I was wondering if anyone else has purchased the Tatuaje Brown Label sampler from Holts. After hearing rave reviews about the cigars, I purchased the five pack to see what all of the hype was about. The cigars haven't exactly disappointed me, but I feel like they haven't quite lived up to my expectations. There are times when I am smoking them that they have hints of the great leathery, woody character I hear about. It isn't consistent, however. Is it possible that because there has been such a huge increase in the production of and demand for the cigars, they haven't had time to age properly and could use a few months in the humidor? Thanks,

Jacob

I would suggest letting them sit in the humi for a few weeks at least.

I can attest to letting them age for a while. I have a box that has been aging 9 months and I must say that they are noticably more balanced and just better all around.

When you say inconsistent...the Cojonu and Reserva are somewhat different blends than the Regio, Taino and Unico.

And yes, these need some age to smoke at their best -- they are sometimes shipped within days of being rolled -- though personally, I'll take a fresh Tatuaje over just about every other non-Cuban cigar out there.

There are a lot of people who just don't like Cuban and Cuban-style cigars so who knows, these may not be your cup of tea. One thing can't be argued, though: Tatuaje is in the top 1% of non-Cuban cigars in terms of quality. Every time I light a Taino, I'm just amazed at how perfect the damn thing is in every respect.

Thanks for the replies so far. I should have specified that thus far I have smoked a Taino, Unico, and Cojonu. When I wrote the post, I had just finished a Cojunu, so that was the freshest experience in my mind. I will definitely not give up on these just yet. I will age the last two for at least a month or two to see what happens.

I ordered a five-pack of another one this company's product - the Don Pepin Invictos, smoked one soon after receiving it and was likewise disappointed that it did not live up to its reputation. Let the remainder sit in the humi for a couple of weeks and voila - they are just great.

quote:

Originally posted by Party Gus:
I ordered a five-pack of another one this company's product - the Don Pepin Invictos, smoked one soon after receiving it and was likewise disappointed that it did not live up to its reputation.

Didn't live up to its reputation in what way? DPG has a reputation for flawless construction, beautifully oily wrappers, well processed tobaccos and a bold Cuban style flavor. I'd bet my life the cigars you ordered meet all of those criteria.

Maybe you meant to say "they're not to my personal taste."

Or maybe you just built them up to much .. a lot of people, for example, try Opus and go, "What's the big deal?"

In the end, a cigar is a cigar -- the heavens don't part when you light a good one and angels don't sing. Some are better made than others, some use better tobaccos. DPG does both.

Just a quick update. I smoked a Tatuaje Regios from the sampler yesterday, and was absolutely blown away by it. It was sort of like smoking the smell of a great cigar shop (if that makes sense). Rich with cedar, leather and chocolate notes. I will be buying more.

I've had the Don Pepin Blue and White. The blue was great IMO, but the white really wasn't my type. Regardless like E-cord has been so adamant about, the construction was flawless on both of them. Tatuaje and Padilla are next on my list. How do all Don Pepin cigars relate to each other? What about the DPG Black Label?

Jon Paul -- I'm with you. Love the blue, could do without the white and black, both of which I believe are made in DPG's Nicaraguan factory and maybe they lack the Miami magic. I'm not sure how they're supposed to fit into the line. I think the white is supposed to be the mildest of the three, the black the richest and most medium-bodied, and the blue the Cuban style blockbuster. Except the white and black are priced higher than what I would classify as the line's flagship.

Don Pepin Garcia...a man of many mysteries.

quote:

Just a quick update. I smoked a Tatuaje Regios from the sampler yesterday, and was absolutely blown away by it. It was sort of like smoking the smell of a great cigar shop (if that makes sense). Rich with cedar, leather and chocolate notes. I will be buying more.

I should be getting my Holts sampler tomorow can hardly wait.

Smoked the COJUNO 2003 this cigar has always been my favorite tatuaje.This one was no different great cigar lots of hot red pepper taste.Great sampler for the money.

I have some Tatuaje's that have been in the humidor from eight to fourteen months. I am just looking for the right time to pull them out. Oh, and the brown label crushes the red in my opinion.