The Tatuaje Seleccion de Cazador line of cigars were Pete Johnson’s first release after meeting Don Pepin Garcia in 2003. They are often referred to as the Brown Label series. The original six vitola’s are rolled in the El Rey de los Habanos factory in Miami, FL. Two later additions to the line, the 7th and the Petit, are rolled in Nicaragua. The Noellas is considered a tradition Cuban Classic Petit which is also known as a Marevas.

Stogie Stats

Origin: Miami, USA
Wrapper: Habano Ecuador – Corojo 99
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Strength: Medium (please note the age)
Vitola: Classic Cuban Petit (Marevas)
Size: 5 1/8 x 42
Age: More than three years
MSRP: About $8.00

Review

The wrapper is veiny and dry. Considering these have some age on them, I suspect this was an oily wrapper in its youth. The wrapper is a little brittle and is unraveling and flaking off in some spots (again this could be the age). Consequently, I become more cautious while handling. The stick is firm with just the right amount of give. The pre-light aroma and draw is full of rich earth with some sweetness and spice in the background. This cigar smells fantastic!

Once fired up, the initial draw greets me with a blast of spice and pepper. This only lasts for the first few draws and the cigar quickly settles down with a nicely balanced mix of mocha, earth, sweetness, and spice. I quickly settle back into my chair and enjoy the flavors as they intermingle on every draw. The finish is creamy and long. The burn and draw are great and the ash is holding for about 3/4 of an inch. I continue to have some wrapper issues but it is not severe enough to affect the experience.

Going into the second third, the aforementioned flavors continue but I also begin to detect the addition of some leather. It seems to becoming more bold as the cigar is progressing. At this point I would say the cigar is of medium body and strength, but would not be surprised if this cigar was much stronger in its youth. The balance is phenomenal and the finish continues to be smooth and creamy. I begin to detect more pepper towards the end of the second third. This is especially prominent when passing the smoke through the sinus’. The draw remains perfect and the room is quickly filling with smoke.

During the last third, the spice and pepper begins to pick up a bit more. I am really enjoying the creamy finish and this seems to intermingle perfectly with the spice I am tasting. The draw does become slightly tight towards the end and I have to touch up once to prevent the cigar from going out. The wrapper is holding together and the nub remains cool as I smoke it down to about the last 1/2 inch.

Conclusion

This was a fantastically delicious cigar. The size was very deceiving as it took me well over an hour to smoke. This is surprising considering the smaller ring gauge and the fact I tend to smoke fast, especially when enjoying a cigar such as this. Although the wrapper was very delicate, it did not interfere with the burn or draw. Considering the age of this cigar (I was told somewhere between 3-7 years), I can forgive the wrapper issues. The flavors were perfectly balanced. I found the rich mocha, earth, and leather on the first half to be very enjoyable and the creamy spice & pepper towards the second half to be a refreshing way to complete the smoking experience. In conclusion, I would give the Tatuaje Seleccion de Cazador Noellas a Stogie Geeks rating of 4 “Box Worthy”.