" An ounce of gold, mister, is worth what it is because of the human labor that went into the findin' and the gettin' of it"

Why did I start this review with a quote from Treasure of the Sierra Madre?  Keep reading....

It's no secret that Tatuaje is my favorite cigar brand.  It has been a while since I posted a review of their wares, however.  I bumped into something new at The Market the other day and decided it would fit the bill nicely.  I won't waste words here - let's get right to it....

Construction: The Reserva Regios is another gorgeous cigar from Tatuaje.  Perfect triple cap and not a blemish in sight on the nearly black wrapper.  No veins are evident either.  Now, taking the subject of that opening quote to mind, take a close look at the wrapper leaf in the light and you will see some sparkles.  That, my friends, is gold dust.  The soil wherein this deep dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper was grown is so rich it actually imparts gold dust into the wrapper.  No wonder the Spanish Conquistadors thought the new world was covered in gold!  In the Treasure of the Sierra Madre, had Humphrey Bogart been digging these cigars out of the ground he might gone even more gold crazy!  Really, if you haven't seen that movie, you should - while smoking one of these beauties, of course!

Pre-light Aroma and Draw: Not packed in celllophane, the reserva gives off a dense tobacco, earth, and cedar aroma out of the humidor.  As you might expect, the burn is perfectly wide open like all of Pete's masterpieces.

Light and Burn: Lit with two matches, the reserva fires right up and quickly develops a perfect burn line with a nice light gray ash that clings for a long time before dropping.  The burn is self correcting - destroying any transgression you might see as you puff your way through the cigar.  I had one minor touch up just before the nub - mainly because I couldn't bring myself to put it out.  Other than that, this is a top performer.

Tasting: Starting off with that familiar peppery spice, the Reserva is like talking with an old friend - like visiting with family - comfortable and relaxing.  Every time that spice hits me, I can't help but smile.

The first third starts off with a very dense rich earth, sweet oak, and some black pepper.  I get hints of coffee in there as well.  It's a full bodied powerhouse that is not for the faint of heart.  New cigar smokers beware. 

The second third punched me in the face.  Seriously, there is a big neon sigh over my head flashing " TILT!  TILT!" .  The crescendo from medium body to full is gradual but when it happens it is epic.  I can't help but look at this cigar as I smoke it and shake my head in wonder.  It's a splendidly rich cigar packed with dense complex flavors.  Every time I think Pete has shown me everything in his bag of tricks, the master of broadleaf proves me wrong.  Back to tasting - I get a lip smacking cocoa and lemon zest on top of that sweet oak, earth, coffee, and leather.  While these flavors abound in many cigars on the market, there are very few that balance them so well.

With extreme sadness, I realize the final third is here.  The oak and cocoa flavors really sweeten on the palate and the strength drops a bit.  It's like the epilogue to an action movie - bringing you down to earth smoothly after a huge climactic scene.  I noticed that sweetness extends to the finish quite well.  There is a hint of vanilla in there that really pops when mixed with the coffee, oak, cocoa, lemon, and peppery spice the cigar has been showing all along.

Value: For such a stellar cigar - with gold dusted wrapper - you might expect to pay through the nose...but one of these will run you  about ten bones and it is so worth it, I have trouble even saying it.

Final Thoughts: With the construction, flavor complexity, unbridled strength, and that amazing gold dust in the wrapper leaf, this is a cigar I would call legendary.  As I finish this review, I am starting another one.  I can easily say that this 2013 line of Reserva Tatuajes is yet another feather in Pete Johnson's cap - which at this point should look like an American Indian war bonnet.  I have yet to find a Tatuaje that disappoints and his limited release lines are simply incredible.  With the continuing 10th anniversary hubbub brewing up to the IPCPR, I think it's a safe bet we are going to see something amazing in July.  For now, I will keep puffing on tats I can find and highly recommend this beautiful and luxurious cigar.

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Strength: Medium to full

Size: 5.5 x 50

Gorgeous cigar!

Look at that wrapper....you can see yourself in the reflection!

Sorry...I couldn't help myself. 
At least you don't have to lose your genitalia in an unfortunate smelting accident to love gold in this case.