The Tatuaje Cojonu line is a limited release cigar that is made only once every three years and only in one size. The first release, the Gran Cojonu 2003, was a 6 1/2 x 52 Churchill, while the current 2006 Cojonu is a 5 1/2 x 52 Torpedo.

This box of beauties is at the back of the bottom shelf of my cabinet and I carefully remove my other fine cigars to extract the box from its resting place. As I open the box, I notice a feint whiff of ammonia, along with the more familiar hay and chicken coup aromas, indicating that this batch is still fermenting. This is a good sign in that it means that these full-bodied cigars will continue to mellow and will become further refined over time.

I pull out a perfectly shaped torpedo and then lay the remainder back to rest in my cabinet. This particular specimen has a dark wrapper, striated with a network of thin veins, it is leathery and not as oily as its predecessor had been. It is resilient to the touch and, after trimming the cap, it responds easily to my torch flame.

The first inch of the cigar exudes a distinctive Tatuaje flavor: wood, spice and a subtle sweetness, as well. It is medium in body at the outset and decidedly chewy.

The ash is a bit flaky so I drop it off in half-inch chunks to prevent a lap dance. The burn is even, if a bit blistery, and the draw is smooth and even.

At the one-third mark, the flavor and body ratchet up to full. There is an intensity on the palate that makes me want to smack my lips; so I do. Volumes of dense smoke issue from each puff and the cigar is really hitting its stride.

By the halfway mark I am getting a bit lightheaded as the strength of this cigar sneaks up on me like a sledgehammer. The second half of the cigar is intense with flavors, but perhaps too intense, yet, to allow significant complexity to shine through.

This is not a cigar for beginners. It is strong in flavor and body and has the power to age gracefully. I recommend this cigar for experienced palates.

~Doc