Assessment Updates will be posted on this web-site to: 1) Assess “pre-review” cigars that were not given a rating or score (typically pre-release cigars); 2) Provide numeric ratings to cigars previously assessed prior to the implementation of the numeric scoring system; 3) Provide a re-assessment and re-score of a previously assessed/score cigars. Today, we re-assess the Tatuaje Frank Jr. from the original 2012 Tatuaje Little Monsters series. This was a cigar was assessed back in August, 2012.
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Frank Jr.: 5 5/8 x 44
Each year since 2008, Tatuaje has had an annual release known as the Tatuaje Monsters Series. This is an annual limited edition release that has been a tribute to a character in a monster / horror movie. These cigars have typically been longer cigars and have been “one and done” releases. In 2012, Tatuaje released their Little Monsters sampler pack. This sampler consisted of smaller vitolas of the Monsters Series releases. Frank Jr. is a smaller version of its Monsters Series counterpart, the Tatuaje Frank. Recently, Tatuaje released a third vitola called the Pudgy Monsters Frank which is the length of the Frank Jr. and ring gauge of the original Frank. The original Frank was the first release of the Monsters Series and is still considered among many to be the finest of that series.
The Frank Jr. delivers some classic Connecticut Broadleaf flavors of mocha, coffee, earth, a little cherry sweetness and pepper. I found with a couple of years of age on it the Frank Jr. had a more of a white pepper spice as opposed to there red pepper I picked up a couple of years ago. I also did not get the cream notes that I got a couple of years ago. One thing I liked about the Frank Jr. this time around is that there was a little bit of that Connecticut Broadleaf “gritty taste” – and that added an intangible quality. While the Frank Jr. was still full-bodied, I found the strength this time around dialed back to medium to full.
The construction was excellent and this was reflected on the burn and draw.
A couple of years ago, the Frank Jr. ranked second overall when we smoked the Little Monsters cigars. With a couple of years age on it, this time the Frank Jr. moves to the top of the Little Monsters and begins to follow in the legend of the original.
Summary
Burn: Excellent
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium
Strength: Medium to Full
Body: Full
Finish: Excellent
Assessment: 4.5 Fight Chuck Norris for Them
Score: 94 (August 13 Score – 92)
References
Original Review: Tatuaje Frank Jr. (Part of the Little Monsters Series)
News: Tatuaje 2012: Tatuaje Cojonu 2012, Monster Series 2012 (Little Monsters Series, Mummy), My Father La Duena
Price: $7.50 (Sold as a part of the $75.00 Little Monster Sampler)
Source: Purchased
Stogie Geeks Podcast: Episode 23 – “Attack Of The Little Monsters”
Stogie Feed: Frank Jr (Tatuaje Little Monster)
