Tatuaje Monster Series The Boris Review

Overview

In the pantheon of limited-edition cigar releases, few series command the cult following—or the genuine critical respect—of Tatuaje’s Monster Series. Conceived by Pete Johnson as an annual Halloween tradition, each installment channels a horror icon into a distinct vitola and blend, and The Boris is among the most accomplished entries in the lineup. Named in homage to Boris Karloff, the actor synonymous with Frankenstein’s monster, this cigar embodies the spirit of classic horror: theatrical, darkly compelling, and built with an artistry that rewards close attention. The Boris is presented as a perfecto—a 6.0 x 52 format with a tapered foot and closed head—a vitola that demands exceptional rolling skill, and one that My Father Cigars in Estelí executes with precision. Wrapped in a Nicaraguan Habano Colorado leaf of medium-dark, reddish-brown hue, the cigar offers a silky, lightly oily sheen that promises complexity. Beneath that lies a Nicaraguan binder and a blend of long-fillers sourced from Jalapa and Estelí, marrying the rich earth of the former with the power of the latter. The Boris is not merely a costume; it is a showcase of mature, well-integrated Nicaraguan tobacco at a medium-full strength that never overwhelms. From the first puff, the tapered foot delivers a burst of toasted cedar and dry cocoa, followed by savory earth and a red pepper spice that dances on the retrohale. As the perfecto opens, roasted espresso and a building creaminess create a remarkably balanced first third—approachable despite its depth. By the second third, the cigar reveals its heart: dark chocolate, leather, dried cherry, and plum unfold in a seamless procession. The pepper softens, replaced by woody nuttiness and a faint herbal undercurrent; the draw becomes velvet-smooth, and smoke pours thick and fragrant. This is the apex of the experience, where the blend reaches its full, harmonious stride. In the final third, as the perfecto tapers toward its closed head, the flavors concentrate dramatically. Espresso, bittersweet cocoa, and charred oak dominate, while a lingering dark-molasses sweetness and a returning assertive pepper keep the finish compelling without harshness. The construction is characteristically flawless—even burn, minimal touch-ups, a tight ash that holds for over an inch. The Boris is not a gimmick; it is a legitimate, age-worthy Nicaraguan perfecto dressed in Halloween regalia, and it stands as a testament to Johnson’s insistence that novelty never trump substance. For the collector, missing the annual release is a perennial regret; secondary market prices reflect genuine demand, not mere hype. This is a cigar for the aficionado who seeks both a conversation piece and a profound smoking experience.