Tasting Note

There's a secondary white band wrapped around the corners of the box-pressed Sumatra Tatuaje Cojonu 2012. This is not an age statement. Nor does the secondary band indicate limited-edition status. Last year, it came in three wrapper varieties—Habano, Broadleaf and Sumatra. All three share the same internal Nicaraguan tobacco components, but the Sumatra version is so distinctive with its interplay of black pepper, espresso and cocoa powder flavor, that it landed the No. 9 spot in our Top 25 list.At 6 1/2 inches by 52 ring, the Cojonu 2012 is the same size as the first Cojonu released almost 10 years ago, only this release is box pressed. According to brand owner Pete Johnson the box pressing reduces the airflow thereby concentrating the smoke. The size also holds sentimental value to Johnson as it was not only the original vitola, but a size that was otherwise only smoked around the factory for family and friends.Pronounced Koh-ho-NU, the term is Cuban slang for someone who is brash or ballsy. A Cojonu cigar has been released every three years since 2003. Last year, that came to an end. Johnson decided to stop making any new Cojonu sizes. That's not to say that he's cancelled the Cojonu line. To the contrary, all previous Cojonus will continue to be made and circulated like any other brand.