Tatuaje Ambos Mundo Sumatra

As I continue to delve into the world of Tatuaje Cigars, made by Pete Johnson, tonight’s review will be on the Ambos Mundos Sumatra Robusto.  From the Tatuaje website, Ambos Mundos is translated to mean “both worlds” as in “The Best of Both Worlds”.  This cigar was touted as an entry into the bargain cigar market by Pete Johnson and comes with a price tag in the $5 – $6 range depending on your local taxes.  None of my local B&Ms are authorized Tatuaje dealers so I made this purchase at Leesburg Cigars.

Vital Stats:
Vitola – Robusto
Size – 5 x 50
Wrapper – Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder – Nicaragua
Filler – Nicaragua

Construction:  The wrapper is a slightly mottled cocoa-brown with a couple of pronounced veins & many smaller veins running throughout the leaf.  The cap is the Tatuaje signature Cuban triple cap.  The cigar is firm to the touch; however, I do not anticipate any issues with the draw.

Pre-light:  Aroma is a rich barnyard tobacco odor that gets your attention right away.  Cold draw is not too tight or loose and produces no real spice or pepper but the same rich tobacco flavor as the aroma.

First impressions:  First few puffs are somewhat peppery on the middle of my tongue and on the retrohale.  I am also getting a hint of cinnamon type spice on the retrohale.  The cigar is producing a fair amount of smoke but very little residual or resting smoke.  Further in, the peppery spice has calmed and the cinnamon has turned into more of a licorice flavor that is very nice with the tobacco undertones.  The strength is mild, while the flavor is squarely into the medium range.  The ash is holding strong for the first inch with a light gray color.  The burn line is decent with no need for a touch up.  

Halfway point:  The cigar is rather woody at this point with a cedary sweetness on the retrohale.  The licorice is still present, but it has taken a backseat to the cedar flavor.  The cigar is much smoother while the flavor has definitely picked up  The strength has remained relatively mild.  The ash let go after about two inches.  The spice and sweetness on the retrohale is really enjoyable and the cigar is producing an ample amount of smoke.  I’m really surprised at the mildness in strength with this flavor intensity.  The resting smoke is also very aromatic with that same sweet yet toasty cedar characteristic.  It gives a slight tinge to the nostrils.

Home stretch:  The licorice flavor is now coming back to the forefront.  The burn is a little wavy, but I see no real need for a touch up.  After removing the band the flavor is somewhat meaty & the sweetness has mellowed.

Final thoughts:  I really love the complexity of this cigar and the way the flavors heighten & mellow throughout.  For the price point, this an excellent cigar when you’re looking for good flavor with less power.  I have been searching for the perfect “lawnmower” smoke and I think this is it.  With a burn time of a little over an hour, this would be great for the golf course if you want to know that you have a cigar without having it shake you to death while standing over a 6 ft putt.

Verdict:

4 out of 5 smokes

Until the next time . . . Fly straight & fly high.  Happy Smoking.

-Da Byrdman-