null
Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing

Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing

Posted by Francois Pistorius on 21st Apr 2022

Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing



Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


The Tatuaje Reserva is a bold and dense slow smoking cigar. It is a muscle cigar.

 It is not a cigar for a first-time smoker. 

The Tatuaje Reserva J21 offers a complex smoke with full strength. 

Cigar Tatuaje Reserva J21 Broadleaf 

Country of Origin Nicaragua Factory My Father Cigars S.A. 

Wrapper USA Connecticut Broadleaf 

Wrapper Color Maduro Binder Nicaragua 

Filler Nicaragua 

Length 5 Inches, 

Size (mm) 127 Ring 

Gauge 50 Vitola Robusto


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


The start of Tatuaje Cigars

The forty-something Pete Johnson is the founder of the Tatuaje brand. The famed José ‘Pepín’ García produce Tatuaje cigars in Miami, Florida, and Esteli, Nicaragua. Tatoo Pete has an edgy style becoming a trailblazer and well known in the cigar Industry. 

Tatuaje means "tattoo" in Spanish, and the name reflects Pete Johnson's tattoos. Pete Johnson started his career as a bassist of a rock band and then became one of the most successful cigar makers in the USA. Pete moved to Los Angeles in 1993 at the age of 18 from Maine, where he grew up making music on the Sunset Strip. At the time, the Hollywooparton of Sunset Boulevard was home to legendary clubs.

 He started smoking cigars, even on stage while playing. At 23, Gus's Smoke Shop owner offered Pete a part-time job. Six months later, it became full time. Pete became their chief buyer. He smoked everything and wanted to know everything. He fell in love with the Cigar Industry. 

Pete Johnson covered his tattoo sleaves working for the Grand Havana Room in Beverly Hills in the early days. The job opened doors for him. But the most crucial encounter was with Pepin Garcia in 2003. Pete tried to produce cigars, but it didn't work well. He felt discouraged and ready to give up his dream. Pepin changed everything. His fantastic generosity revived Pete's hope. Pepin taught Pete everything, and he became part of Pepin's family.


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


Pepin and Pete Cigars

Pepin asked Pete what cigars he liked and wanted. Pete liked cigars on the stronger side. That is what Pepin rolled right there and then. The result was fantastic. A few months later, Pete had 50 boxes of each size. The Grand Havana Room allowed Pete Johson to sell his cigars at the start. Between the Grand Havana Room and a trade show, the Tatuaje customers base grew.

The name Tatuaje

Carlos Fuente and other Industry people nicknamed Pete "Tattoo Pete". He had an OpusX tattoo on his arm as a tribute to his cigar dedication. Today Tatuaje produce millions of cigars per year manufactured by the Garcia family in Miami and Esteli, Nicaragua. There are 22 brands. 

The Garcias tell Pete what tobaccos are available, and together they work towards Pete's favourite Tatuaje blends. Pete travels a lot out of his home town Los Angeles. One of his proudest moments was seeing his cigars in a Champs-Elysées shop.


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


Pete Johnson Wine & Cigar Passion

His other passion is wine. He works with the Viniv vineyard in the Médoc region of France. They allow him to make a vintage. Pete has produced a few french wine vintages.


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


Tatuaje Cigars

The first cigar Pepin rolled for Pete Johnson is how Pete wants Tatuaje's cigar portrayed. Based on the Old World, like the simplicity of the originals. "Cigars are so personal for everyone." Pete Johnson Pete respects the old traditions. 

He does not try to complicate things by putting tobacco from seven countries into one blend. The question is, will Pete Johnson ever stop being Tattoo Pete? Many more cigar makers have tattoos, but people see Pete Johnson as Tattoo Pete. Pete is the cigar guy with tattoos who makes great cigars with a traditional family.


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine

A SHORT

HISTORY

Boekenhoutskloof originated in 1776. Located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley. The farm's name means "ravine of the Boekenhout" (pronounced Book-n-Howed). Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree prized for furniture making. 

In 1993 the owners restored the farm and homestead, and a new vineyard planting programme started. The program includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon and Viognier.



Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


Chocolate Block 2020

2982 Boekenhoutskloof Barrels

A WINE WITH SECRETS TO KEEP

The style of the wine is a reflection of the Cape climate. The Mediterranean Cape climate suits red blends. The team tweaks the wine from vintage to vintage to reflect the season and the ancient vines. The wine's great character is an integral part of the wine's charm and personality.


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


WINES

As a producer, Boekenhoutskloof is a Syrah specialist. The Chocolate Block, a Syrah-based blend, is one of the most successful new wine offerings in South Africa. The Wolftrap brand of blended Rhone-style wines and Porcupine Ridge range are delicious, everyday wines. These wines are favourites offering great value and superb drinking.

Current 2020 Vintage

The 2019 Chocolate Block is a blend of: 

Syrah (73%) 
Grenache (11%) 
Cinsault (8%) 
Cabernet Sauvignon (7%) 
Viognier (1%) 

Number of barrels produced: 2982 

It is a smooth, full-bodied South African red from the Swartland Wine Region. 

Savoury, ripe with dark berry, cedar spice and smoky flavours on a soft palate. Tannins are firm. 


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


 
Food pairings: 

Bobotje, 
roast chicken Marbella, 
western BBQ chicken, 
vegetable chilli. 

Heavenly Hamburger 

Wine From the region of Franschhoek, South Africa It is a perfumed blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. The wine has bold plum, dark cherry, sweet spice, toast and smokey yumminess. No chocolate is part of the wine's production. 

 This wine is full of dark berries and spices with floral hints on the nose. The aromas carry through the palate with a velvety mouthfeel, complex dark fruit and hints of chocolate. It is well balanced with a long lingering smooth finish. 

The wine is super dependable and always delicious. A blend of 64% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 11% Cinsault, 10% Cabernet and 1% Viognier.

It's aromatic with a perfumed violet note. Tannins are firm but ripe, and this wine will enjoy some ageing or decanting. Full-bodied, meaty and inviting. The Chocolate Block is delicious with ripe blackberry, woody spice, and meaty flavours.

Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing

Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block


Chocolate Block 2020 Wine Aroma


figs 
orange
raisins 
cheese
dark fruits
dark berries 
black current 


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


Chocolate Block 2020 Taste

very fruity

smooth mouthfeel 

sweet ripe red peach skins 
squashed ripe blackberries 

Chocolate develops strong and lingers on the aftertaste with fresh fruity acidity and camembert cheese creaminess.


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar

It starts bold with nuttiness, toastiness, charcoal, and fresh earthy tastes. Construction is super and firm. There's a woodiness along with lingering savoury tastes. 

All in all, it's a complex profile cigar.


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


Tatuaje Reserva Dry Aroma

Prominent flavours: 

figs 
biltong 
walnuts 
savoury taste 
wet rainy grass
bush and dry grass 
dried salted caramel.
  

Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


Tatuaje Reserva Dry Draw

pastry 
caramel 
marmelade 
sweet dried fruit 

The dry draw gives a lingering aftertaste of cheese.

Tatuaje Reserva First Puff

The first puff is big. It is a slow and frim smoke. The cigar gives creamy dried caramel and dried fruit flavours. There is an aftertaste of rich camembert cheese. It is a full-strength cigar with full flavours.


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


Tatuaje Reserva Scents

The cigar's toasty aroma blends into a rich, savoury, cured, meaty aroma.

Tatuaje Reserva Evolution

The Tatuaje Reserva is a dense, slow smoking cigar. It is a bold muscle cigar. The cigar has a glowy, oily and veiny wrapper. It is not a cigar for a first-time smoker. The smoke experience offers a complex, rich, bold and full-strength cigar.


Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


Chocolate Block 2020 Tatuaje Reserva Pairing

The wine aftertaste has savoury, tobacco and cocoa flavours paired with the cigar's cheese and meaty flavours. The pairing offers dry tobacco and straw grass flavours.

Prominent pairing tastes:

meaty 
caramel 
aged meat 
charred oak 
blackberries 
smokey meat 
rich barbecue 
full smokey flavours 
smoked and cured meat

Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing


Pairing conclusion

The cigar is a delicious rich meaty flavoured cigar. The smoke offers lingering french camembert tastes. The pairing blends flavours of sweet marinated barbecue sauce and smokey meat to offer a bold cigar.

 If you have been waiting for a complex muscle cigar, smoke The Tatuaje Reserva J21. 



Tatuaje Reserva J21 Cigar & Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block wine pairing