Tatuaje Pork Tenderloin returns for its 15th Anniversary.
Originally released for Gloucester Street Cigars a Massachusetts based retailer in 2010 as a follow up to the Pork Chop the Tatuaje Pork Tenderloin was one of the most successful limited editions for Tatuaje Cigars which it feels has yet to miss on a limited edition smoke. The cigar features the same components as the original and is limited to just 5,000 bundles of 25 cigars.
Like the original it is made at the My Father Cigars factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.
Cigar Review: Tatuaje Pork Tenderloin
Size: 5 1/8 x 52 (Toro)
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Fillers: Nicaragua
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Release Date: August 2010 (Current Release: May 2025)
Production: Limited (5,000 Bundles)
Box Size: 25
The Cigar: An oily Broadleaf wrapper with a subtle tooth adorns the Pork Tenderloin with a brindle coloring from the foot to the cap. Perhaps in order to keep up the the meat motif I should refer to it as marbling. There are some significant veins visible on this cigar with a pig tail cap and closed foot. In the hand the cigar has a nice weight to it with no voids of tobacco. Unlike past variations of the Pork Tenderloin, this one sports a red and white band with the words Pork Tenderloin in a simple font. We rarely talk about packaging, but despite being a bundle it is my favorite visual with the butcher paper and meat packaging design.
The Taste: The cold draw has the most definitive paprika I’ve ever tasted on a cigar with a touch of cajun spice and mesquite. It’s as if the cigar spent some time in a dry rub before being packaged. The foot/wrapper has a subtle mocha before a lingering aroma from the cold draw fills the nose. Once the cigar is toasted and lit there is a definitely a meaty note.
As we settle into the first third notes of cajun spice hits the palate with nuances of BBQ char on the edge of some perfectly cooked baby back ribs. Perhaps it is the subconscious playing games given the name of the cigar but is absolutely mouth wateringly delicious to start. As the first third comes to a close a subtle cocoa begins to emerge while the retrohale has a nice amount of red pepper and smoked paprika as well.
The second third of the Tatuaje Pork Tenderloin sees notes of seared meat, chocolate, caramel and cedar all mesh together effortlessly creating an excellent smoking experience. The finish has some continued smoked paprika and red pepper that is intensifies on the retrohale that also sees the addition of some molasses.
The final third continues doesn’t see much change but it isn’t wanted from viewpoint. If there ever was a cigar was right in my wheelhouse it might just be this one. Notes of canjon spice, mocha and mesquite create the perfect cigar to accompany a barbecue with friends and family. As we remove the band notes of espresso begin to emerge with a touch of toasted oak.
Conclusion: In a time where cigars are constantly coming out north of $20 the Tatuaje Pork Tenderloin coming in at $13.00 almost makes it a value cigar. It also makes it underpriced in terms of perceived value in the current climate. It’s been about 8 years since I had an original release from the former owner of G Street and that cigar had 7 years of age on it. So if you ask me how they compare my answer is they are different because I believe the original mellowed out over time. If I go back to 2010 to the days when Cigar Forums like BOTL, Cigar Asylum, etc were popular I remember receiving this cigar in a cigar pass and then frantically looking to find them to no avail.
The cigars only shipped to retailers last week and finding them is already proving to be difficult. But if you see them, like a fuller bodied cigar, enjoy broadleaf and gravitate to Nicaragua this a must purchase the entire bundle of 25.
Score: 95
Price: $13.00
