If you haven't read my Havana VI Nobles review, this one should come as no surprise.  These are just some of the best cigars on the market.  I decimated the box of Nobles size Havana VI the Wharf had in stock, so on a short trip there today, I had to resort to a different size.  The Artistas torpedo size has some burn issues and I had limited time, so I opted for a nice Lonsdale size.

The Lonsdale has a neat history.  The size was commissioned by The Earl of Lonsdale in the 1800's.  He only would smoke this size with a lithograph band sporting his own photo.  While the size stuck and became a standard size produced by Cuba, it has long been deemed a cigar size made for the woman's hand because of its long and slender proportions.  The Lonsdale is an elegant cigar and surprisingly satisfying for something so small.  On a side note, the Victorias' 38 ring gauge is a bit slimmer than a usual Lonsdale 42 but not so much as to make it a Panatela.

So, how does this Tatuaje incarnation smoke?  Let's find out....

Construction: As with all Tatuaje cigars the construction is perfect.  I listened to an interview with Pete Johnson recently wherein he explained that Tatuaje cigars are about substance rather than looking pretty.  I can see where he is coming from.  The wrapper is leathery and very old-world in appearance.  It is even finished with a flag-tip pigtail.  Very attractive.

Pre-light Aroma and Draw:  No surprises here.  Flawless draw.  Prelit it gives off a nice woody cedar-filled aroma.

Light and Burn: I had nearly two inches of ash before it finally dropped. The ash is a nice light gray and I only had to touch it up once near the end.  It does, because of the small size, get very hot towards the end but nothing too terrible.

Tasting: That amazing tea-like floral spice lights this cigar off like its larger cousins.  The flavors are crisp and light for a fuller bodied smoke as well.  Absolutely excellent.  I picked up a nice clean crisp flavor that almost feels like, and I hesitate to use the word, menthol.  It leaves the palette clean and cuts the aftertaste to nearly nothing.  The finish is long and smooth as well.

Value: At less than $7, the Victorias is an absolute steal.  For a 30 minute smoke, this is an incredible value.

Final Thoughts: I enjoy the occasional smaller vitola.  They offer a chance to really taste the wrapper leaf as it is more difficult to do with some of the larger ring gauges.  I can't see these taking the place of the Nobles as my favorite Havana VI size, but so far....thanks largely to consistency...it has edged out the Artistas as my second fave.  Women that want a full bodied smoke with a less massive cigar should certainly give this one a go.  Overall this cigar is most highly recommended.

Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Strength: Full

Size: 6x38

An extremely elegant cigar with a great old-world look