L'Esprit de la Verite (Tatuaje)

[heavyd]

NHC is sending this cigar as a freebie if you buy a box of Tats, which I did recently (I am affiliated with NHC only as a customer).

This is a Pete Johnson creation. Here is what is written at the NHC website:

L'Esprit de la Verite (5" x 50 - $20) , to be released in 2010 - this limited release is made entirely from tobacco from Pepin's Finca La Estrella (Star Farm) all from the same vintage, 2008. The cigars are currently rolled and resting in the drying room at the factory.

Pre-light: Very nice. Smelled a lot like a J21. The draw was nutty with some strong tobacco flavors.

First 1/3: pepper and spice galore. I nose exhaled and my eyes watered. Also a sweet note that I've not encountered with Tats before.

Second 1/3: Much less pepper and the spice is less prominent. Nut flavors (almond comes to mind). The sweetness is still there, but very subtle.

Final 1/3: All of the spice and pepper is gone. Nose exhale is a pleasure. The nutty flavors are much more pronounced. I'm hoping the cigar lasts forever

The draw throughout was perfect, with a slight resistance and voluminous smoke. The burn was slightly uneven at times, but self-corrected always.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:
It is an excellent smoke, but If it really will cost $20 a pop when released....I'll pass on a box. We all have different cigar budgets, but this cigar is a good candidate for a box split in my world .

I have been smoking cigars for only about 18 months. I would love to read a review of this cigar from a seasoned smoker.