Let's cut straight to the chase: The Tatuaje Series P Toro (6"x50) delivers a punchy Nicaraguan experience at $81 per box of 20. This parejo-shaped stick comes dressed in Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper housing Nicaraguan binder/filler - Pete Johnson's recipe for budget-conscious boldness. I've smoked three of these over two weeks, and here's how they perform when you're not staring at the fancy band.
First Third: Immediate black pepper kick mellows into earthy leather. Smoke output surprises here - thicker than most budget sticks. Draw opens up after 5 minutes, revealing undercurrents of bitter cocoa that cling to the palate.
Middle Third: Transition to coffee bean dominance. Pepper fades to background, replaced by a caramel sweetness that doesn't quite balance the cigar's sharp mineral bite. Burn line holds steady here - no touch-ups needed.
Final Third: Nutty character emerges (almonds, not cashews) with increased tar buildup. Retrohale stings less here but leaves dry oak aftertaste. Stopped at 1.5" nub due to nicotine kick - stronger than expected for a "medium" rating.
The Series P Toro prioritizes Nicaraguan rawness over refinement. While the Sumatra wrapper adds complexity missing in typical budget lines, expect some roughness around the edges - particularly in tar accumulation and flavor transitions. Burns better than its price suggests, making it a solid weekday smoke when you crave intensity without financial guilt.
