Brand Heritage
Tatuaje Cigars, founded by Pete Johnson, has earned a devoted following since its early 2000s roots as a boutique brand with deep ties to the Plasencia family's Nicaraguan growing and production legacy. Known for meticulous blending and a cult-like fan base, Tatuaje occupies a respected space in the premium cigar world — consistently producing limited and small-batch releases that reward collectors and serious smokers alike. The Fausto line stands as one of the brand's more celebrated offerings, a tribute to master blender Benji Menendez and a showcase of Tatuaje's commitment to bold, complex Nicaraguan tobacco.
Blend & Construction
The Fausto FT187 is crafted in Nicaragua and presented in an impressive Gordo vitola, measuring 7 3/8 inches with a 60 ring gauge — a format that delivers an extended, generous smoking experience. The cigar is dressed in an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, known for its slightly oily texture, warm colorado coloring, and ability to add subtle sweetness and spice to the overall profile. Both the binder and filler are composed of Nicaraguan tobaccos, a pairing that grounds the blend in the earthy, pepper-forward character for which the region is celebrated. Construction across the Fausto line is generally regarded as tight and consistent, reflecting Tatuaje's exacting standards.
Flavor Profile
In keeping with the Fausto line's established profile, the FT187 delivers a full-bodied smoking experience suited to those who appreciate strength paired with complexity. The Ecuadorian Habano wrapper contributes notes of natural sweetness and cedar, while the all-Nicaraguan core drives flavors of rich earth, dark pepper, and toasted nuts. The generous ring gauge encourages a cooler, slower burn, allowing the smoke to develop and shift in character across its lengthy duration. Expect the blend to open with bold, assertive pepper and gradually reveal deeper, more nuanced notes of cocoa, dried fruit, and leather as it progresses toward the final third.
Recommended Pairings
Alcoholic: A high-rye bourbon such as Bulleit or Four Roses Single Barrel — its vanilla sweetness and spice complement the cigar's pepper-forward core without overpowering the more subtle earthy notes.
Non-Alcoholic: A dark roast espresso or cold brew concentrate — the bitterness and roasted depth of quality coffee mirror the cocoa and earth tones in the blend beautifully.
Best Enjoyed
The Fausto FT187 is best reserved for experienced cigar smokers who appreciate full-strength blends with room to breathe. Given its generous 7 3/8 x 60 dimensions, expect a smoking time of roughly 90 minutes to two hours — making it an ideal evening cigar for a relaxed weekend or a celebratory occasion where time is not a constraint. Its bold character and long smoking duration make it less suitable for novices, but an absolute pleasure for the seasoned aficionado looking to settle in and savor.
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