Arturo Fuente Curly Head Natural (ROTT) review

[Sir Lancerolot]

I have a thing for Curly Heads. I freely admit it. A Curly Head was the second cigar I ever smoked, and it was much more flavorful than the first cigar I ever smoked, which was only a few days before. If the Curly Head had not provided enough flavor to offer hope for my enjoyment of the hobby, I might never have even tried that Short Story that got me well and truly hooked.

I also like Curly Heads because they are rolled from the scraps left over after rolling other Fuente blends. I like the idea of using the leftovers.

Over the years I have smoked a lot of Curly Heads, and my general experience is that they get better and better with rest. But I've never documented how much better, so this review is part one of a series of 5, spaced 6 months (or so) apart. Which is to say I bought a fiver at the B&M, and I'm going to smoke one every 6 months (or so) and post a review.

So, I present the humble Curly Head:



This is not a terribly complex cigar. It opens up with a nice toasty wood and leather combo followed by a heavy cream finish with hintws of chocolate. There was just a slight edge of harshness in the finish, but nothing too annoying for a cigar in the $3-4 price range.

That was pretty much the profile all the way through, except the chocolate waned pretty quickly, and the harshness increased slowly. Somewhere around the last third or so the harshness was pretty bitter, but I could still taste the promising base of wood, leather, and cream. Past experience tells me the harshness will subside in the coming months of rest.

Curly Heads are well-known for burn and draw issues (in my experience, these, too are reduced with time), but this one drew and burned perfectly. Lots of thick smoke, perfect for blowing rings on a still day.

And here's about where I finished. I really didn't care to nub this one because the bitterness was too strong, even with a few gentle purges.



This is my little smoking buddy, Maxximillian (Maxx), now 6 months old. This picture, of course, was not taken while I was smoking. He's always interested in the smell of my cigar smoke, and he has very discerning taste. He clearly prefers cigars from the Imaginary Island. The smell of the Curly Head was not up to his refined standards, but he didn't turn away from it, either. However, he's recently started noticing how the smoke floats in the air, and he's not sure what to make of that. I'm sure it will be like everything else - he'll see it two or three times and it'll be old hat.

[jp1979]

Nice review. What kind of dog is MAxx?

[Cardinal]

Good review, thanks. I like the idea of doing the other 4 over the next couple years - I'll follow this with interest.

Two other things. 1) you have a handsome dog and 2) I guess I've never actuallt seen a Curly Head, because I thought the name was a reference to a shaggy foot. I guess that'd be a Curly Foot though, so never mind.

[jhedrick83]

I like the idea, Mike! I've had some curly head maduros that were pretty damn good and some that were just meh. I never really though to give them some rest and see how they were.

Maxx is one handsome guy!!

[Sir Lancerolot]

Nice review. What kind of dog is MAxx?

He's a sheltie. Just a little too large for showing, but otherwise he promises to be very handsome.

[Sir Lancerolot]

Good review, thanks. I like the idea of doing the other 4 over the next couple years - I'll follow this with interest.

Two other things. 1) you have a handsome dog and 2) I guess I've never actuallt seen a Curly Head, because I thought the name was a reference to a shaggy foot. I guess that'd be a Curly Foot though, so never mind.

The Curly Head has a closed foot. Instead of cutting the end square, they fold the wrapper over the foot. I'm not sure how they got the name of Curly Head, unless the curly foot made them think of curly head?

[c.ortiz108]

Nice idea and good review (and great dog)! I had a candela once and it was one of the worst cigars I've ever had. I have Deluxe resting, and I think I'll give it a couple of years.

How does your wife feel about you swiping her cooking spoon holder to use as an ashtray?

[Sir Lancerolot]

How does your wife feel about you swiping her cooking spoon holder to use as an ashtray?

In the days of Puff guys lined up drooling for Tritonic ashtrays. I let my wife have a couple of them for spoon rests.

[fiddlegrin]

Hiya Mike
Thank you for the great review and the fun concept!

............. I'm not sure how they got the name of Curly Head, unless the curly foot made them think of curly head?

They used to make them with a pigtail on the head. Hence...

I don't know when they stopped producing them that way. In fact, I didn't know they had stopped. I thought you were just being your usual witty, humorous self, but curiosity led me to seek out a current photo moment. I was shocked... shocked and astounded___!


Party on Dafiddla

[fiddlegrin]

In the days of Puff guys lined up drooling for Tritonic ashtrays. I let my wife have a couple of them for spoon rests.

That was mighty kind of you Mick!



P.S. I am one of the few, the proud and the fortunate sons who were gifted a Tritonic tray and inducted into the "Tritonic Order".
Twas an honor and a privilege.

Thank you kind Sir!