AF Opus X Review

**Laynard** · 03-02-2015, 04:17 PM

8/9/2014

Cigar: Arturo Fuente Opus X
Size: Belicoso, 5.5”x52
MSRP: $12.00
Strength: Full
Wrapper: Habano
Origin: Domincan Republic

Prelight: The wrapper has only a few small veins and has almost a dank smell to it. It is an odd combo of pungent, savory and sweet. The foot smells like cocoa and cinnamon, and the cold draw after a straight cut is nice and has a taste of sweet spices, like a combination of nutmeg and cinnamon. This seems like it’s going to be quite a sweet treat.

1/3: The cigar starts woody with those same baking spices. I notice a bit of sour cream, look at the head and notice this thing is tarring on me. Oh, hell no! I run inside, grab my guillotine and give it another snip, effectively removing the tar ball. Me – 1, tar – 0. There is just a pinch of pepper through the retrohale, as well as a spice which reminds me of cardamom. At the end of the first third, there is a hint of earthiness.

2/3: Earthy cocoa is added to the woody spices and the flavors really amp up in the second third. The burn is near perfect and the ash has been amazingly white and dense. Cocoa and pepper increase and I catch a hint of mint. This cigar reminds me of a Christmas cake. I’m not sure what a Christmas cake is, but I imagine it has chocolate, mint and other spices. That, with a healthy dose of cedar is what this cigar is.

3/3: The cedar increases in the final third and mint returns after a slight respite. The cocoa all but disappears. This cigar is a finger burner, purely by the fact I don’t want to stop smoking it. The burn itself is not hot.

Overall: Great cigar! No burn problems and amazing flavors. I can only imagine what happens with some age on it. But, I think I’ll see for myself what age does and pick some (maybe even a box) up and tuck them away for a Christmas Eve in the distant future. However, I’m not getting them at the local B&M that wants near $30 for them.