Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Corojo
Step into the world of Pete Johnson’s celebrated Cojonu series with the 2012 Corojo edition, a masterpiece that showcases the exceptional Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper grown by the Garcia family. This bold creation represents the continued evolution of the Cojonu line, which has captivated aficionados since its 2003 debut with triennial releases that push the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship.
- Features premium Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper grown by the Garcia family at their renowned farms
- Expertly crafted at My Father Cigars S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua’s Garcia Family Industrial Park
- Box-pressed 6 1/2 x 52 format provides over 90 minutes of complex smoking pleasure
- All-Nicaraguan puro construction showcases the terroir of multiple growing regions
- Limited production in elegant boxes of 21 cigars
- Full-bodied profile with medium-plus strength for experienced enthusiasts
The Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Corojo emerges from the legendary collaboration between Pete Johnson and the Garcia family that began in the early 2000s. Johnson, who transitioned from the Los Angeles music scene to become one of the industry’s most respected boutique brand creators, named his brand Tatuaje (Spanish for “tattoo”) as a reflection of his personal style. The Cojonu name itself, pronounced koh-ho-NU, carries its own colorful backstory rooted in Cuban slang, perfectly capturing the bold character of these exceptional cigars.
This Nicaraguan puro features the prized Corojo wrapper leaf cultivated by the Garcia family in their meticulously managed fields. The wrapper displays a beautiful cinnamon-brown to milk chocolate hue with a seamless construction and light oil sheen that speaks to its quality. Beneath this lustrous exterior lies a core of carefully selected Nicaraguan tobaccos from the fertile regions of Estelí, Jalapa, and potentially Namanji, each contributing distinct characteristics to the complex flavor profile.
Upon lighting, the Cojonu 2012 Corojo delivers an immediate burst of classic Corojo character with spiced earthiness and cedar taking center stage. The flavor journey evolves through notes of woodsy mesquite, dark fruit sweetness reminiscent of figs and raisins, subtle citrus acidity, and a distinctive salty-nutty quality that adds depth. The retrohale offers buttery smoothness punctuated by white pepper, while espresso and grilled meat flavors emerge as the cigar develops. A creamy, sweet bread undertone provides balance throughout the experience, making each draw both robust and refined.
The Garcia family’s expertise shines through in every aspect of this cigar’s construction. The box-pressed format ensures excellent draw resistance while the burn remains razor-sharp throughout the lengthy smoking session. Smoke production is abundant, creating thick, aromatic clouds that fill the room with rich tobacco essence. This level of construction quality reflects the vertical integration at My Father Cigars, where the family controls every step from seed to finished product at their state-of-the-art facility that now produces over 20 million cigars annually.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vitola | Box-Pressed Toro |
| Dimensions | 6 1/2 inches x 52 ring gauge |
| Wrapper Origin | Nicaragua (Corojo) |
| Binder Origin | Nicaragua |
| Filler Origin | Nicaragua |
| Factory | My Father Cigars S.A., Estelí |
| Box Format | 21 cigars per box |
| Smoking Time | 90+ minutes |
Summary
- Box Count: 21
- Region: Nicaragua
- Strength: Medium-Plus to Full
- Binder: Nicaraguan
- Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
- Filler: Nicaraguan
What makes the Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Corojo special compared to other Cojonu editions?
The Corojo edition features a unique Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper grown by the Garcia family, which delivers distinctive woodsy mesquite notes, spiced earthiness, and dark fruit sweetness that sets it apart from the Habano, Broadleaf, Sumatra, and Tuxtla versions in the 2012 series.
How long should I age Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Corojo cigars?
While these cigars are enjoyable fresh, many aficionados find that 6-12 months of additional aging mellows the spice and allows the complex flavors to marry beautifully. The robust construction ensures they age gracefully for several years.
What distinguishes the box-pressed format of the Cojonu 2012?
The box-pressed shape provides a comfortable feel in hand, ensures consistent burn performance, and may concentrate flavors differently than round cigars, often resulting in a more focused flavor delivery and improved draw resistance.
Is the Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Corojo suitable for newer cigar smokers?
This full-bodied, medium-plus strength cigar is best appreciated by experienced smokers who can handle its robust profile. Newcomers might find it overwhelming and should consider starting with milder offerings before working up to this powerhouse.
What foods pair well with the Cojonu 2012 Corojo?
The earthy, spicy profile pairs excellently with aged rum, single malt Scotch, or bourbon. For food, consider grilled meats, dark chocolate, aged cheeses, or coffee-rubbed desserts that complement its rich character.
How does the Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper affect the flavor profile?
Nicaraguan Corojo wrapper tobacco brings signature spiced earthiness, cedar notes, and a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the Nicaraguan core tobaccos, creating layers of complexity with mesquite and dark fruit undertones.
What is the best way to cut and light a Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Corojo?
Use a straight cut or V-cut for the box-pressed format to maintain structural integrity. Toast the foot thoroughly before lighting to ensure even combustion, taking your time to properly warm the tobacco for optimal flavor development.
Are Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Corojo cigars limited production?
While not technically limited editions, these are produced in smaller quantities than mass-market cigars. The 2012 series recently transitioned from 25-count cabinets to 21-count boxes, and availability depends on production schedules at My Father Cigars.








Justin White (verified owner) –
I was super excited to see this for sale, and was not at all disappointed in the purchase. The cigar smokes beautifully, great construction all the way through, tons of smoke production, great burn. The flavors were everything I expected and more, that slightly woodsy mesquite touch from the corojo, dark fruit sweetness reminiscing of figs or raisins, a little citrus acidity, and the classic pepper profile from the Garcia Factory. Strength is medium, body and flavor are medium full.
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Robusto (verified owner) –
Definitely was surprised at how light and different this one was compared to the usual Tats. Cedar, subtle spice, bread notes, creaminess, and some sweetness at the finish. A solid stick honestly!
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davelagerstedt (verified owner) –
The cojonu corojo’ flavor is on the full side, but smooth. The body is full and strength is medium-plus. Throughout the cigar the flavors I experienced are earth, cedar, a salty nutty flavor, touch of spice, and a sweet creamy note. The retro was buttery smooth with a slight peppery burn on the back end. I highly recommend this cigar.
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DC (verified owner) –
The Tatuaje Cojonu 2012 Corojo is a powerhouse. Its bold, in-your-face profile is not for the faint of heart. Expect a mix of rich, complex flavors that evolve with every puff. A true testament to the Corojo leaf, this cigar delivers a satisfyingly robust experience.
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
Nice corojo. Was super excited to see this and had to have. I was not disappointed in this. Classic corojo flavors. Spiced earthiness, cedar and light coffee. This smoked wonderfully. Great draw, smoke output was awesome and burn line was spot on. I enjoy most of what the cojonu line offers and this was another winner
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mhatz (verified owner) –
I rarely reach for this size but reviews have been positive thus far so I added a single to my last order.
Beautiful box press with a great draw. Flawless burn despite it being 95% humidity out. The notes are sweet bread, tobacco, and a tangy malt finish. A nice light pepper is on the retro. I’d rank this mild to medium in body. A beautiful cigar worth checking out if you’re a fan of the Verocu blue.
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