TATUAJE HAVANA VI REVIEW 2024

Reasons why cigars from Tatuaje boutique brand have a large following are because of the fact that they are known for their Cuban-style flavors, rich spices, and earthy profiles. They continue to expand their premium cigar selection by adding both core lines as well as limited edition smokes.

Pete Johnson founded Tatuaje Cigars — one of the most talented blenders in the world today— creating a portfolio that boasts peerless construction and consistency for any cigar enthusiast or aficionado.

This time around we shall focus on one of Tatuaje’s VI lines often referred to as the Red Label. There are six vitolas or sizes in Havana VI which was first introduced in 2006 (note: “VI” is Roman numeral). This medium-bodied puro was actually the first of them to emerge from Nicaragua while being made at My Father Cigar Factory.

The main line version has seven sizes now after being blended along with Garcia family. However, there have also been slight changes as with this Havana VI Verocu but let’s go back to this Nicaraguan puro which might have made me a happier man after smoking it.

HOW IS THE CIGAR CONSTRUCTED?

In contrast with the Tatuaje Miami, this Havana VI incorporates volado leaf in the filler rather than Ligero hence its softer blend despite being made according to traditional Havana style like triple cap.The wrapper is an Ecuadorian Habano leaf – deep reddish-brown color and slightly oily texture; an all-Nicaraguan blend. The wrapper smells like loads of barnyard and wet hay when given a short sniff.

After cutting off the Cuban-style cap, I proceeded with my pre-light draw. It began with a nice amount of black pepper followed by light caramel sweetness originating from the wrapper. Not exactly great cold draw yet enough to get me started; I lit up.

WHAT I MADE OF THE COLD DRAW

What often occurs when Johnson works so closely with José Garcia is that there is usually a rich, spicy undertone that dominates the palate. It had plenty of kick and pepper but at the same time it’s hard to ignore the subtle nuances that made flavor constantly changing and evolving itself through the whole cigar. The creamy cedar hints, lemon zest as well as a unique gingerbread smell for one.

It is not surprising why this is one of Tatuaje’s most popular lines. Many stogie enthusiasts consider it as their daily smoke because it gives out good flavors without being too strong.

WHAT I THOUGHT TO THE CIGAR’S FLAVORS

From the foot, smoke was generously layered outwards. But it’s not enough to bring me down even though there is a strong flavor of black pepper that has a Garcia signature written all over it.

FIRST THIRD

The middle part of the first third is where the Havana VI really comes alive, showing off its delicately balanced flavor. Some of the caramel sweetness from the dry draw emerges as well as flavors of cedar, leather and nuts. It created a unique spicy sweetness that ended up checking in for the night.

SECOND THIRD

By halfway, though, woodiness had begun entering into the profile without any significant interruption in taste. Still, even with my spiciness pirouetting at the back of my tongue, it’s still this composition of intricate flavors accompanying this pepper that steals all its glory.

FINAL THIRD

Hello darkness my old friend – black coffee. At this point I certainly wasn’t yearning for any caffeine jolt but with an undertone like this one meant that tobacco got a very deep rich dark earthy sense to it.

It’s slightly more complex than what we’ve had before but still that sweet spice (with some kind sticky gingerbread if you can believe) is still creating havoc in my nasal passage.

HOW STRONG IS THE TATUAJE VI?

Mostly because many were medium-full such as dark tobacco and pepper thus making stick medium strength which allowed perfectly balanced tapestry deliciousness shine brightly.

Also worth mentioning is how straight and even burn on this stick was – right down to the firm and cool nub. The draw also never went astray once and was excellent.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Smoking a Tatuaje Havana will make you smile like you have no other choice. For those looking for top notch craftsmanship but are budget conscious, they do provide sensational value throughout while retaining their Cuban feel

This cigar makes for an ideal “any time” smoke for seasoned cigar aficionados. This is yet another Tatuaje line that I will eventually gravitate to in the near future.