AshMap
Overview
The Tatuaje Monster Series The Jason stands as one of the most anticipated limited releases in premium cigars—a annual Halloween tradition that has earned its place among collectors and serious aficionados alike. Crafted at the esteemed My Father factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, this torpedo-format offering represents Pete Johnson's masterful ability to balance raw power with genuine complexity. The Jason arrives draped in a medium-dark Nicaraguan Habano Colorado wrapper with a silky texture and subtle tooth, signaling the quality construction within. What makes The Jason particularly noteworthy among its Monster Series siblings is its approachability; it delivers the boldness Johnson's brand is known for without sacrificing the nuanced flavor progression that separates memorable cigars from merely strong ones.
From the first light, The Jason announces itself with authority. The opening third explodes with roasted espresso, dark cocoa, and aged cedar, punctuated by assertive black pepper on the retrohale. Yet this is no one-dimensional brute—underpinning notes of dry earth and charred oak add dimension, while the torpedo's precision-cut cap ensures a firm, even draw that produces thick, billowing smoke. The cigar's construction, consistent with My Father factory standards, is impeccable; the burn line tracks evenly, and the salt-and-pepper ash holds firm, requiring minimal touch-ups over its 60-75 minute duration.
As The Jason progresses into the second and final thirds, its true character emerges. The aggressive pepper mellows into integration, allowing dark cherry, leather, and toasted nuts to rise into focus. A creamy development softens the intensity, and subtle sweetness—reminiscent of dried fruit or molasses—surfaces on the finish. The final third deepens further, with dark chocolate and espresso grounds providing a rich foundation, while aged leather and pronounced earthiness linger on a spicy retrohale. Remarkably, despite the full strength rating, the finish never turns harsh; instead, it settles into long, slightly sweet satisfaction. This is a cigar worth collecting in quantity: age half your box for three to five years, and smoke the rest fresh to experience how time transforms its already complex profile.
Cigar Specifications
| Wrapper | Nicaraguan Habano Colorado — Colorado |
|---|---|
| Binder | Nicaraguan |
| Filler | Nicaraguan (Jalapa, Estelí, Ometepe blend), aged |
| Country of Origin | Estelí, Nicaragua — My Father Cigars factory (La Gran Fábrica Drew Estate era production; later My Father) |
| Vitola / Shape | Torpedo |
| Size | 6.0 x 52 |
| Strength | Full |
| Price | $18–$24 per cigar |
| Tier | Prestige |
| Aging | Released annually around Halloween; limited production with some cellaring potential of 3–5 years; rested at factory pri |
Tasting Notes & Flavor Progression
First Third
Opens with a bold hit of roasted espresso, dark cocoa, and aged cedar. A generous dose of black pepper rides the retrohale, with underpinning notes of dry earth and a touch of charred oak. The torpedo cap draws with precision, delivering a firm, flavorful smoke from the first light.
Second Third
The pepper integrates and mellows into a more nuanced profile as notes of dark cherry, leather, and toasted nuts emerge. Creaminess begins to develop mid-cigar, softening the edges and adding complexity. A subtle sweetness — reminiscent of dried fruit or dark molasses — surfaces on the finish.
Final Third
The final third intensifies with deep, rich notes of dark chocolate, espresso grounds, and aged leather. Earthiness becomes more pronounced, joined by a lingering spice on the retrohale. The finish is long, slightly sweet, and satisfying — never harsh despite the strength increase.
Construction, Burn & Draw
Construction is consistently excellent given My Father factory standards — the draw is open but not loose, producing thick, billowing smoke. The burn line is even with a firm, salt-and-pepper ash that holds well past an inch; minimal touch-ups required.
Pairing Recommendations
Spirit
Aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 18 Year), or a peated Scotch single malt such as Laphroaig 10 — the smoke and earth of both complement the cigar's bold profile perfectly
Wine
Zinfandel or a robust Malbec from Mendoza — the dark fruit and spice in both varieties mirror the cigar's mid-palate complexity
Non-Alcoholic
Double espresso or a dark roast cold brew — the coffee notes in the cigar are amplified and harmonized beautifully
Who Should Smoke This?
The Jason appeals to seasoned aficionados with the palate and patience to appreciate its evolving complexity—this is not an entry-level experience, despite being the most approachable Monster Series offering. It rewards those with 60–75 minutes to spare during an unhurried evening session, ideally as a special occasion smoke tied to its Halloween release or personal milestone. Collectors will prioritize securing a box for its limited annual production and cellaring potential, though The Jason deserves to be smoked, not merely hoarded. If you gravitate toward full-bodied Nicaraguan profiles and appreciate the interplay between power and nuance, this torpedo is essential smoking.
Bottom Line
The Tatuaje Monster Series The Jason is a masterwork of balance—bold enough to satisfy power-seekers, complex enough to reward contemplation, and rare enough to merit pursuit. This is a limited-release cigar that transcends its annual release cycle to claim permanent status in the canon of premium smoking. Seek it out, buy a box, and smoke it.
Similar Cigars
Explore all Tatuaje Monster Series cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Jason a strong cigar?
Yes. The Jason carries a full-bodied strength rating of 4 out of 5, delivering bold roasted espresso, dark cocoa, and assertive black pepper from the opening. However, the strength never overshadows the cigar's complexity, and the finish remains smooth despite the intensity.
What does The Jason taste like?
The flavor profile opens with roasted espresso, dark cocoa, and aged cedar with black pepper on the retrohale. Mid-cigar introduces dark cherry, leather, and toasted nuts with creamy notes and subtle sweetness. The final third deepens with dark chocolate, espresso grounds, and aged leather, finishing with lingering spice and a slightly sweet, satisfying conclusion.
How long does The Jason take to smoke?
The Jason is a 6.0 x 52 torpedo that delivers 60–75 minutes of smoking time, making it ideal for an unhurried evening session when you can fully appreciate its evolving flavor progression.
What is the best pairing for The Jason?
Spirits: aged Nicaraguan rum (Flor de Caña 18 Year) or peated Scotch single malt (Laphroaig 10). Wine: Zinfandel or robust Malbec from Mendoza. Non-alcoholic: double espresso or dark roast cold brew to amplify the cigar's coffee notes.
Is The Jason good for beginners?
No. While The Jason is the most approachable entry in the Monster Series, its full strength and complex profile make it best suited for experienced aficionados who appreciate nuanced flavor development and have the palate for bold, full-bodied cigars.
Where can I buy The Jason?
The Tatuaje Monster Series The Jason is released annually in very limited quantities around Halloween. It is typically available through authorized Tatuaje retailers and premium cigar specialists, though availability is highly restricted due to its limited production run.
What is the price of The Jason?
The Jason retails for $18–$24 per cigar, positioning it in the prestige tier of premium cigars—a reasonable investment given its limited annual release and quality.
Is The Jason worth aging?
Absolutely. The Jason has cellaring potential of 3–5 years. The recommendation is to age half your box while smoking the rest fresh to compare how time transforms its already complex profile and allows flavors to integrate further.
What wrapper does The Jason use?
The Jason is wrapped in a Nicaraguan Habano Colorado with a medium-dark reddish-brown color, silky texture, and subtle tooth—a wrapper that signals quality construction and flavor depth.
Where is The Jason made?
The Jason is hand-rolled in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the My Father Cigars factory (originally produced under the Drew Estate era at La Gran Fábrica). It features a Nicaraguan binder and a filler blend of aged tobacco from Jalapa, Estelí, and Ometepe.