Brand: Fuente                           Country:  Dominican Republic
   Size: 4 5/8 x 49                     Wrapper:  Habano
 Price: $10.25

The Label Factor:

This is it.  This is the one label to rule them all.  When I dream about cigars, this is the label I see.  Maybe it’s the reputation this cigar has or the hype surrounding it, but in my opinion, the Opus X line has THE quintessential cigar label.

What We Liked:

Some cigars are noteworthy for their creaminess.  Others are special for their construction or appearance.  The Opus X is all about the flavor.  Put simply, this cigar is DELICIOUS. What’s truly special about XXX is it’s unique flavor.  The Opus X XXX is good in a way that’s very different from my other favorite cigars — it doesn’t have the sweetness of the Ligas or the creaminess of the Armada.  It’s an incredible natural tobacco flavor distinct from just about anything else I have smoked.

The flavor journey starts out with very strong spice.  The pepper flavor hits you hard but in an exceedingly pleasant way.  Truthfully, a lot of time I am turned off by strong spice in a cigar.  I often associate spiciness with harshness.  The Opus X breaks the mold here — it’s all pepper and spice and everything nice with none of the harshness those flavors often bring.

The second stop on the journey of flavor takes you to a land of leathery, tobacco-y magic.  The spice becomes just a memory and the taste of leather, light cocoa and something toasty fills the palate with every puff.

The Opus X finishes with a little of the spice returning and the slight toasty sweetness picking up.  Truly, a very tasty cigar.

What We Didn’t Like:

These cigars are really difficult to find.  I don’t know what type of arrangement you need to have with Fuente to carry this cigar, but it probably involves fat envelopes being passed discretely across a table.  Obviously, I wish these were available anywhere and anytime I wanted one — without having to pay a stupid markup.

My only other qualm here is that these are some super powerful cigars.  They definitely earn their “Power Ranger” nickname.  Don’t stand up quickly after smoking this because you’ll find yourself right back down on your ass.  Expect to feel lightheaded.  Some people like that in a cigar.  I don’t.

Now that I think about it, I have one other small complaint: the aftertaste of this cigar lingers for about 24 hours.  I could still taste this at lunch the day after smoking.  All those pleasant flavors seem far less enjoyable when it’s been rotting in your mouth for the better part of a day.  Gross.

You Try/Buy It:

Yes, but with conditions. The Opus X line is reasonably priced if you can find them at MSRP. Unfortunately, because of low supply and incredible demand, finding them at MSRP is difficult. Now that I think about it, I should team up with all of the other cigar blogs out there and give this a terrible review to help curb some of the demand.  Worst cigar ever.  Do not buy.  Okay? Good.

Seriously though, you have to know when your local B&M is getting them and take advantage. The prices you will pay for these cigars online is outrageous. The Opus X XXX Belicoso is a great cigar and well worth MSRP but don’t go crazy and pay double that.  Wait for the right moment when you find them in a B&M and stock up.  These only get better with age.

Overall: