Tatuaje Cigars are one of the most popular boutique cigar brands in the business, developed by rock'n'roll artist Pete Johnson in collaboration with the legendary Don Jose 'Pepin' Garcia. But which is the best Tatuaje cigar to try first?
We think Tatuaje Skinny Monsters are a real contender, not only because of their slimline size. In this Tatuaje Skinny Monsters review, we'll take a closer look at some of the flavors you can expect to find in these skinny sticks.
What you need to know about Tatuaje Cigars
Tatuaje Cigars was founded by Johnson after he smoked a Henry Clay and sparked a lifelong love of cigars. The brand now combines tobacco with wine, fashion, music, and travel — arguably a shortlist of some of the all-time great passions in life.
Output is prolific, with a lengthy list of lines to choose between, so it's little surprise that Tatuaje Cigars are among some of the bestselling boutique cigar brands.
What other cigars are Tatuaje famous for?
It's a long list and you'll find many more Tatuaje Cigars on Cigars.com. Here's our pick of just a couple worth a second look:
Tatuaje Miami
As the name suggests, Tatuaje Miami is made in Miami, Florida, in the city's Little Havana district. It's Cuban styled with a triple cap crown, using Cuban-seed Nicaraguan tobaccos to produce a premium blend that is very highly regarded across the industry.
Tatuaje Avion
Tatuaje Avion is a limited edition, so once it's gone, it's gone forever. Vintage tobaccos are rolled in Esteli before being wrapped in Ecuadorian Habano Maduro leaf. An absolute essential for fans of Tatuaje Cigars, before it sells out completely.
What you need to know about the Tatuaje Skinny Monsters
This is not the first Monsters line from Tatuaje. Before it came the limited editions Little Monsters and Pudgy Monsters. Most of the vitolas in the Halloween-inspired Skinny Monsters range measure in at a slim 6 x 38, and there are ten different blends in all.
The Lancero Edition and Cazador Edition boxes contain one of each, while you can also buy boxes of 25 each of the individual blends.
How is the cigar constructed?
Skinny Monsters are associated with Pepin, so you can expect reliably good construction. This helps to ensure an even burn with a straight burn line and well-compacted ash. As a slimmer stick, you may need to relight your cigar if you take a break at any point, so keep your lighter nearby.
What should I expect from the cold draw?
The cold draw will vary depending on which Skinny Monster you're smoking, but don't miss this first opportunity to experience the complex and delicately balanced aromas in each. It's also a good way to judge the strength and body before lighting up, so you know what to expect if you're working your way through a full box.
Flavors in a Skinny Monster
While we'd normally give you detailed tasting notes, in this case, Skinny Monsters consists of ten different blends. Each is a unique sensory experience but with Pepin's masterful hand behind the range, you can rest assured that you'll find plenty to enjoy in each and every Skinny Monsters cigar.
First third
Each blend has its own aromas and flavors, so see what you can detect. You're likely to find a woody, leathery background, along with seasonal pumpkin spices - this was originally a Halloween release, after all.
Second third
Look out for emerging peppery notes in the middle of the cigar. This is a signature touch by Pepin and while every Skinny Monster is different, this is one common feature to watch for.
Final third
As you near the end of your cigar, savor the closing notes and make a mental log of its unique character. The only question then is, which monster will you smoke next?
What is the strength of this cigar like?
Skinny Monsters vary in strength but each has its own complexity to bring to the table. The overall experience of smoking a set of ten is a real delight, as each cigar offers something different.
If you're looking for a specific strength, the boxes of 25 are a great value way to try just one of the Skinny Monsters, and you can find strength and body notes for each one on their individual pages on Cigars.com.
Closing thoughts
While some premium cigar brands might come across as pretentious, there's no risk of that with Tatuaje Skinny Monsters.
These characterful sticks with their individual names are inspired by Halloween but can be enjoyed at any time of year, whether you choose the mix box of all ten, or pick a buddy from the range to be your own personal Skinny Monster and stock up on a box of 25.
If you'd like more great ideas for premium cigars that you can enjoy even if you're new to smoking, read our guide, Top Boutique Cigars for Beginners.
