This box-pressed beauty from Tatuaje's experimental L'Atelier line packs Nicaraguan Sancti Spiritus filler with a Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper. The 5 5/8" x 54 stick comes 18 to a box ($162) - perfect for pairing with red wine. Pete Johnson and the Garcia family crafted these to commemorate Chateau La Mission vintages, evident in its pigtail cap and distinctive crimson band. Medium-full strength with serious aging potential.
First Third: Immediate espresso blast with charred oak undertones. The box press creates concentrated smoke output - about medium-bodied here. Retrohale reveals baking spices and burnt caramel edges.
Middle Third: Transition to leather and black pepper dominance. Nicaraguan earthiness emerges with mineral notes reminiscent of volcanic soil. Smoke density increases, requiring slower draws to prevent overheating.
Final Third: Dark chocolate bitterness balanced by maple syrup sweetness. Construction holds firm with 1" ash retention. Nicotine kick becomes noticeable - recommend pairing with sweetened coffee past the halfway point.
Rolled at the García family's Estelí factory using Jalapa valley ligero leaves for sweetness and Condega secos for structure. The maduro wrapper undergoes extended fermentation - 18 months vs standard 12 - creating its oily sheen. Box-pressing technique compresses filler tobaccos for slower combustion, explaining the 90+ minute smoke time.
