Tatuaje Fausto

Last week I reviewed the Tatuaje La Casita Criolla, this week is the other new Tatuaje release, the Fausto. This blend is based off the T110 that was released for one shop in Hawaii a few years ago that was a huge hit among Tatuaje fans. I am reviewing the FT127 size, which is a 5x54 Robusto. This cigar features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and filler. The filler tobaccos are all higher primings, making for a powerful cigar. The band is reminiscent of an old school Cuban band, something Pete likes to do with some of his brands. 

This is a great looking cigar with a dark attractive wrapper and a very firm even roll to it. The red band really pops against the dark wrapper. There is a strong peppery aroma at the foot with some hay and earthy leather. The prelight draw shows a perfect draw with flavors of espresso and wood. Once lit the Fausto starts out with a black pepper coated kick to the face! This is producing huge amounts of spicy smoke with plenty of dark coffee, rich leather and a deep earthyness. Right from the start there is plenty of strength. The spice is backing off about half an inch but definitely isn't gone. The smoke coats the palate nicely but isn't hitting hard in the back of the throat like some other strong spicy cigars. With the spice backing off a woody flavor has come to the front of the flavor profile. The burn is dead even and the ash holds easily for over an inch. 

Even with the spicyness and strength there is a nice balance to this cigar. I remember the T110 being even bolder and spicier, this one seems to be more rounded. This is definitely not a cigar for beginners due to the power. The retrohale is spicy as hell, too powerful for me to retrohale frequently. I am definitely feeling the strength at the halfway point. Entering the final third and the flavors are consistent, big bold and spicy. The burn is still dead even not needing any touchups. The spice is picking up again but not as strong as it was up front. The strength is full but never got uncomfortable for me, but then again I smoke a fair amount of cigars in this strength level. 

The Fausto is a damn good cigar if you like a full strength spicy cigar. I was glad to see that this had a nice balance between the power and flavor. These are really well made and burn great. The price point is right in that sweet spot, coming in at $7.50 for this size. Ill be picking plenty of these! (I've already smoked 4 of them since they came into the store.)