Initial Thoughts
The Tatuaje Cojonu 2006 is part of Tatuaje’s Cojonu series, known for delivering bold, full-bodied cigars with complexity. The Cojonu series is something that I constantly reach for, at my old B&M location I would also go for at least 2 of the Cojonu series every time I went shopping. This cigar, crafted in the My Father Cigars factory, delivers a rich and balanced experience for those who enjoy Nicaraguan blends. I have very high expectations for this cigar based on all of my experience with the other Cojonu line and the brand’s reputation. I’m eager to see how the Cojonu 2006 stands up, so let’s get into it!
Looks
Visually, the Tatuaje Cojonu 2006 is not that impressive looking from a branding / packaging stand point. It’s very simple and probably overlooked a lot honestly. However, the wrapper and the sheen coming off the wrapper is what makes me stop and admire it. This cigar features a beautiful dark and oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper with minimal veins, giving it a smooth and refined appearance. There is a little bit of tooth coming through on the wrapper though which is nice to see. The cigar feels solid in hand, with no soft spots, hopefully we’ll get a nice even burn. As I mentioned above, the band is understated even the secondary band with the Cojonu 2006. Very simple, and it keeps the focus on the cigar itself.
Pre-Light
Before lighting,I go through my routine. Nosing the body and the foot of the Tatuaje Cojonu 2006. It offers an excellent pre-light experience full of rich leather and deep tobacco notes. I snipped the tip of the torpedo to test the cold draw and it is smooth, with sweet and creamy flavors that hint at the complexity to come. After all the foreplay is over, I’m ready to light this thing up.
First Third
As I lit the Tatuaje Cojonu 2006, the first third immediately delivered bold black pepper on the palate. That kind of signature My Father spice that I always welcome in with open arms! The retrohale reveals a subtle creaminess, balancing the spice, and the nuttiness becomes more apparent in the background. I’m just always impressed with the blending within these cigars. No flavors are overly dramatic, they’re just all blended to play nice with each other. The draw was perfect, quickly creating thick clouds of smoke, and the flavors were in your face but not offputting if that makes any sense. Balance, balance balance that’s what I feel about this first third. Between spice and creaminess make me hope this flavor profile doesn’t change at all!
Second Third
Moving into the second third, the pepper remained and it was joined by a more prominent nuttiness. That nuttiness adds a nice bit of depth and complexity to the overall profile. The draw continued to be effortless which is what I love. I hate having to work to draw through a cigar just kills the experience for me. The smoke output continues to be was thick and satisfying. There is no wind tonight so it’s just swarming around me which elevates the experience all around. The middle portion of the cigar really delivers a rounded, balanced experience. Similar to the first third with the balance, but a new character has entered the game which I’m ok with! The spice mellows out a bit to allow the cream and nutty notes to shine through. So far, so good, it’s been a smooth smoke that remained balanced in flavor and construction.
Final Third
In the final section of the Tatuaje Cojonu 2006 not much changed from the 2nd third. I was expecting a new flavor addition. Turns out it didn’t need it. The subtle balance of all the flavors came through to the end. The draw stayed perfect and the spice combined with the creaminess and nutty flavors stayed consistent from the second third.
Would I Buy It Again?
Without a doubt.
Is it An Everyday Smoke?
I wish, but then it takes some of the allure out of it.
Would I Buy a Box?
Yes, maybe 5 of them! I’d love to see how these age up.
Conclusion
The Tatuaje Cojonu 2006 delivers, that’s all I need to say. I have yet to be disappointed with a Cojonu release. This smoke has a nice balance of flavor, strength, and excellent craftsmanship. From the peppery start to the creamy and nutty development, this cigar offers a full-bodied experience that’s balanced and enjoyable. It’s really hard to beat this cigar honestly, I’ll keep going back to it, over and over again. I’m really excited to pair this with a solid higher proof bourbon and see how it stands up to that overpowering flavor profile.
