PCA Magazine 2022 Show Issue

44 PCA The Magazine | VOLUME 2 2022 PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG and organizations. Among those is the Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA) for whom Johnson has produced an exclusive cigar since 2011. Johnson donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of those cigars directly to the TAA. One of Johnson’s favorite ways to experiment with tobacco is to gauge the impact of different types of wrapper leaf on any particular blend. He most recently demonstrated this with the release of the T110 (“Thermonuclear”) as a limited edition. Originally a store exclusive in an Ecuador Habano wrapper, the re-release now offers the 4 3/8 x 52 short robusto as a series in three wrappers: Habano, Reserva (Connecticut Broadleaf ) and Capa Especial (Sumatra). “I like to see how the different types of wrapper can influence the effect of the cigar on the palate,” says Johnson. This year Johnson has expanded his largesse to creating an Exclusive cigar for our trade organization. While working on the blend for this year’s TAA Exclusive, Johnson was inspired to produce a modification of that cigar for the PCA. Both cigars are a box pressed, 5 3/8 x 52 Robusto, but where the TAA version utilizes a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, the PCA Exclusive is draped with an Ecuador Sumatra cover leaf. This is the leaf that Johnson uses in several of his limited releases, and is referred to as Capa Especial. According to Johnson, “The Sumatra gives the blend a different note of spice and adds a little cream, and the fillers are a blend of Viso and Ligero grown by the Garcias frommultiple regions including Jalapa and Estelí. “Since 2003, we have always used two binders on every cigar in the factory. The second binder affects flavor, aroma, combustion and the structure of the cigar.” When questioned about the somewhat unique proportions of a 5 3/8” x 52 robusto, Johnson offers: “I like to complicate things, but the size is an homage to the Montecristo Edmundo.” You can almost see the smile on his face as he confesses his preference for the unusual, while at the same time showing reverence for the grand cigars of the storied Montecristo brand. While there was a Tatuaje PCA cigar at last year’s trade show, it had been in production previously. “We had made them, but I decided to do another batch exclusively for the PCA attendees. This year, this is actually a true, particular cigar being made for PCA. We have done PCA exclusives in the past, but this is the first one where we are contributing a portion of the sale back to the organization, so they can continue the fight against anti-tobacco legislation. We communicate with the PCA on a regular basis in hopes to find new ways to support our retailers.” The limited production of 1,000 boxes will made available only to attendees of the PCA Trade Show, and is anticipated to sell out on the first day. With a slight chuckle, and all due modesty, Johnson advises: “I’m telling retailers if they want the product, they should probably be in my booth within the first hour of the show.” “Pete has always been a strong supporter of PCA and the industry, from his $10,000 donation last year and helping us launch the Product Hub, to pouring his time, energy, money and soul into Handrolled ,” says Scott Pearce, executive director of PCA. “Pete initiated the Exclusive project as a means to put money right back at the local levels of our fight, in the states and communities where PCAmember retailers need the strongest defense.” If you needed a reason other than demonstrating good business acumen to attend the PCA Trade Show this summer, add the Tatuaje PCA Exclusive to the list. But remember, this one-time offer will not last long. See you in Vegas! One of Johnson’s favorite ways to experiment with tobacco is to gauge the impact of different types of wrapper leaf on any particular blend. To learn more about Tatuaje Cigars visit tatuajecigars.com . T A T U A J E & P C A