It’s been a busy month or so for Pete Johnson’s Tatuaje with the release of the Black Label into regular production, and the 2016 TAA Release. As a result, The Cigar Authority listener and friend Shawn Rogers has been making his way through the Tatuaje catalog when he asked me what my favorite Tatuaje cigar is. The answer is Cabaiguan Guapos and to our surprise it is a cigar that I have not reviewed on the website until now.
Cigar Review: Cabaiguan Guapos
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut Sol
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5 5/8″
Ring Gauge: 54
Vitola: Robusto
Cutter: Lotus Jaws
Lighter: Veritgo Glock
The Look: Packaged in Cabinet style boxes, the Cabaiguan is named after a city in the Cuban Northern Sancti Spirites province that is home to some of the most knowledgable cigar men in the country. The cigar is also available in Connecticut Broadleaf, but today we review the Ecuador Connecticut Sol version. The cigar which is glistening with oils has a few pronounced veins and a perfect roll. A small pigtail adorns the cap which has no soft spots and feels light in the hand.
The Notes: Once my Jaws cuter clips the cap the cold draw has a subtle paprika to it, as well as hints of cashews and earth. The notes are soft and not overpowering while the aroma off the foot is cedar and more earth.
Once the cigar is lit there is a burst of pepper that is synonymous with the My Father Cigars S.A. factory where these are made. As the pepper subsides the cigar had notes of cedar and cream that set the stage for a relaxing experience. On the retrohale and aroma I am reminded of salted cashews.
As we approach the half way point of the cigar the notes of salted cashews become dominant with hints of cedar in the background. As the second third comes to a close some leather is introduced on the retrohale and aroma.
With the Cabaiguan Guapos coming to a close there are elements of mocha and cedar in the background as notes of leather become dominant. The retrohale sees black pepper grow in intensity on this enjoyable cigar.
The Burn: Construction is spot on as the cigar as a slow and even burn. While the burn line does have a slight jagged appearance to it, it burns at an even rate revealing a firm white ash. The draw of the cigar offered up the right amount of resistance and it remained lit throughout the experience.
The Finish: For me the Cabaiguan Guapos is right in my wheel house in terms of strength and flavor. For the Tatuaje line this remains my go to cigar. Perhaps milder than others in the portfolio, the well defined notes create an experience perfect for a lazy day in a hammock.
Score: 92
Price: $11.00 / $197.99
Cabaiguan Guapos
Cabaiguan Guapos
