INTRODUCTION
In 2011 Pete Johnson released a small batch for New Havana Cigars which was limited to only 1,400 6 ¾ x 42 Lonsdale cigars. In typical Pete fashion, this sought after cigar has been released multiple times with a new swing on its blending. In 2021, Pete released this cigar again nationwide with a sumatra wrapper. Following the recent trend of Tatuaje that means he has to release it in a broadleaf sometime right…? Correct. During Q3 of 2024 Pete Johnson announced that the Tatuaje LLE Broadleaf Reserva would be hitting shops in a limited quantity of only 1,500 boxes. Boxes that were sent to New Havana Cigars are identified by having their NHC logo contained on the side of the box.
UNDER THE LID
Every time I smoke a Tatuaje I always enjoy the process of removing the cellophane from the gorgeous boxes that truly depict an off the factory floor old school cuban box. Once I slide the box open, a row of cleanly packed LLE Broadleaf Reservas are unveiled resting. Once I remove the cigar from the cellophane I notice a rugged dark broadleaf wrapper with present veins and indents on the seams. There is a rustic and toothy feel with a glimmering visual when the sun reflects off the well aged wrapper. The second and third cigars have a consistent pack with a decent amount of give upon pressure, but not enough give to be of concern. The first sample smoked for the review had a noticeable loose spot just below the band. The aroma from the prelight is mineral earth, manure, leather, slight spice and espresso.
After a straight cut the cold draw is slightly snug but still allows ample airflow. The cold draw tastes similar to the aromas from the wrapper but with an added almond sweetness and spice nipping towards the front of my tongue.
- Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Vitola: 6 ¾ x 42 box-pressed lonsdale
- Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
- Released: August 10, 2024
- Box Quantity: 1,500 boxes of 20 cigars
- MSRP: $11.00 ($220.000 for box of 20)
PERFORMANCE NOTES
FIRST THIRD
The first draw of the Tatuaje LEE Broadleaf Reserva covers my palate with a musty bready like textured smoke. A dark earth sits in the center palate with an espresso bitterness sitting back towards the throat. The more complex notes of baking spice, almond and leather are along the sides of my palate creating a beautiful blend of aromas. The draw on all three samples has been perfect off the start with the massive amount of smoke production you would expect from Connecticut broadleaf tobacco.
The first retrohale is remarkably smooth. There is a very delicate red spice that is present through the nose. The dense smoke center palate develops through the finish from earth to a slightly charred brownie. Putting more focus on the finish after a full retrohale a subtle hickory sweetness remains through my nasal sensories. There are also very subtle notes of oak and hay that develop late finish when the sweetness starts to fade. Towards the end of the first third the red spice starts to increase slightly but only to a point that it is warming, not evasive. The even burnline is followed by a tight chunky gray and white ash.
SECOND THIRD
As the burnline gets closer to my nose during the second third the smoke’s aroma introduces a slight mineral note predraw which is common in Connecticut broadleaf. I’ve found through personal experiences that “good” broadleaf typically has this distinct aroma. The spice through the retrohale starts to tone down which allows notes of cedar, oak and salt to become present on the palate. The brownie sweetness I referenced before has moved to the background and developed to more of a cocoa espresso with a very slight sweetness towards the finish. As the second third comes to an end, the spice on the retrohale has developed into a dark oakwood which bitterness creates a spice like sensation through the nose. The notes previously mentioned are still present on the palate with a creaminess rounding them all together. At this point samples two and three are performing perfectly where the first sample has required two touch ups due to combustion issues presumably from the soft spot below the band referenced earlier.
FINAL THIRD
The complexity of the Tatuaje LLE Broadleaf Reserva continue to impress in the final third. The retrohale now presents a zesty hickory through the nose. The aroma from the smoke pre-draw is intoxicating by priming the palate with a slight mineral earth followed by an ever so slight dried fruit sweetness. The palate flavor wheel is dominated by dark expressions of pine, black pepper, leather and espresso. That bready texture has turned to creamy and intoxicates the palate with a thick smoke that makes for a long lasting finish. Overall, the cigar started as a mild to medium upon the first inch and slightly increased to an ending point of a tick above medium. The construction on samples two and three allowed me to enjoy the cigar right to the nub. However, the first sample was subject to another three relights due to combustion issues.
Core Flavors: Earth, espresso, leather, oak, cedar, red pepper, black pepper, hickory, chocolate sweetness and mineral.
Strength: Mild start to medium + finish
Body: Medium +
Complexity :Full
Smokin Experience
There is a reason why Pete Johnson has created such a cigar cult following through everyday consumers to his Saints and Sinners cigar group. When you mix the passion for tobacco and palate of Pete, along with the 2023 SmokinTabacco factory of the year My Father Cigars S.A. you often get a knock out of the park. This blend has stood against the test of time from its original release in 2011 as a NHC limited release, to its 2021 and current expressions. While the first sample fell victim to some construction issues, samples two and three went beyond bounds to establish that this is a must have in every cigar smoker’s humidor. If you see the Tatuaje LLE Broadleaf Reserva for sale still I suggest you wipe the shelves since I suspect this already amazing blend will get even better with some age.
Purchase recommendation: Box Purchase
Smokin Facts
- The Tatuaje LLE Broadleaf Reserva is the third release of an original exclusive made for New Havana Cigars.
- Under the NHC releases there has been wrappers of habano, sumatra and broadleaf.
- Under the Redux releases there has been the sumatra in 2021 and the current broadleaf released in 2024.
- You can follow this link to apply to join the Saints and Sinners club. I believe you must get recommended by an existing member and the sign up phase is every May. There is a fee and you are provided a collection of sought after Tatuajes along with a challenge coin you can show your allegiance with.
- The Tatuaje LLE Broadleaf Reserva shared memories I have of smoking the original 2008 La Riqueza which is a slightly larger lonsdale format but shares the use of a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper.
Smokin Wrap
Cigars smoked for review: Three
Average smoking time: 2 Hours and 9 Minutes
