Fuente Fuente Opus X Perfection X
Wrapper: Dominican
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Made In: Dominican Republic
Size: 6.2×48 Toro
Price: MSRP: $11.40, I paid $17.65
Cigar Background: If you don’t know what this cigar is then you are not a true cigar enthusiast. No worries though, I will go into some detail to tell you about this cigar. This cigar is the mother of all cigars, the Holy Grail if you will. This cigar is the most sought after cigar in the industry; The Fuente Fuente Opus X. This cigar is limited in production, about 750,000, and is only released twice per year and is usually sold out within weeks. What makes this cigar so special is not only its rarity but the high ratings it receives and the story behind how this cigar came to be is truly amazing.
The Dominican Republic was known for its filler and binder tobacco prior to the 90’s. Growing wrapper tobacco on the island was impossible due to the topography of the land and the wind also played a major factor to the difficulties of growing wrapper tobacco. Some families lost their fortune trying. The wrapper is the most important aspect of a cigar because it contributes to about 60% the flavor. How they grew the tobacco was underneath cheesecloth to protect the tobacco from the elements. This cigar was the first Dominican puro (all Dominican tobacco) that was produces. The tobacco is also cured in rum barrels for a few months before being rolled into cigars. The cigars are then aged for about a year or so, then color sorted, boxed, and shipped to customers. The following is taken from the Fuente website.
Then the Fuentes planted their first crop of this outstanding wrapper leaf in the early 1990’s, the rest of the cigar industry scoffed because everyone else who had tried to grow wrapper in the Dominican had failed. However, the Fuentes achieved the impossible and the Fuente Fuente Opus X was born.
The cigar’s name is derived from “Project X,” which is what the Fuentes originally named their experimental tobacco crop. “Fuente Fuente” refers to the partnership of Carlos Fuente, father and son, and the word “Opus” was chosen to describe the cigar’s unique wrapper. “The tobacco was oily and rich, leading me to the word opulent, but that was too long,” Carlos Fuente, Jr., said. “And while studying the dictionary, I came across the word ‘opus’ meaning creative work, masterpiece, a work of a lifetime. It was perfect.”
Appearance & Construction: The presentation alone on this cigar is fantastic. The elusive and intricate Opus X Band, which is the best looking band in the business. Top that off with a cedar sleeve, a red ribbon band at the foot and gold lettering on the cellophane that says Opus X. After you take off the cedar sleeve, you immediately see the gorgeous looking wrapper that is a nice khaki color. The construction looks good and there are no noticeable defects.
Smoking Characteristics: The draw is great on this cigar, free with a little bit of resistance. The burn was moderately wavy on this cigar but I have had other Opus X’s that have burned straight as an arrow. The ash is nice and compact with no flowering or flaking and is a lighter gray color. The body and strength of the cigar is medium to full while the flavors full in nature.
Flavors: The Opus X starts with a nice cedary core with notes of a dried fruit, cinnamon, and pepper. The flavors are extremely well balanced and complex. The second third is much of the same as the first third but the flavors slowly pick up in intensity. In the final third, a leathery component is added to the mix and is very enjoyable. Throughout the cigar the body slowly morphs and by the time you are done, the cigar is well into the full bodied realm.
Final Thoughts: This is a cigar that every cigar enthusiast must try at least once. It’s considered the pinnacle of cigars by many cigar enthusiast and you really have to decide for yourself. I defiantly like this cigar and enjoyed it a lot. However, I think there are better cigars coming out these days, especially when you take price into consideration. Will I buy this cigar again? The answer is a definite yes. There is something special about lighting up an Opus X for a special occasion that most cigars can’t replace. I smoked this cigar to celebrate my Wedding Anniversary this year. The Opus X is the wheel when it comes to Dominican tobacco. Many have tried to duplicate it and many have failed. However, with that being said, I think there are some talented cigar makers out there that are coming extremely close to making cigars like the Opus. Litto Gomez is one of them. He primarily uses Dominican tobacco to blend his cigars and blends cigars that have a similar flavor profile. The La Flor Dominicana Habano is one of them that are very similar to the Opus X. At a fraction of the price, it is worth seeking one of Lito’s Habano cigars out to see for yourself. Even though the La Flor Dominicana Habano is a fraction of the price I just don’t see myself replacing the Opus X with it for a special occasion cigar. Nothing beats firing up an Opus X for a special occasion and it’s just one of those things that might not make sense but you do it anyway. Maybe it’s the elusiveness of the cigar, maybe its ego, I don’t know but it’s a cigar that I enjoy when celebrating a special occasion.
Worth A Shot: Yes
Buy Again: Yes
Enjoyablity: High
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is it just the perfection that comes out twice a year? I know the opus come out 4 times a year.