Tatuaje Monsters are highly collectible when released every October and the debate is long as to which was the best blend. For me, that was the first ever release Monster, The Frank. It’s something I wish I still had in my humidor, but I won’t pay the rediculous black market price for them. I’ve seen them sell for over $1,000 a box. While different in terms of vitola, I am ecstatic that the cigars are available in the Skinny Monster format. Today, we take a look at the Lancero version of my favorite Monster series cigar.
Cigar Review: Tatuaje Skinny Monsters
Blend: The Frank
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Length: 7.5″
Ring Gauge: 38
Size: Lancero
The Look: The Tatuaje Skinny Monsters comes packaged in a slide top cedar box, with Tatuaje Skinny Monsters on the front. The cigars are listed on the front as well; vertically which creates a word-find feel to it. In red the box is “stamped” lancero. The Frank has a darker appearance then I remember the original having. It features a toothy looking Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and a pig tail cap with a hefty weight for its size.
The Notes: The cold draw is a well-defined milk chocolate, with the aroma coming off the wrapper as well. It’s remarkably sweet and just as I remember it to be. The aroma off the foot matches the cold draw. Taking another cold draw, there is a subtle Necco wafer in the mix, which is part of the reason I love this cigar so much.
After a quick toasting and light, there is a subtle peppermint note that reminds me of the aforementioned Necco wafer. For those that don’t know what that is, it’s a confectionary that was popular in the northeast of the USA back when I was younger. I don’t know if they exist anymore, but everytime I smoke The Frank, it reminds me of them. As we continue on through the first thing notes of mocha continue with a touch of earth.
The second third sees the peppermint note continue though it is more prevalent on the aroma of the cigar. Mocha remains, and the earth begins to become leathery with a subtle spice mixed in as well. The retrohale is nutty as the second third comes to a close.
As the cigar closes out, the nutty notes experienced on the retrohale becoming prevalent on the aroma of the cigar. The final third sees leather become dominant while only holding on to a subtle sweetness.
The Finish: The lancero version of The Frank does enough to hold on to my memories of the original release but when it comes to the lancero vs cazadores, I prefer the Cazadores. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case for all the sizes as I enjoy the Drac in the lancero format. Regardless of your favorites these are a nice collection to have especially for the price.
Score: 91
Price: $94.99
Tatuaje Skinny Monsters The Frank Lancero
Tatuaje Skinny Monsters The Frank Lancero Foot
Tatuaje Skinny Monsters The Frank Lancero Burn
