Late in 2019 Pete Johnson released the Tatuaje Mexican Experiment II as a follow-up to his critically acclaimed release in 2012. Like the original release the cigar features the same core components of Mexican and Nicaraguan tobaccos and it is available in four sizes as part of an ongoing release whereas the original was a limited production with sizes limited to a specific region. Today we fire up the Belicoso which is our personal favorite size of this release and offer our review here on The Cigar Authority.
Cigar Review: Tatuaje Mexican Experiment II
Wrapper: San Andres (Mexico)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 5″
Ring Gauge: 52
Size: Belicoso
The Look: Packaged in 15 count slide top boxes the band on the Tatiaje ME II has the feel of the exclusive series bands with this release utilizing the colors of the Mexican flag. In the center of the band is a black dot featuring “ME” and next to the dot is the Roman numeral II. The box pressed cigar is very firm to the touch and the San Andres wrapper has some nice crystals on it along with a lot of oils making it aesthetically pleasing.
The Notes: The cold draw of the Tatuaje Mexican Experiment II is loaded with mocha and a touch of red pepper. The aroma from the foot of the cigar lacks the sweetness from the cold draw as it loaded spices. Once the cigar is toasted and lit the initial note is earthy.
Within the first couple of puffs the earthiness of the cigar begins to pull back as the mocha sweetness from the cold draw begins to emerge as the primary profile. As we slide toward the end of the first third the sweetness pulls back a as a coffee bean becomes the focal point of the cigar. The retrohale offers a nice combination of sweetness and spice.
The second third of the cigar sees the coffee notes become dominant as earthy components creep back into the mix around the half way point along with a touch of cedar. Just before the second third ends cinnamon appears with mocha on the finish. The retrohale looses the sweetness with red pepper being dominant.
The final third sees the earthy aspect of the cigar become dominant once again with a lot of pepper on the resting aroma and the retrohale.
The Finish: Looking at the Mexican Experiment II you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between this wrapper and some Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers. However, as is the case most of the time looks can be deceiving. I find this cigar more enjoyable then the Tatuaje TAA 51 which is high praise in my eyes. This is a cigar I could smoke all day and I’ve been loading up on them lately in preparation or the summer deck smokes with a glass of rum.
Score: 94
Price: $10.00 / $134.99
Tatuaje Mexican Experiment II
Tatuaje Mexican Experiment II Foot
Tatuaje Mexican Experiment II Burn
