Alright let's talk about this Mexican Experiment from Pete Johnson. The Tatuaje ME II Toro comes in boxes of 15 priced at $130 - not bad for a full-strength Nicaraguan puro rocking that dark San Andres maduro wrapper. At 5 3/4" x50 ring gauge, this parejo-shaped smoke feels substantial in hand with its slightly box-pressed presentation. I'm digging the Mexican flag-inspired band design, though the real showstopper is that oily wrapper leaf that smells like damp earth and cocoa powder straight out the box.
Cold draw punches with black pepper and damp wood. Initial puffs explode with chili spice and roasted coffee beans - that San Andres earthiness hits hard. Ash holds tight for about an inch while the burn line stays razor-sharp. Retrohale brings out bitter dark chocolate notes that make your eyes water. Not for the faint-hearted.
Around the 30-minute mark, the intensity dials back to reveal charred steak crust and hickory smoke. There's this weird but pleasant transition into baking spices - think nutmeg and cinnamon stick. Smoke output doubles here, creating proper room-filling clouds that stick to your clothes. Watch that nicotine kick though.
Last third goes full maduro mode with molasses sweetness battling leather tannins. The pepper returns as white heat in the nostrils, accompanied by a mineral-driven finish like licking wet stones. I tapped out at the band point due to nicotine buildup, but hardcore smokers will love this crescendo.
Pete Johnson's "Mexican Experiment" formula uses aged Nicaraguan filler from Esteli and Jalapa valleys, wrapped in San Andres leaf that's fermented for 18+ months. The maduro process intensifies the wrapper's natural sweetness to counterbalance the potent ligero leaves. Rolled at My Father's factory in Nicaragua, these take about 25 days from bunching to boxing - faster than most premium maduros.
