Tatuaje La Mission L’atelier

Tatuaje La Mission L’Atelier

The Tatuaje La Mission L’Atelier represents Pete Johnson’s masterful homage to Château La Mission Haut-Brion, one of Bordeaux’s most revered wine estates. Produced at the My Father Cigars S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, this box-pressed creation earned its place as Cigar Aficionado’s No. 4 Cigar of 2020 with an exceptional 96-point rating. The collaboration between Johnson and the García family has yielded a cigar that captures both old-world elegance and new-world intensity.

• Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper delivers rich, velvety texture with natural sweetness
• Features rare Sancti Spiritus leaf in the filler for distinctive flavor complexity
• Box-pressed format with ornate band design and traditional pigtail cap
• 96-point rating from Cigar Aficionado, ranked No. 4 Cigar of 2020
• Available in three vitolas: 1959 (4.75 x 52), 1989 (5.62 x 54), 2009 (6.5 x 56)
• Medium-to-full bodied profile with exceptional balance and progression

The dark, toothy San Andrés wrapper immediately announces this cigar’s serious intentions. Each vitola in the La Mission L’Atelier line showcases meticulous construction standards that have become synonymous with the My Father factory. The initial draw reveals waves of black pepper and baking spices before transitioning into a symphony of caramel sweetness, salted nuts, and Venezuelan-style dark chocolate. This interplay between sweet and savory notes creates an engaging palate experience that evolves through each third.

What sets La Mission L’Atelier apart from other maduro-wrapped Nicaraguan puros is the inclusion of Sancti Spiritus tobacco in the filler blend. This particular leaf, grown in a specific region of Nicaragua, contributes a creamy, almost syrupy texture that binds the diverse flavor components together. As the cigar progresses, notes of aged cedar, espresso beans, black cherry preserves, and dried prunes emerge, creating layers of complexity that reveal themselves with each retrohale.

The construction quality reflects the García family’s commitment to excellence, with each cigar maintaining a razor-sharp burn line and producing voluminous smoke output. The draw resistance sits perfectly in the sweet spot, requiring minimal maintenance throughout the smoking experience. This attention to detail extends to the presentation, with each cigar adorned with an ornate band design that pays tribute to the wine estate that inspired the blend.

Summary

• Box Count: 18
• Region: Nicaragua
• Strength: Medium-to-Full
• Binder: Nicaraguan
• Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés Maduro
• Filler: Nicaraguan (including Sancti Spiritus leaf)

What makes the Tatuaje La Mission L’Atelier special?

The combination of Mexican San Andrés wrapper and Sancti Spiritus leaf in the filler creates a unique flavor profile that earned this cigar a 96-point rating from Cigar Aficionado. The wine-inspired branding and meticulous construction at My Father Cigars S.A. add to its premium positioning.

How does the flavor profile develop throughout the smoke?

The cigar opens with bold pepper and spice before transitioning to balanced notes of caramel, salted nuts, and dark chocolate. The final third introduces cedar, espresso, black cherry, and prune notes with a creamy texture that persists through the finish.

Which size La Mission L’Atelier should I choose?

The 1959 (4.75 x 52) offers a concentrated 45-minute experience, the 1989 (5.62 x 54) provides the best balance at around 75 minutes, while the 2009 (6.5 x 56) delivers the fullest flavor development over 90 minutes.

Is this cigar suitable for newer cigar smokers?

While approachable, the medium-to-full strength and complex flavor transitions make this better suited for experienced palates. Newer smokers might want to eat beforehand and pair it with a sweet beverage.

What distinguishes Sancti Spiritus tobacco?

Sancti Spiritus leaf, grown in specific Nicaraguan regions, adds a distinctive creamy, syrupy quality to the blend. This tobacco contributes to the cigar’s smooth texture and helps marry the diverse flavor components.

How should I store La Mission L’Atelier cigars?

Store at 65-70% humidity and 65-70°F. The Mexican San Andrés wrapper benefits from slightly lower humidity than typical Connecticut shade cigars, which helps maintain the wrapper’s oils and prevents over-humidification.

What beverage pairings work best?

The sweet and savory profile pairs excellently with aged rum, bourbon, or port wine. Coffee drinks like cortados or cappuccinos complement the chocolate and espresso notes, while the wine-inspired heritage makes Bordeaux reds a natural match.

How does La Mission L’Atelier compare to other Tatuaje releases?

This release showcases more refinement and balance than many Tatuaje limited editions. The maduro wrapper provides richness without overwhelming the palate, making it more approachable than the brand’s fuller-bodied offerings while maintaining complexity.