Tatuaje Reserva J21 Broadleaf
The Tatuaje Reserva J21 represents Pete Johnson’s masterful interpretation of Connecticut Broadleaf, produced at the Garcia family’s My Father Cigars factory in EstelÃ, Nicaragua. This collaboration between two of the industry’s most respected names yields a cigar that exemplifies the rich, earthy character broadleaf enthusiasts seek.
- Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper delivers deep cocoa and earth notes with natural sweetness
- J21 vitola offers concentrated flavor in a shorter smoking format
- Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos provide full-bodied complexity
- Crafted at My Father Cigars factory with meticulous construction standards
- Part of Tatuaje’s acclaimed Reserva line featuring select vintage tobaccos
- Available in 25-count boxes with 10-count options for sampling
The J21 vitola showcases the Tatuaje Reserva blend in a format that concentrates its flavor profile while maintaining exceptional balance. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, sourced from the fertile Connecticut River Valley, presents a dark, oily appearance that signals the intensity within. Each cigar undergoes careful selection and hand-rolling by the Garcia family’s skilled torcedores, ensuring consistent construction across every example.
On the palate, this Reserva expression opens with pronounced earth and cocoa notes characteristic of quality broadleaf. The Nicaraguan core tobaccos contribute leather undertones and a subtle spice that builds gradually through the smoke. The J21’s ring gauge allows optimal air flow, enhancing the natural sweetness of the wrapper while maintaining the blend’s full-bodied character. Smoke production remains generous throughout, with the white ash holding firm between sections.
Pete Johnson developed the Reserva line to showcase specific wrapper varietals at their peak expression. The broadleaf version stands as one of the most sought-after in the series, particularly in this J21 format that many aficionados consider the ideal size for the blend. The collaboration with the Garcia family ensures access to prime Nicaraguan tobaccos from their extensive inventory, including carefully aged ligero that provides the cigar’s robust backbone without overwhelming the nuanced wrapper characteristics.
| Vitola | J21 |
|---|---|
| Origin | Nicaragua |
| Factory | My Father Cigars |
| Wrapper Type | Connecticut Broadleaf |
| Binder Origin | Nicaragua |
| Filler Composition | Nicaraguan Tobaccos |
| Strength Profile | Full Bodied |
| Production | Regular Production |
Summary
- Box Count: 25 (10 count option available)
- Region: Nicaragua
- Strength: Full Bodied
- Binder: Nicaragua
- Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
- Filler: Nicaragua
What makes the Tatuaje Reserva J21 Broadleaf special?
The J21 vitola concentrates the Reserva broadleaf blend into a shorter format that intensifies the wrapper’s cocoa and earth characteristics while maintaining perfect balance with the Nicaraguan core tobaccos.
How does Connecticut Broadleaf affect the flavor profile?
Connecticut Broadleaf contributes deep earth, cocoa, and natural sweetness to the blend. The dark, oily wrapper provides rich flavor notes that complement the spicy Nicaraguan tobaccos beneath.
Is this cigar suitable for newer smokers?
The full-bodied strength profile makes this better suited for experienced smokers. Those new to broadleaf might start with medium-bodied options before progressing to this robust blend.
What distinguishes the J21 vitola from other Reserva sizes?
The J21’s specific dimensions create an ideal wrapper-to-filler ratio that many consider the perfect expression of the blend, offering concentrated flavor in a format that smokes in about 45-60 minutes.
How should I store Tatuaje Reserva broadleaf cigars?
Store at 65-68% humidity to preserve the broadleaf wrapper’s oils. These cigars benefit from rest after shipping and can develop additional complexity with proper aging.
What makes My Father Cigars the ideal factory for this blend?
The Garcia family’s expertise with Nicaraguan tobacco and their meticulous construction standards ensure each Reserva maintains consistent quality. Their extensive tobacco inventory allows access to properly aged leaves essential for this blend.
Can I purchase these in smaller quantities?
Yes, 10-count boxes are available alongside the standard 25-count packaging, allowing you to sample the blend before committing to a full box.
What pairs well with the Tatuaje Reserva J21 Broadleaf?
The earthy, cocoa notes pair excellently with bourbon, aged rum, or espresso. The full body also stands up well to porter or stout beers.








Justin White (verified owner) –
I love broadleaf, and I haven’t had a reserva in any vitola that I didnt enjoy. The regios is my go to, it hits such a nice sweet spot for the blend and it’s readily available so I can keep it in rotation, but these J21s are really something special too. The smoke output from the bigger ring and the more open draw seems to make this size exhibit a little more sweetness from the broadleaf as long as you take your time with it. Other than that there doesn’t seem to be many changes in the profile here, which is just fine with me. Lovely smoke.
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Robusto (verified owner) –
Wasn’t too blown away with this one. Could it be better possibly with more rest time. Some earth, nutty tones, some pepper, subtle coffee notes. Definitely will have to revisit this one again and see where it goes.
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Shawn Burridge (verified owner) –
Another hit from Tatuaje. Wanted to try this specific vitola for times when I need a shorter smoke. It is just as amazing as the larger vitola and nothing is lost flavor wise.
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