Tatuaje – Fausto Avion 12

Over Labor Day weekend, my family and I made our way to Cloudcroft, NM for a little escape from the city. I was able to spend time with my wife and kids, parents, siblings, niece and nephew. Cigars seemed to find there way into my hand several times throughout the day. Cigars accompanied me during several walks in the woods and in the evenings while shooting the bull with my brother and step-dad. It was during these times, when I stepped back from over analyzing the cigar and just enjoyed the experience, that I remembered what brought me to love this hobby in the first place. But now that the weekend is over, I’m back with a  review (or over analysis) of the Tatuaje Avion 12 for your reading pleasure.

This cigar was gifted to me by a great friend and BOTL. I want to give a big “Thanks” to Roman O. for hooking me up with this cigar. The Avion is a line extension of the Tatuaje Fausto  line. In 2011, Pete Johnson, owner of Tatuaje, released the first extension being the Avion 11, which has been followed by a release each year since. Currently, the extension includes:

• Avion 11 – Perfecto – 6 ¾ by 48/52
• Avion 12 – Perfecto – 5⅝ by 48/52
• Avion 13 – Perfecto – 6 ⅞ by 52
• Avion 13 Limited – Perfecto – 7 ¼ by 52 (Connecticut Broadleaf)

The Facts

Price: $8.50
Vitola: Perfecto
Size: 5⅝ by 48/52
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan – Esteli and Jalapa Ligero
Pairing: Club Soda
Smoke Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes

Pre-light

The Ecuadorian Habano Maduro wrapper is a beautiful dark brown and very oily. There is a small tear about an inch down from the head of the cigar but I don’t foresee it impacting the experience. The wrapper is almost seamless with small veins webbing across the leaf.  I’m loving the aroma off of the wrapper. Notes of chocolate, musty earth, and faint cedar arouse my senses.

The tapered foot makes it hard to find much in the aroma department other than the notes already pulled off the wrapper. The cap has been neatly applied on its pointed head. After a beautiful cut, the cold draw is revealing rich tobacco with clove and other spices.

First Third

A copious amount of smoke pumps out of the Avion with each small puff. The flavors are just as dark as the wrapper itself. Deep notes of earth and cocoa grab my attention and spice lingers on the palate. The retrohale highlights cedar and pepper, while oily smoke coats my entire mouth. As expected, the crazy thick burn started wavy. Burning pass the tapered foot, the eyeliner burn is now about perfect. The flavors are full but completely balanced and the strength is coming in at a solid medium. The dark grey ash is a bit flaky on the outside but holding firm past an inch.

Middle Third

As I enter the second third of the cigar, the smoke has become a bit toasty. But don’t get me wrong, it is not bad at all. The toastiness, which seems to be a combination of roasted coffee and burning wood, is complementing the cocoa . The earth flavor has also evolved from musty earth to diesel-like.  A sweetness is beginning to hit the tip of my tongue and I am interested to see what kind of role it will play later on.The  burn line is a bit wavy, flavors remain full, and the strength is putting me in a relaxed state of mind.

Final Third

Other than a slight tartness (think SweeTart) that has joined the mix, there has not been much development in the flavor department. The notes of cocoa, earth, and pepper are well balanced and extremely satisfying. The faint sugary sweetness is not making the appearance I expected. As I draw my final puffs, the strength cannot go unnoticed as it sits firmly in the full range. The burn line is right on and the ash is still nothing to write home about but nothing to complain about either.

Wrap-up

The Avion 12 was a pleasure to smoke. Well, to be honest, this cigar was unbelievable. The profile just fit my palate, a copious amount of smoke was produced, the burn line was rock solid, and the strength full but not overwhelming. At $8.50 each, and even lower with a box purchase, these cigars are a steal.  As I was smoking this cigar, I texted Roman O. and told him we had to get a box of these bad boys right away. Without hesitation he agreed. And that is my recommendation to you: Get over to your B&M and grab a handful. Smoke them. Then go back and grab a box.