an Ecuadorian Habano maduro wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. But this time, the filler also includes tobaccos from another undisclosed country. The result is a medium- to full-bodied profile of dry oak, roasted nuts, black pepper, coffee, and ample earthy sweetness on the aftertaste. Construction is excellent. If you aren’t a Saints & Sinners member, finding this cigar will be exceedingly difficult. So, if anything, I hope this Quick Smoke encourages you to sign up.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick A

photo credit: Stogie Guys