Most folks think Jon's favorite cigars were Opus X, and they would be right in the sense that he was a big time Opus whore. That being said, if you had asked him what he felt his ultimate favorite cigar was, he would have told you if he could smoke just one cigar only, it would be the Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario. Due to the rarity and price, however, he only could smoke them on the rare occasion. He and I were supposed to get together and smoke a couple of them so I could experience what he raved about, but before we could his life took a severe bad turn and we stopped talking after we couldn't agree on something. That was about a year prior to his passing, and looking back I realize how stupid we were for not just hashing it out and getting past the issue. I wish I had, because I will never have the chance to tell him how sorry I am. Once I found out what happened, I immediately went to my local B&M, where I knew a box of these cigars was at. I had always looked at them longingly, but couldn't bring myself to spend the money as financially I was tight. That day though, I didn't care if I couldn't afford it, I went to buy that cigar. Once I'm the shop, what had been a nearly full box a week prior was now one lone stick. It was as if it was waiting for me. I nearly broke down in the humidor, and upon explaining the significance to my tobacconist, he clapped me on the back and told me to take that cigar, and a few others, his treat. Myself and fellow LEO brother went back to my house, poured a couple tall glasses of scotch and sat back. It's been a long time since I've reviewed a cigar, and I used to write a lot of them here. All that being said, on to the review I wish I had done with my best friend and brother:
Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario, Double Robusto 2008 (52 x 5 3/4): 10 cigars per box, MSRP $299.00
Pre-light: Top notch construction, which I'd expect for the price and manufacturer. Fuente to me is rivaled by few in terms of quality, such as Padron and Davidoff. Everything from the presentation, feel, weight and smell exudes luxury and quality. This cigar says, "I'm smoking the best, money doesn't mean shit." The cap is a perfect triple seam, and the cigar has a nice springy feel when given the squeeze test. The smell from the wrapper reminds me of an Opus, having that sweet, raw honey like scent. The wrapper has a good amount of oils to it, and is expertly wrapped. The foot is nicely done, not giving any indication to being under or overfilled. Once the head has been clipped, the cold draw has a perfect resistance and carries a faint taste of the way the wrapper smells. It seems familiar in an Opus way, but with a more subtle, refined taste I couldn't put my finger on.
Strength: From the start, I could tell this is a powerhouse cigar. Not in your face strength, but a more, "You may not feel me now...but I'm going to smack you at the end" kind of way. Like the difference between a classic raw muscle car power and a modern Shelby GT500; smooth, yet it's sucking you into the seat.
Taste: I've smoked many an Opus, and I'd say this cigar reminds me of the more well aged ones I've had. I don't care for fresh Opus sticks, which may be snobbish, but with a couple years of down time they become pure gems. Raw tobacco, honey, a slight white pepper were the prominent flavors. If you are looking for complexity and warm granola smoothies, you won't find that shit here. This cigar makes no mistakes at what it is: pure, top notch tobacco. It was consistent from first puff to finger scorching finish.
Overall Impression: If you want a cigar that will knock your socks off, this delivers. Granted, it was tough to remain objective due to the circumstances behind the review, and I'm sure that played into my enjoyment regardless, I still feel this cigar was outstanding. Everything about it is perfection, and it is a great choice for a special smoke. Highly recommended, a solid 10/10.
Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario, Double Robusto 2008 (52 x 5 3/4): 10 cigars per box, MSRP $299.00
Pre-light: Top notch construction, which I'd expect for the price and manufacturer. Fuente to me is rivaled by few in terms of quality, such as Padron and Davidoff. Everything from the presentation, feel, weight and smell exudes luxury and quality. This cigar says, "I'm smoking the best, money doesn't mean shit." The cap is a perfect triple seam, and the cigar has a nice springy feel when given the squeeze test. The smell from the wrapper reminds me of an Opus, having that sweet, raw honey like scent. The wrapper has a good amount of oils to it, and is expertly wrapped. The foot is nicely done, not giving any indication to being under or overfilled. Once the head has been clipped, the cold draw has a perfect resistance and carries a faint taste of the way the wrapper smells. It seems familiar in an Opus way, but with a more subtle, refined taste I couldn't put my finger on.
Strength: From the start, I could tell this is a powerhouse cigar. Not in your face strength, but a more, "You may not feel me now...but I'm going to smack you at the end" kind of way. Like the difference between a classic raw muscle car power and a modern Shelby GT500; smooth, yet it's sucking you into the seat.
Taste: I've smoked many an Opus, and I'd say this cigar reminds me of the more well aged ones I've had. I don't care for fresh Opus sticks, which may be snobbish, but with a couple years of down time they become pure gems. Raw tobacco, honey, a slight white pepper were the prominent flavors. If you are looking for complexity and warm granola smoothies, you won't find that shit here. This cigar makes no mistakes at what it is: pure, top notch tobacco. It was consistent from first puff to finger scorching finish.
Overall Impression: If you want a cigar that will knock your socks off, this delivers. Granted, it was tough to remain objective due to the circumstances behind the review, and I'm sure that played into my enjoyment regardless, I still feel this cigar was outstanding. Everything about it is perfection, and it is a great choice for a special smoke. Highly recommended, a solid 10/10.
