Tatuaje labels come in various hues.  The traditional brown for the core line, red for the Havana VI, white for the Series P, and a few others for the Monster Series.  One that is hard to find is the black label.  This was Pete's private blend until 2008 when he decided to release them to the public.  I have had the black label tubo several times in the past year and it never disappoints.  The Wharf finally upped the Tatuaje lines they carry to include the black label petit lancero.  Stored in an upright box of 25, these are not easy to come by - usually because they fly off the shelves so quickly.  I was lucky enough to hit the Wharf's stash before it had been picked over - in fact  I think I was the second sale from the stock.  I was super jazzed to try this little cigar.  How was it?  Let's find out in a real-time review....

Construction: Absolutely flawless as you might imagine...seeing as this is a Pete Johnson creation. 

Pre-light Aroma and Draw: The aroma from this un-cellophaned beauty is fairly mild in terms of aroma.  I picked up a rich tobacco and slight spice.

Light and Burn: The lighting is a breeze.  One cigar match only.  Burn starts off laser perfect and continues through third number one like it was scientifically engineered to burn level.

Tasting: The opening blast is loaded with peppery spice.  As the first third starts, I am getting hints of pepper, wood, and a terrific spice.  After setting this diminutive cigar down for a couple of minutes I picked up a nice sweet flavor that reminds me of a campfire and toasted marshmallows.  There are notes of leather and a toasty wood as well.  The smoke is incredibly dense for a small cigar and the ash is light gray and powdery.  Into the middle now and I am getting a nice heavy black pepper and black coffee flavor.  Black coffee like my Grandma makes....and she has had 91 years to perfect her coffee making skills.  So far this baby is scoring high!  As the final third approaches I am getting a creamy note added to that black coffee and some very smooth leather on the finish.  There is a nice metallic sweetness that harkens to Cubans in there as well. I am totally blown away as I smoke this to the nub.

Value: For a small cigar with such a great pedigree, the black petit lancero will run you around $9.  Maybe a bit hefty for such a small cigar but evidently worth the coin.

Final Thoughts:  For a cigar so small in stature, the black petit lancero delivers flavor like it's beamed to you from outer space.  I would smoke these daily if I could and I can see why Pete hoarded this blend for himself in the beginning.  Thank you, Mr. Johnson, for your generosity in sharing such a great smoke.  I highly recommend this cigar!

Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Strength: Quite full

Size: 6  x 38