Tatuaje Broadleaf Reserva J21 Reserva

strength	Full
size	5 x 50
wrapper	Connecticut Broadleaf
grade	Hand Rolled / Long Filler
blender	Pete Johnson
binder	Nicaragua
shape	Robusto

Among the premier cigar brands on the market, Tatuaje was never intended for beginners. Just about every stick offered by Pete Johnson can appropriately be labeled “serious connoisseurs only.” The case is no different with Tatuaje Reserva Broadleaf. Serious, full-bodied, and satisfyingly complex, yet easy-smoking, this cigar was made for long-time aficionados who appreciate such luxurious simplicity in their tobacco products. Ideally enjoyed after a hearty meal, Tatuaje Reserva Broadleaf pairs well with tawny port, stout, or a simple glass of Bourbon, and should be enjoyed slowly to take in all the full-bodied goodness without overdoing it. As for similar cigars, Don Pepin’s My Father Le Bijou 1922 comes to mind, along with the beloved Padron Maduro, so if you happen to be a fan of either, it is probably a good idea to give Tatuaje Reserva Broadleaf a shot. When it comes to Connecticut Broadleaf cigars, many have been offered, many have been successful, but Tatuaje Reserva Broadleaf takes it to a whole new level, combining everything good about the dark and oily wrapper leaf with the bold Cuban flavor with which the Tatuaje name has become so synonymous over the years.

Tatuaje Reserva Broadleaf is a throwback to Cuban cigars of yesteryear, but with a delicious modern twist. Let’s face it, when it comes to Cuban style flavor, few names do it better than Pete Johnson and Tatuaje. For years, the original Tatuaje Reserva has been praised as one of the finest blends to ever be produced in Don Pepin’s My Father factory down in Nicaragua. In 2017, Pete Johnson and friends introduced what is essentially that same blend of Nicaraguan filler and binder tobacco, but with a dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper in place of the standard Corojo leaf showcased in the original. The result is Tatuaje Reserva Broadleaf, a cigar that since its introduction has more than lived up to the reputation expected from fans of Tatuaje cigars the world over.

An elegant black on gold band sits beneath the standard brown band we have all come to recognize at first glance. Each beautiful cigar boasts a veiny, toothy appearance and is expertly rolled to ensure a flawless smoking experience. Offered in rustic Cuban style wooden boxes of 10, Tatuaje Reserva Broadleaf most definitely looks the part, but what about the flavor? The experience starts off with a burst of white pepper, an obvious trademark both of Don Pepin Garcia and basically any cigar wearing a Tatuaje band. That initial spice only builds as the cigar burns, meeting up with toasty, woody flavors throughout the entire stick. About a third of the way in, some subtle notes of bread and cinnamon appear, along with a smooth hint of sweet dark chocolate in the background, likely from the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper used for this particular blend. Tatuaje Reserva Broadleaf begins at the top end of medium-full and only gets stronger as is cooks, finishing off as a no-nonsense full-bodied cigar. The overall flavor profile is without a doubt reminiscent of an old school strong Cuban cigar, thus helping to complete the classic Cuban theme Pete Johnson was apparently shooting for.