Pete Johnson | Tatuaje Cigars Event at Cigar Factory Outlet
A while back I had the opportunity to meet Pete Johnson, the owner and founder of Tatuaje Cigars. “Tats or Tat’s” as they are often referred to amongst cigar smokers or BOTL’s (Brothers Of The Leaf) have quickly become a well respected cigar in the industry. Tatuaje cigars are typically referred to by their color label, ie “black” or “red”, when discussed amongst fans and smokers alike.
I’d highly recommend sampling one or two. The Red label Tatuaje cigars are common and easy to snag at prominent cigar shops. Pete is particular about who sells his product and he limits production each year, so make sure if you see them you grab one or maybe even a box or two. The Black label Tatuaje cigars can only be purchased by the box and are extremely hard to come by due to their rarity and high cost. You may be able to find a BOTL that is willing to sell off one, but be prepared to pay a hefty sum for it.
My buddy Jon and I had the privilege of meeting Pete Johnson and shooting the breeze with him for a few minutes. A total class act, we talked about his new Ducati and other random life adventures. I took a pic of Pete with Jon as part of a small thank you for some stuff he had sent me the week prior. I’d like to thank Pete Johnson for the free Red Label Tatuaje cigar as well as the Cigar Factory Outlet in Troy, MI for hosting the event.
You can find out more at the Tatuaje Cigar website: www.tatuajecigars.com
Jonathan Drew | Drew Estate Event at Cigar Factory Outlet
I had the super rare but awesome opportunity to meet the one and only, Jonathan Drew! I should have more pics up shortly. It was quite an experience. The chance to meet the owner of Drew Estate was held at an event at the Cigar Factory Outlet in Troy, MI owned by CigarFox.com. There were a ton of people present here including a local radio station. 
I purchased a box of ACID Remi Wafe cigars that Jonathan signed. We also got a few free Drew Estate military style hats and an El Chateau Real hat that he also signed. In addition, I got a few sampler packs of cigars from the Drew Estate family including El Chateau, Tabak Especial, and Acid Kuba Kuba. Santa came early —>
Great event and a great guy. Jonathan is a real down to earth guy that loves what he does. It is very apparent in the way we were treated and conversed with. He talked to be girlfriend just as much as anyone else which she REALLY appreciated. He also gave us more in depth information on his new venture, the Cigar Safari, which sounded amazing! I’m hoping to be able to visit his new factory soon!
Drew Estate ACID Remi Blondie
The Drew Estate ACID Remi Blondie is one of the ACID line classics. This short panatela cigar is a quick 10-15 minute smoke with the classic Remi infused flavoring you can expect from Drew Estate. I definitely enjoy these anytime of the day and they are great for short road trips to the store or if you grilling some food for dinner. The Blondie is a smaller cigar and is best prepared using a standard cigar cutter or cigar style scissors.
I cannot tell you how many people I have recommended the Drew Estate ACID Blondie too. It was the first ACID cigar I ever had and I was addicted the minute it hit my lips. For the amateur cigar smoker, this is an excellent introductory cigar into the vast plethora of cigar brands and types. It’s light and tasty plus not something that takes over and hour to completely smoke.
I once was in a wedding party where myself and the other groomsmen purchased a box of blondies for the reception. There were well over twenty guys at the wedding that got together later in the evening on the outdoor patio to enjoy a brief celebratory smoke and the blondie was a huge hit. Every single person, most of whom had never smoked a cigar before, loved the Drew Estate Remi and were asking me where they could get them and what exactly they were smoking.
You should be able to pick up an ACID Blondie for around $4 from local retailers and $3-3.50 online (or less if purchasing a box).
SOLID RATINGS:
Smoking Experience: 8/10
Distinct/Memorable: 10/10
Repeat Purchase: 9/10
Total Drew Estate ACID Remi Blondies Cigars Smoked To Date: 15+
Drew Estate ACID Remi Deep Dish
The Drew Estate ACID Remi Deep Dish I had was fantastic! This box pressed cigar is an easy 60-90 minute smoke with the classic Remi infused flavoring you can expect from Drew Estate. Think of a Drew Estate ACID Remi Blondie but massive. The Deep Dish is best cut by punching it due to its large and square shape not fitting in a majority of cutters with the exception of cigar style cutting scissors.
You should be able to pick up a Deep Dish for around $9 from local retailers and $7-8 online (or less if purchasing a box).
SOLID RATINGS:
Smoking Experience: 9/10
Distinct/Memorable: 10/10
Repeat Purchase: 8/10
Total Drew Estate ACID Remi Deep Dish Cigars Smoked To Date: 6
Cuban Cohiba Behike
BELOW: A box of the world’s most expensive cigars, Cuban Cohiba Behike cigars on show in Madrid, 19 October 2006. The Cohiba Behike, at 15,000 euros for a box of 40 with only 100 boxes made personally by Cuban cigar roller Norma Fernandez from the El Laguito factory in Havana are to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Cohiba cigars.
