Tatuaje Fausto Lancero

In April 2014, Tatuaje released the Limited Lancero Collection features 10 highly acclaimed cigars all in a 7 ½ by 38 Lancero vitola. The Limited Lancero Collection is made in small batches on a regular basis, but, what from what I can tell. are readily available from several online shops. Included in the Lancero sampler:

• Tatuaje (Brown Label)
• Tatuaje Havana VI
• Tatuaje Black Label
• Cabaiguan
• Cabaiguan Guapo
• La Riqueza
• El Triunfador Original
• El Triunfador
• La Casita Criolla
• Fausto

Today, I will be reviewing the Tatuaje Fausto Lancero. Based on the T110 blend, an R. Fields exclusive in Hawaii, the Fausto line launched in 2011. Five regular production vitolas are available in the Fausto line including: FT114 Short Robusto (4 1/2 by 52), FT127 Robusto (5 by 54), FT140 Robusto Extra (5 1/2 by 52), FT153 Toro (6 by 50), FT166 Short Churchhill (6 1/2 by 28). Additionally, from 2011 through 2013, Tatuaje released an annual off-shoot of the Fausto line known as Avion.

The Facts

Price:$95 per sampler of 10
Vitola: Lancero
Size: 7 ½ by 38
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Smoke Time: 1 Hour and 25 Minutes
Drink: N/A

Pre-light

The Fausto band is eye catching against the consistent, medium brown Ecuadorian Habano Maduro wrapper. To be honest, that is the main reason I chose to review this cigar over any other in the sampler. A light amount of oils can be seen and felt and, from head to foot, the cigar is evenly packed. I wouldn’t expect anything less from Tatuaje. Wet earth and manure notes are found on the wrapper of the cigar, and similar notes found on the foot with the addition of chocolate.

Right in the center of the foot, there appears to be a void in the tobaccos. I sure hope it does not result in tunneling down  the road. The Fausto Lancero comes to a close with a small, pigtail style cap that has been neatly applied. My first cut presented a unpreferable draw, however, a second shallow cut is making it much more manageable. Big notes of cedar, dark fruit, and spice are found on the dry draw.

First Third

Quickly toasting the 38 ring gauge foot, the Tatuaje Fausto Lancero is underway. The smoke is just bellowing out of the cigar with each small puff coating all surfaces of my mouth. There is a unique woodsy, pine flavor that I am picking up on that I usually find in Mexican San Andres tobacco, and it has an acidic edge to it and a sweetness. The sharpness quickly evolves into a creaminess on the palate, along with a dough flavor. A spice heat is easily noticeable on the palate, but it is not until you retro-hale the smoke where you really pick up on the pepper. A gorgeous ash is being formed as the cigar burns just about perfect.

Middle Third

Burning into the second third, I find the cigar gaining in sweetness and richness. The dough flavor continues to build, there is a newly found garlic or herbal quality, and the unique woodsy notes are there but are being pushed behind the other flavors. On the finish, a dry cocoa has emerged, along with a jelly-like sweetness, and the spice has resided. The acidic edge mentioned earlier may be more of citrus at this point.

Final Third

There is not much change in the profile other than a some dry pencil-shaving notes and the profile is now more toasty. The flavor and body have remained full throughout the smoke, and the strength is on the edge of full. From start to finish, the Fausto Lancero has burned solidly. All I know is that I do not want this cigar to come to an end.

Wrap-up

Tatuaje’s Fausto Lancero is just another reason to get your hands on this sampler pack. Right of the bat, the Fausto Lancero delivered bold and intriguing flavors. The pine notes, the sweetness, and the acidic/citrus quality complimented one another making the smoke extremely enjoyable and satisfying. I expected the cigar to kick my butt in the strength department but that never occurred. The flavor and body of the smoke easily outdid the strength, which I love! Exceptional burn, copious smoke production, and a firm ash on the small ring gauge cigar made the Fausto Lancero an effortless smoke. Seriously, grab a sampler today. Well worth your hard earned dollars.