CRQuarto
Brrraaaiiinnnsss.....
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2009
- Messages
- 1,850
Fuente Fuente Opus X Rising X 2008
Size: 6 1/2" x 64 rg
Wrapper: Dominican
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Strength: Medium
A few months ago, I was gifted this cigar by a truly great brother here, and I can honestly say that it blew me away. I don't know if he wants me to say who it is, so I will let him chime in here if he so chooses to. Needless to say, thank you so very, very much my friend, I can only hope to return the kindness. :thumbs: The following information about the cigar was taken from Moki's website Vitolas.net (an awesome resource, fellow noobs, use it!):
"This cigar was given out at a special private Cigar Aficionado event held in November of 2005 at the Big Smoke in Las Vegas, and also at CFC 2006. Carlito was already working on a cigar to commemorate Cigar Aficionado's 10th Anniversary of Big Smokes in Las Vegas when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.
He decided to make this cigar a tribute to New Orleans, constructing the top of the cigar to look like a rising sun with an X coming out of it, to reflect his hopes for a new day dawning for the good people of New Orleans, who have always been close to his heart. Approximately 100 of these cigars were handed out at each event. What you see here represents his third attempt to create this cigar."
This particular cigar is from 2008, and thus came from one of the 2008 Opus 22 sets.
Pre-Light
What else can be said, other than, "It's an Opus"? The construction on this thing is top notch, a true showcase to the talents of the Fuente master rollers. The little half "X" coming from the top of the cigar is an excellent touch, and I can see the resemblance to the BBMF in its shape, only with a box press (thank you Jon for pointing that out to me, didn't know that!). A good weight in the hand, perfect spring when squeezed, and supple feel to the oily wrapper lent to the overall impression of perfection.
Draw & Burn
Once I grudgingly clipped the head off of this monster of an Opus, I found a good draw with perhaps just a tad bit too tight of resistance, but I had high hopes that once lit it would open up. This was not the case, as once lit the draw actually tightened, forcing me to clip off a bit more which finally opened the draw up perfectly. The burn started off a bit chaotic, but not in a way that is unusual for cigars with this kind of shape. Once the burn progressed past the tapered foot, it straightened out and remained razor sharp for the rest of the smoke. The ash left behind was a light gray with dark gray banding throughout, holding strong until tapped off at an inch.
Flavor Profile
Once cut, I found a cold draw that carried a taste on it I can only associate with an Opus: that of raw honey. This is really the only way I can describe it, as it is a sticky, near overwhelming sweet taste that for some dang reason reminds me of honey! The wrappers carry the same scent, though it would seem some shapes do more than others, and this one has a strong smell to it. After slowly toasting the foot to a glowing ember and giving a couple quick puffs, I sat back and let the flavors make their appearance. For an Opus, this cigar was surprisingly mellow and creamy in terms of body and taste, with the strength not being much more bold either. In no way was this a bad thing, as there was certainly a complexity that was delicious, showing tastes of leather, cedar, that familiar honey, and just great tobacco. Outstanding!
Overall Impression
This cigar actually caught me off guard with how smooth it was, showing just a nice medium level of strength and body throughout the entire cigar. I expected an ass kicking, and instead was left with a serious sense of satisfaction and some curiosity. I have a sneaking suspicion that the blend of this cigar is toned down when compared to say, a Petit Lancero or "xXx", as both of those are strong as hell. Regardless, this was a thoroughly enjoyable smoke that I am truly humbled to have had the chance to try. Thank you again to that brother who was so kind, it was an absolute treat!
Size: 6 1/2" x 64 rg
Wrapper: Dominican
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Strength: Medium
A few months ago, I was gifted this cigar by a truly great brother here, and I can honestly say that it blew me away. I don't know if he wants me to say who it is, so I will let him chime in here if he so chooses to. Needless to say, thank you so very, very much my friend, I can only hope to return the kindness. :thumbs: The following information about the cigar was taken from Moki's website Vitolas.net (an awesome resource, fellow noobs, use it!):
"This cigar was given out at a special private Cigar Aficionado event held in November of 2005 at the Big Smoke in Las Vegas, and also at CFC 2006. Carlito was already working on a cigar to commemorate Cigar Aficionado's 10th Anniversary of Big Smokes in Las Vegas when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.
He decided to make this cigar a tribute to New Orleans, constructing the top of the cigar to look like a rising sun with an X coming out of it, to reflect his hopes for a new day dawning for the good people of New Orleans, who have always been close to his heart. Approximately 100 of these cigars were handed out at each event. What you see here represents his third attempt to create this cigar."
This particular cigar is from 2008, and thus came from one of the 2008 Opus 22 sets.
Pre-Light
What else can be said, other than, "It's an Opus"? The construction on this thing is top notch, a true showcase to the talents of the Fuente master rollers. The little half "X" coming from the top of the cigar is an excellent touch, and I can see the resemblance to the BBMF in its shape, only with a box press (thank you Jon for pointing that out to me, didn't know that!). A good weight in the hand, perfect spring when squeezed, and supple feel to the oily wrapper lent to the overall impression of perfection.
Draw & Burn
Once I grudgingly clipped the head off of this monster of an Opus, I found a good draw with perhaps just a tad bit too tight of resistance, but I had high hopes that once lit it would open up. This was not the case, as once lit the draw actually tightened, forcing me to clip off a bit more which finally opened the draw up perfectly. The burn started off a bit chaotic, but not in a way that is unusual for cigars with this kind of shape. Once the burn progressed past the tapered foot, it straightened out and remained razor sharp for the rest of the smoke. The ash left behind was a light gray with dark gray banding throughout, holding strong until tapped off at an inch.
Flavor Profile
Once cut, I found a cold draw that carried a taste on it I can only associate with an Opus: that of raw honey. This is really the only way I can describe it, as it is a sticky, near overwhelming sweet taste that for some dang reason reminds me of honey! The wrappers carry the same scent, though it would seem some shapes do more than others, and this one has a strong smell to it. After slowly toasting the foot to a glowing ember and giving a couple quick puffs, I sat back and let the flavors make their appearance. For an Opus, this cigar was surprisingly mellow and creamy in terms of body and taste, with the strength not being much more bold either. In no way was this a bad thing, as there was certainly a complexity that was delicious, showing tastes of leather, cedar, that familiar honey, and just great tobacco. Outstanding!
Overall Impression
This cigar actually caught me off guard with how smooth it was, showing just a nice medium level of strength and body throughout the entire cigar. I expected an ass kicking, and instead was left with a serious sense of satisfaction and some curiosity. I have a sneaking suspicion that the blend of this cigar is toned down when compared to say, a Petit Lancero or "xXx", as both of those are strong as hell. Regardless, this was a thoroughly enjoyable smoke that I am truly humbled to have had the chance to try. Thank you again to that brother who was so kind, it was an absolute treat!
