The Tatuaje Series P Robusto gives budget-conscious smokers a taste of Pete Johnson's blending magic in a 5x50 format. Packaged in 20-count boxes at $76.50 a pop ($3.82/stick), this Nicaraguan workhorse uses binder/filler tobaccos from Estelí and Jalapa beneath an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. I've smoked half a box over three months - these need at least 60 days humidor time to smooth out their rough edges.
The cold draw smells like barnyard hay. Initial puffs deliver black pepper through the nose with dry cedar undertones. Smoke output surprised me - thick plumes despite the firm roll. Watch for uneven burns if you rush the lighting.
Pepper mellows into baking spices around the 1-inch mark. Earthy flavors transition to bitter cocoa and espresso grounds. Ash holds strong in 1-inch chunks. Retrohale reveals hidden sweetnes that disappears if smoked faster than 1/minute.
Last third introduces leather and mineral notes. Strength creeps up to medium-plus - newbies might feel slight nicotine buzz. Tunneling becomes likely below 2 inches. Better to ditch the nub than fight bitter ammonia flavors.
Store at 65% RH instead of 70% to prevent wrapper splitting. Pair with Dr Pepper - the vanilla notes complement the spice without overpowering. Use a punch cut to concentrate flavors. Smokes best between 2-4pm when humidity naturally drops.
