The Tatuaje Nuevita Esteli belongs to a trio of cigars (Nuevitas Jibaro No. 1 and No.2 are the other two cigars) that Pete Johnson re-introduced in 2018. In the past, the cigars were made at Tabacalera Tropical and were discontinued in 2007.
The Nuevitas Esteli presentation is slightly different than the other two cigars. They have an orange on white band, while the Nuevitas Esteli has a white on orange band. Packaging is also different, while in the US both Jibaros are sold in 50 count boxes, and the Esteli in 25 count boxes, in Europe they are all sold in 10 count boxes.
The cigar is dressed in a Colorado Maduro shaded wrapper, that is smooth to the touch. Construction is good, with only small veins present.
- Country of Origin: Nicaragua
- Size: 52 x 127 mm (5″)
- Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Filler: Nicaragua
- Price: $8.50 | €8.50
Tatuaje Nuevitas Esteli: the cold draw reveals notes of cedar wood and a mix of spices. Once lit, the cigar opens with a mix of nuts, mainly hazelnut, and white pepper.
The first third has the nutty component up front, hazelnut and walnut, with wood and white pepper following right behind it. There is also a sour cream note present in some puff. Strength falls short of the medium mark (2,5/5).
In the second third, the mix of nuts is still the main flavor, but are now backed by a combination of leather, wood and white pepper. The sour cream note has been replaced by light nuances of earth. Strength is now a solid medium (3/5).
The mix of nuts remains front and center, with leather, wood and white pepper circling around it. The earthy note is now more pronounced and the sour cream note has returned as well. Strength remains medium.
Overall, the Tatuaje Nuevitas Esteli is a very solid smoke, with a flawless construction. It is balanced and round, with enough complexity and evolution to keep you entertained throughout the smoke.
Rating: 90