Let's cut straight to the chase with this box-pressed beast from Tatuaje's experimental L'Atelier line. Measuring 6.5"x56 in classic Churchill format, the 2009 version comes wrapped in oily Mexican San Andrés maduro leaf over Nicaraguan Sancti Spiritus binder/filler. Expect bold medium-full strength perfect for after-dinner sessions.
Cold draw serves espresso grounds and black pepper. Upon lighting, immediate dark chocolate bitterness dominates with undertones of charred oak. Thick smoke output coats the palate - classic Nicaraguan punch but slightly one-dimensional.
Flavor tornado settles into defined layers: baking spices (clove/nutmeg) emerge through the chocolate base. Retrohale brings cayenne pepper heat balanced by sudden molasses sweetness. Burn line stays razor-sharp despite 56-ring gauge.
Unexpected mineral notes surface like licking a limestone wall. Leather and earth intensify as nicotine creeps up. Savory umami lingers on lips post-puff - reminiscent of soy sauce reduction. Cut it at 1.5" nub unless you enjoy throat scratch.
The triple cap holds firm even with V-cut. Box-press shape creates distinct corner burn but doesn't affect combustion. Dark wrapper shows minimal veins - likely sorted from top primings. Some minor draw variation noticed in box samples (4/18 needed perfect draw tool adjustment).
