Tatuaje L'Atelier La Mission

For close to 20 years, Tatuaje has delivered outstanding cigar after outstanding cigar. Their original brown label cigars nearly broke the industry when they debuted. For many it was the closest cigar one could get to a Cuban Montecristo (in the domestic market). The look, appearance, and flavor are all throwbacks to the world famous Montecristo No. 2. Every Tatujae cigar is made with the utmost care by Jose “Pepin” Garcia at his factories. Pete Johnson, the owner of Tatuaje Cigars, works hand-in-hand with Garcia to develop each new Tatuaje blend. Their relationship is tight, and Pete is often regarded as a member of the family. This strong bond is at the heart of every Tatuaje cigar. Each new cigar they blend and create together is unique and cubanesque. Each subsequent release brought more attention to the brand, and it has a devoted following that continues to drive the brand to new heights.

If you’ve spent any time following Pete Johnson, owner and founder of Tatuaje and L’Atelier Imports, you more than likely know that Pete has a soft spot for both his family and fine wines. L’Atelier Imports was Pete’s way of getting his brother into the cigar industry, and his affinity for fine wine led him to create his own brand of wine called Tatouage. L’Atelier was looking to create a new line of cigars, and while Pete and his brother KC were at a local wine bar, inspiration struck. La Mission du L’Atelier, draws inspiration from a winery in the Pessac-Léognan region of France, known as Château La Mission Haut-Brion. It’s one of Pete’s favorites and what they were drinking that fateful night. La Mission is a medium-to-full bodied smoke. Using Nicaraguan grown tobaccos (including Pepin’s proprietary Sancti Spiritus leaf) for the filler and binder, these leaves are skillfully combined with a Mexican San Andres wrapper. Complexity abounds with notes of smoky-woods, pepper, and leather with hints of chocolate.