Tatuaje Cojonú 2018 – Blind Cigar Review

Cigar Info

In 2003, Tatuaje introduced the Cojonú series, drawing inspiration from the Cuban slang word “cojonudo,” which roughly translates to English to to “ballsy”—a nod to the line's strength. Crafted with an Ecuadorian habano wrapper, Nicaraguan dual binder, and Nicaraguan filler, the series originally aimed for a new release every three years.

After nearly a decade of regular 3-year intervals, the Cojonú line experienced a hiatus in 2015 and 2018. However, in 2022, Tatuaje rectified the lines absence with the release of Cojonú 2015, hitting stores that October. The line also saw a release in 2021 with the Cojonú, changing the cadence. We reviewed that cigar and gave it a 90. Last year, Pete Johnson, Tatuaje's founder, hinted at the potential release of the 2018 version, and in April 2023, it was confirmed.

The Tatuaje Cojonú 2018, a 5 5/8 x 54 robusto extra with a soft box-press, is now available for $13.50 per cigar or $283.50 for a box of 21. The long-awaited sequel started shipping to stores in late May 2023.

Vital Stats:

Vitola: Robusto
Length: 5 5/8″
Ring Gauge: 54
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Blender: Pete Johnson
Number of reviewers: 4 – Ryan H. (Ryan H.) John I. (John I.) Kevin A. (Kevin A.) Isaac M. (The Nothing)
Price: $13.50
Age: 4 Months
Release Date: May 2023
Contributed by: Tatuaje Cigars

Initial Impressions – Tatuaje Cojonú 2018

Appearance: 93

“Very dark brown oily wrapper. It is dark roast coffee bean dark. There are some prominent raised veins running throughout and some reddish highlights. The seams are well done. The cigar has a soft box press to it, has just a slight give to the body, and has no apparent soft spots from the foot to the cap.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

Aroma: 93

“Aromas of dark roux, dark chocolate powder and just a hint of barnyard covered this cigar.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

First Third

Flavor: 91
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“Espresso, Fig Newton cookies, and black pepper start things off. The cigar is extremely sweet at the start. The retrohale has hints of cocoa powder and vanilla, with just a hint of black pepper. The smoke is nice and creamy, making for a very enjoyable start to the cigar. Strength is medium at best, while the body is medium-full. Burn and draw are excellent!” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

“Deep roasted coffee flavors early. Only slightly sweet which is surprising given the super sweet pre-light aroma. Nice sharp retrohale. Twenty minutes into this its primarily all dark chocolate flavors. The draw seems a bit snug.”-John I. (John I.)

Second Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium

“The burn is having some issues, a little wavy ash is also very weak. both the floral note and earth get more dark the earth being more like coffee and the floral sweetness is getting better and better. spice is calming. burn having to be touched up twice so far in the second third.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“The chocolate trend continued in the second third but was accompanied by a great meaty flavor. It took me back to my birthday and a steak at a restaurant down the road. Delicious mushrooms, potatoes, New York strip… damn it was wonderful. And that was where the cigar took me.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Final Third

Flavor: 89
Strength: Medium-Strong
Body/Complexity: Medium-Full

“Definitely increases in strength toward the finish and the draw has really opened up. Similar in flavor to previous portions of this cigar. This would be a great everyday smoke.”-John I. (John I.)

“Getting to the end of the cigar the profile darkens slightly and the sweetness fades out of the picture. Espresso, leather, damp earth, and barnyard complete the profile. The retrohale has black pepper, anise, and a little leather as well. The strength and body are both in the medium-full range at the finish. Burn and draw perform well to the end.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

Overall Impressions – Tatuaje Cojonú 2018

Draw: 93

“Started off a little bit tight, but opened gradually and by the finale was wide open.” –John I. (John I.)

Burn: 91

“Start to finish, the burn never needed much of any attention.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Construction: 90

“Great appearance and flavor delivery. Burn and draw performed well all the way through.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

Overall Strength: Medium-Strong
Overall Body/Complexity: Medium-Full
Experience Overall: 90

“With the burn problems and the construction issues, I couldn't buy a box but the profile is enjoyable enough. I would smoke again.” –Ryan H. (Ryan H.)

“Great construction, big rich flavors, if a bit basic and monotonous. If this came in a smaller vitola I'd definitely grab bunches of them as a solid everyday smoke option.” –John I. (John I.)

“This was a good cigar. The sweetness and mellowness at the beginning made for a great start and the cigar developed nicely into a medium-full well-flavored smoking experience. This is a cigar that I would be proud to have in my humidor.” –Kevin A. (Kevin A.)

“Man, this cigar was delightful. The flavors were great. The smoke output was on the generous side. I never felt a whole lot of a nicotine kick so that was contrary to the flavor. But this was definitely a great cigar and something that could easily be part of the regular rotation. If there was a place the cigar was lacking–it was in the body. It would be great if it was just a little bit fuller. I suspect part of that has to do with the tougher draw on this cigar. If it was a little bit freer that body would come with it. It's definitely something I'd smoke again.” –Isaac M. (The Nothing)

Smoking Time (in minutes): 91

To view the complete scores and notes, click here

Tatuaje Cojonú 2018 – Blind Cigar Review