Tatuaje Cigars

Tatuaje’s Unconventional Origin Story

Before he became a cigar icon, Pete Johnson was steeped in the gritty glamour of the 1980s L.A. music scene. He was a mainstay in the Glam Rock clubs like the Whiskey and the Roxy where he was known to enjoy a fine cigar. His journey to become a renowned cigar blender is pure Hollywood hustle. Johnson began to drift into the premium cigar industry when his job as a bouncer led him to part-time work mixing pipe tobacco at a local retailer. From there, Johnson became the store’s chief buyer and would study deeply the nuances of the humidor and what made each and every cigar great.

It was this deep, hands-on education that eventually led to the 2003 founding of Tatuaje. Aside from being an exceptionally talented cigar blender, Pete Johnson is known for being adorned with several ornate tattoos, inspiring him to name his cigar company Tatuaje, which is the Spanish word for “tattoo.”

Pete wanted to create a pre-embargo Cuban-style smoke tailored to a modern audience. He found the perfect collaborator in the legendary Jose “Don Pepin” Garcia of My Fathers Cigars, who still makes most of Tatuaje’s cigars to this day. Johnson forged an incredible partnership based on shared standards for construction and tastes. While Johnson manages his own visionary brand, the Garcias bring unparalleled expertise. It’s a synergy that continues to produce some of the most acclaimed cigars globally.

An Award-Winning Cigar Brand

When Tatuaje hit it big with its first top-five rated cigar from the prestigious Cigar Aficionado magazine, Johnson was still working multiple jobs but was simultaneously hosting a booth at the PCA convention that garnered the attention of many.

His entrepreneurial spirit helped set Tatuaje apart. Johnson is no doubt an artist and has translated that necessary passion and showmanship from L.A.’s biggest stages to the forefront of the cigar industry. This allowed him to experiment, as he did with the esteemed La Vérité line, considered one of the truest forms of what many would call a “puro.”

Today, the Tatuaje Cigars portfolio features over a dozen top-rated blends like the Monster cigars, Fausto, Havana VI, Avion, and the incredibly popular Black Label. all made with Cuban-style blending and razor-sharp construction. With so many amazing blends to choose from, Tatuaje has long been a favorite brand of both insiders, aficionados and novices alike.

Tatuaje Cigar Lineup

The Tatuaje portfolio is a treasure trove of critically acclaimed complex blends, all showcasing incredible Cuban-style construction and blending techniques. Their popular lines mostly feature high-quality Nicaraguan fillers and binders, aged and paired with a variety of premium wrappers. Other limited releases and premium options feature Honduran, and other exotic tobacco.

Black Label

It is arguably one of the brand’s most popular cigar lines, which was originally Pete Johnson’s private stash of cigars. The heavenly aroma and concentrated flavors were simply too good to keep under wraps, and fierce demand, fueled by fervent word-of-mouth, led to its public release. It’s a quintessential Tatuaje cigar. A sensory dream anchored by a lustrous sun-grown Nicaraguan wrapper and deeply aged Nicaraguan core. Expect profound earthiness, a dusting of dark baking spice, and a flavor profile that’ll coat your mouth with coffee, sweet nougat, and leather. It’s the brand’s calling card and a good place to start if you’re ready to graduate to more medium to full-bodied cigars.

Fausto

Named for the concept of “splendor,” Fausto cigars are a hard-hitting smoke. It’s best for the aficionado who approaches their cigar like a substantial meal. The undeniable powerhouse is encased in a lustrous Ecuadorian Habano maduro wrapper hugging the Nicaraguan binder and filler. Pepper starts the ignition, with layers of rich espresso, leather and chewy earth races through the rest of this mouthwatering fiesta. Formidable. High-octane. Best reserved for palates ready for a serious challenge.

Avion

Complex flavor. Full-bodied beast. Construction that deserves a magazine cover. Calling them ‘perfect’ is subjective, but somehow the Avion series is close to it. Beneath the sleek and dark Ecuadorian Habano Maduro is an assembly of Nicaraguan leaves. The tapered foot rapidly builds toward an explosive concentration of flavor. You’ll enjoy notes of cocoa, fruit, leather, and a peppery backbone that lingers pleasantly. Massive clouds of aromatic smoke and fantastic flavors make this a perennial favorite for seasoned palates.

Havana VI

This is the more classic tasting, sophisticated, and medium-bodied side of Tatuaje. Tatuaje Havana VI cigars are a Nicaraguan puro, meaning all its components come from the fertile lands of Nicaragua. It presents a graceful equilibrium of earth, cedar, and zest. The draw is incredibly smooth, the burn is slow, and the entire experience carries the essence of Tatuaje’s Cuban-inspired philosophy.

Monster Series

Tatuaje’s legendary annual seasonal cigar. Releasing just before every Halloween, Tatuaje Monster Series cigars pays homage to a different classic horror character. They all feature a range of unique vitolas and a bespoke blend. These are instant collector items, especially for any horror fans. Securing one of these highly sought-after, coffin-boxed beauties is a thrill and a showcase of Johnson’s blending prowess. If you want more information on these cigars, read the Tatuaje Monsters cigar review.

Perfect Companions: Suggested Pairings

With their earthy Nicaraguan richness and spicy character, Tatuaje cigars pair magnificently with several drinks. A barrel-strength bourbon or rum complements the Black Label wonderfully.

Tequlia can also be a good choice for Fausto or the Monster series. Consider single-malt scotch, espresso, or dark-roast coffee when smoking one of their approachable cigars like the Cabaiguan or Tattoo series. This opens the nuanced flavors in their more medium-powered cigars and lets you experience a deeper richness.

Buy Tatuaje Cigars Online

Over the last 20 years, Tatuaje Cigars has become one of the most sought-after and highly regarded boutique brands on the market today. Whether you’re chasing the next limited edition Monster cigar or just stocking up on the brilliant Black Label, you’re investing in a wonderful experience. Character. Cubanesque. A real powerhouse that’ll feel right at home for seasoned enthusiasts. If you’re a newcomer to the show, there are incredible options for you too. From the mellower Cabaiguan to the full-bodied RC Series No.2, find out why so many people rave about this incredible brand.

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