Cigar Review: Tatuaje La Riqueza

Posted by Toasted on Jan 12, 2011 in Reviews | 4 comments

Size: 4 3/8×42, Petit Corona (No. 5)

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Strength: Medium

Price: Box of 25, $163

Grade: 9.2

Continuing Tatuaje Week, we have another collaboration between Pete Johnson of Tatuaje and Don Pepin and Jamie Garcia, the La Riqueza, which is interpreted the riches in Spanish. Somewhat unique for Tatuaje, this cigar contains no ligero and a bit less bodied than his normal offerings. The La Riqueza is available in ten sizes:

No. 1 Lonsdale (6×42), No. 2 Belicoso Fino (5×52), No. 3 Corona Gorda (5 5/8×46), No. 4 Robusto (5×48), and No. 5 Petit Corona (4 3/8×42), cabinet versions of Nos. 2, 4, and 5 in the same sizes, a Petit Robusto Cabinet (4 1/3×52), and a Double Corona Cabinet (7 5/8×49).

For an illustrated size chart visit the Tatuaje website here.

We’ve reviewed a handful of Tatuaje cigars, and you can view our archive page here to see what’s online. Today, we’re looking at the No. 5 size of the La Riqueza.

Pre-light, 1.8:
The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is medium to dark brown in color and is supposedly from the Oliva Tobacco Company. As with most Tatuaje cigars, the wrapper is rustic – splotchy, leathery, raised veins, dry exterior. It carries a slight box press, has solid construction, and no soft spots. The foot is very well formed and top bears a customary triple cap. This is a very appealing cigar. The aroma is sweet and creamy with a hint of Nicaraguan spice at the foot and some chalky notes that remind me of the new version El Triunfador. The draw is open and smooth, and the flavor is muted other than a mild spice.

Burn, 1.8:
The La Riqueza has an excellent draw and produces a very thick and aromatic smoke. The burn line is spot on for the majority of the smoke, though in one sample I encountered some bad trailing about two-thirds in, but not a big deal.

Flavor, 2.8:
The initial burst is of sweet spice that is short on the finish but thick and syrupy. Moving into the first third, there is a chalky undertone that reminds me of the new version El Triunfador, as mentioned above, though slightly less so. There is a sweet cedar that is also present and a very mild spice. The body is medium, while the strength is fairly mild through the first third. There are even some very mild, dry floral notes in this portion. Moving toward the second third, the spice picks up slightly but it remains mild by Pepin standards. The smoke is fairly dry and dense in this portion. Moving in the final stretch, there is not a great deal of transition, but just a solid tobacco flavor, a mild spice, and a dry sweetness that has notes of syrup. Overall, this is fairly earthy cigar with a lot to speak of flavor wise.

Overall, 2.8:
The best way I can describe this, based on my palate, is a slightly amped up version of the new El Triunfador. I really enjoyed this smoke, and I’m glad that I have a few more on hand. The price is reasonable, which can be found for around $6.50 online and $8-9 locally, and the consistency is hard to match. It has an engaging flavor profile, an excellent burn, and is a joy to smoke.

(Total: 9.2)