Fuente Fuente Opus X Perfecxion X - Purchased 2006 from cupojoes.com price ~$15
Smoked April 2010
(Skip the next paragraph if you want to get straight to the review)
The Fuente family is definitely the best at making Dominican cigars. About 20 years ago they sought out to create what had never been done before(done well anyway!); a Super Premium all Dominican puro.
Hence The Opus X series was born featuring all Dominican tobaccos raised and aged by the Fuente family. It was an immediate success, and it was released at the proper time just prior to the cigar boom in the early-mid 90's making demand for the Opus X extremely high.
They started to release them to only a select few retailers, and on a annual basis. Retailers never knew which sizes they would receive and how many they would receive, which only grew excitement for the cigar.
One could argue that the Opus X line has somewhat suffered in quality over the last few years, and I wouldn't disagree. The best one I smoked was definitely the original release, but they are definitely a respectable cigar.
Enough about the history, and on to the smoke.
Pre-light
This cigar came cedar wrapped, and that definitely imparted a plesant woody aroma on the prelight draw. Overall it had a pleasant dry earthiness and was slightly sweet. Flawless construction with a thick and hearty dark reddish brown wrapper with a slight sheen to it.
First Third
This cigar started off with very strong earthy tones and had a long peppery finish. It was quite toothy, even with four years worth of aging, and I would recommend to age these cigars 5 years at least after this smoking experience. However, it was much more balanced than the one I smoked right away in 2006, but could use some more time to round out the flavors.
Second Third
The cigar started to open up and reveal all the complexity these cigars are known for. The finish was sweet and slightly creamy with only a hint of pepper. The flavors were still dominated by earth, but I also noticed a nice hint of anise and sweet almond at times. It kept me interested indeed!
Last Third
As the flavors developed it transitioned into a nice rich tobacco flavor, partnered with strong notes of chocolate with a hint of citrus. Wood notes were also prominent on the short dry finish. I even noticed a dry spiciness or cardamom-like flavor. As you can tell, SUPER complex cigar.
Closing
An excellent well made cigar. It was definitely not for the beginner, as it was a full bodied cigar.
I would say it was an 8.5 out of 10 and recommend it to those who like Pepin Blue Label, Olivia Master Blends or Ashton VSG. Also, it would only be for those of you would have the patience to let the cigar nap for a while before enjoying.
Please email me with any questions.
B
Smoked April 2010
(Skip the next paragraph if you want to get straight to the review)
The Fuente family is definitely the best at making Dominican cigars. About 20 years ago they sought out to create what had never been done before(done well anyway!); a Super Premium all Dominican puro.
Hence The Opus X series was born featuring all Dominican tobaccos raised and aged by the Fuente family. It was an immediate success, and it was released at the proper time just prior to the cigar boom in the early-mid 90's making demand for the Opus X extremely high.
They started to release them to only a select few retailers, and on a annual basis. Retailers never knew which sizes they would receive and how many they would receive, which only grew excitement for the cigar.
One could argue that the Opus X line has somewhat suffered in quality over the last few years, and I wouldn't disagree. The best one I smoked was definitely the original release, but they are definitely a respectable cigar.
Enough about the history, and on to the smoke.
Pre-light
This cigar came cedar wrapped, and that definitely imparted a plesant woody aroma on the prelight draw. Overall it had a pleasant dry earthiness and was slightly sweet. Flawless construction with a thick and hearty dark reddish brown wrapper with a slight sheen to it.
First Third
This cigar started off with very strong earthy tones and had a long peppery finish. It was quite toothy, even with four years worth of aging, and I would recommend to age these cigars 5 years at least after this smoking experience. However, it was much more balanced than the one I smoked right away in 2006, but could use some more time to round out the flavors.
Second Third
The cigar started to open up and reveal all the complexity these cigars are known for. The finish was sweet and slightly creamy with only a hint of pepper. The flavors were still dominated by earth, but I also noticed a nice hint of anise and sweet almond at times. It kept me interested indeed!
Last Third
As the flavors developed it transitioned into a nice rich tobacco flavor, partnered with strong notes of chocolate with a hint of citrus. Wood notes were also prominent on the short dry finish. I even noticed a dry spiciness or cardamom-like flavor. As you can tell, SUPER complex cigar.
Closing
An excellent well made cigar. It was definitely not for the beginner, as it was a full bodied cigar.
I would say it was an 8.5 out of 10 and recommend it to those who like Pepin Blue Label, Olivia Master Blends or Ashton VSG. Also, it would only be for those of you would have the patience to let the cigar nap for a while before enjoying.
Please email me with any questions.
B
