Cigar Review: Tatuaje M80

In 2011, Pete Johnson created an exclusive cigar for Two Guys Smoke Shop as a follow-up to the Don Pepin Firecracker. The cigar was highly sought after then, and continues to be sought after today. Periodically, they release the cigar as part of a sampler or at a special event. The next event, is October 12th, when Pete Johnson comes to town (details below). Rumor has it, that this will be the last of the release from the stock they have held back.

The blend of the cigar is based on the Tatuaje T110 which was made for a shop in Hawaii. In fact, outside the monster series I think these two cigars are among the top of the limited edition releases.

Cigar: Tatuaje M80
Size:  4 x 50
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Maduro
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Full

The Look: The first thing that stands out about the Tatuaje M80 is the fuse, which extends from the cap to half way down the cigar. This is an idea that originated with the Pepin Firecracker as envisioned by 2 Guys Smoke Shop owner, David Garofalo. The band of the M80 is simple, and what I like to refer to as the Rocky Belt. In the center on the white background is the text M80 and on side is Tatuaje Exclusive Series. The wrapper of the cigar looks like it has aged well with a lot of oils present.

The Notes: The foot of the cigar is loaded with aroma. There are notes of Rum, Raisin and Figs which are incredibly defined. The cold draw continues to serve up some of that rum raisin experienced on the nose. On the first light there is an abundance of strength and black pepper through the nose that has me sneeze repetitively.

As we smoke our way into the first third of the cigar, the initial pepper notes die down and there are notes of chocolate and a hearty wood, similar to that of oak.

I was originally going to break this down into halves, but in the second third of the cigar a slight saltiness appeared which is joined by some espresso notes. The oak remains on the moderate finish. After the ash drops, some of the pepper returns which reminds me of wasabi.

In the last third of the cigar, the pepper through the nose is reduced even more. The primary note is wood, although there is also a sweetness forming that reminds me of anisette and some cherry on the finish.

The Burn: The draw of the cigar was still perfect after all these years with a nice amount of smoke production. The burn of the cigar had a bit of a wave to it, but the thought of picking up a lighter never once entered my mind. The light-colored ash held on very well for half the cigar at a clip. The cigar stood lit from the initial light til the last puff.

The Finish: How a cigar ages can be hit or miss, but the Tatuaje M80 has aged like a champ. It’s held on to original notes but they seem even more amplified now. Two Guys Smoke Shop has held on to a few of these, and they will be available to those who attend an Evening With Pete Johnson at the Nashua, New Hampshire store. There is limited availability, and details on how to get tickets are available on the flyer below.

Score: 93
Price: $7.00