Tatuaje Surrogates Bone Crusher
Posted on April 26 2021
Vitola: 5.25x55 | Smoking Time: 81 min | Cigars Smoked: 3 | Body: Full | MSRP: $8.50
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf | Binder/Filler: Nicaraguan
Surrogates is another brand from Pete Johnson, most notably known for Tatuaje. Each Surrogate has its own unique vitola and name. The line leans full-bodied but varies from medium to full.
Visual Inspection: Classic Broadleaf-esque — toothy, dark chocolate brown with slight marbling and just enough oil. Minimal soft veins make seams invisible. No soft spots. The 55 ring gauge is a great way to experience all aspects of the tobacco. Foot: heavy coffee beans, barnyard, charred wood, chocolate. Cold draw: muted barnyard and chocolate.
First Third: Flavors aren’t terribly strong at first — muted dark chocolate, espresso, and wood. Tight draw but not a fight. Walnut, espresso, dry earth, and subtle plum push through. When the cigar rests, barbecue sauce and brown sugar surface. Burn line wonky from the tight draw.
Second Third: Flavors finally ramp up. Strong espresso, dark chocolate, wood, mixed nuts, and brown sugar take charge. Complexity is deep — each note complements the others well. Strong char pushes through the consistent base. Burn line evens out after a touch-up.
Final Third: Char and brown sugar lead, met with espresso, wood, mixed nuts, and dark chocolate. Salt and pepper peek through the veil of sweet and charred flavors. Salt lingers on the lips, pepper in the nose. Retrohale: brown sugar and espresso.
Final Thoughts: I have yet to find a Surrogate I don’t enjoy. From the Tramp Stamp to the Skull Breaker, each has its own unique profile. Starting calm, the Bone Crusher ramps up into a complex and enjoyable full-body experience. A must-add to the humidor.
-Sam
Frequently asked questions
What is the Surrogates line from Tatuaje?
Surrogates is a sub-brand from Pete Johnson (Tatuaje) — each blend has its own distinct profile and name, giving Johnson the freedom to explore styles outside the main Tatuaje lineup. The Bone Crusher, Tramp Stamp, and Skull Breaker are popular entries in the series.
How strong is the Tatuaje Bone Crusher?
Full body — but it builds gradually. The cigar starts relatively calm and ramps up quickly into complex, full-body territory. Experienced smokers will appreciate the progression; those sensitive to nicotine should pace themselves.
How does the Bone Crusher compare to the Skull Breaker?
Both are full-body Surrogates entries with unique profiles. The Bone Crusher features Connecticut Broadleaf — darker and sweeter — while the Skull Breaker uses a different construction. Each Surrogate stands alone as a distinct experience.