This cigar was sent to me by a buddy from online cigar forums. It is another stick from our Seahawks vs. Patriots bet. I have had the TAA 2014, and 2015, so I was excited that he sent the newest release.
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 6 1/4 x 50 (Box Press Toro)
MSRP: $12
Only select shops can carry these cigars as they have to be a member of TAA. The Angels Anvil is a box press cigar, which I always enjoy, with a very dark oily wrapper. It also has a closed foot (wrapper folds around the end you light), which is also something unique I dig. The Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro will not win any beauty contests, as it sports a slightly thicker and a more rough wrapper. The draw is perfect with a punch cut.
The flavors in the TAA's beginning are that of espresso, dark chocolate, smoky cedar, black pepper, and a little bit of sweetness. This profile sounds fantastic, and it is good, but it seems to lack some age. A little age would take all of these wonderful flavor notes and meld them together a little more so they aren't so prickish (probably not a word), and can become more soft. The burn line seems on point, the draw is perfect, and the smoke is nice and cloudy.
The flavor nuances towards the halfway point do not change very much, they just concentrate a bit more. At this point the TAA is not quite bitter, but seems like it's starting to get there. Again, I think this is due to tobacco that could have been cured longer. It isn't disappointing by any means, but it is becoming a one dimensional darker cigar at this point.
Overall I liked the releases of the 2014 and 2015 much better than this one. The Angels Anvil 2016 was modeled more after the 2012 release, which I have not smoked. The 2012 release was also a stronger blend. The body on this 2016 was definitely more full and produced than the 2014, and 2015. The TAA 2016 would benefit from 6 months to a year of rest. I rate Tatuaje The Angels Anvil 2016 a 7.5 out of 10.
