Howdy folks, long time lurker (considering a bronze membership) and first time Humidor poster here checking in... my palate is hardly as refined as some here but "I know what I like"
My all time faves are the Fuente Hemingway line, assorted Maduros, the "Ybor City Handmades" in all sizes from King Corona Cigars, Partagas black labels and the non-ISOM Cohiba black labels. I will also occasionally indulge in a dry cured cheroot or a Drew Estate coffee infused monstrosity.
I've enjoyed everything I've tried in the Tatuaje line (one box of Cabaiguans and one of Tat Black tubos in the frigidor right now, both are awesome) and figured what the hell, I bought a box of the Anarchys (Anarchies?) which finally arrived today. Normally I let a new box rest for a week or two (Frigidor set for 65ish / 65ish % with an Oasis XL and more than enough 65% heartfelt beads to keep it stable) but I just had to fire one up fresh off the big brown truck.
Very solid construction, typical of the Tat cigars, not rock hard but definitely firm, no soft spots. The pigtail on the cap is quite long, so long in fact it's spiraled all the way to the outer diameter of the cigar. Very cool looking, almost a shame to clip it. Wrapper reminds me of a Tat black but not quite as dark, nor as rustic looking. Silky, oily sheen and not quite as rustic looking as the Black Tats. I know it's cliche but the aroma was "barnyard" semi-funky earthy, sweetish and a little hay like. The unlit cigar just screams "quality"... you know it's gonna be good.
Once clipped, the pre-light draw was quite spicy... and when toasted and lit, even more spicy. That spiciness (common to the Tatuajes I've enjoyed) lasted for a while, then gave way to earthy tobacco and definite hints of coffee and other "dark" flavors and what I'd describe as a woody/cedar/leathery note at the end. Milder tasting than I thought it would be but no weak sister, gave me a little nicotine buzz. My palate isn't sophisticated enough to analyze any further.
Burn was even, firm light gray ash, dense white smoke but not what I'd call "creamy", didn't get hot until nubbed and I usually smoke on the faster side.
Enjoyed with a nice glass of Mourvèdre from Paso Robles, although I'm usually a whisky drinker... I had read that Pete Johnson prefers red wine with his creations, so I figured I'd follow suit. It was a good choice.
Overall I'd say an excellent cigar, lots of marketing hype but the substance more than makes up for it.
Cheers amigos!