Pre-light Experience

The Fuente Fuente OpusX Reserva d’Chateau from the 2010 charity box has a beautiful and rustic Sun Grown Rosado wrapper. The Churchill sized cigar shows its age as evidenced by a slight uniformed layer of plume throughout the cigar. The veins are relatively well pressed and seams tight. The cigar feels well rolled as there is proper give and no soft spots. The head is finished off with a well adhered triple cap. The pre-light experience of nosing the wrapper provides strong barnyard and sweet plums. Nosing the foot provides sweet raisins, cedar and white pepper spice. Cold draw tells faint sweet raisins and sawdust.

First Third

The first third starts off with namely a balanced sweet and spicy flavor profile. Specifically, notes of charred wood, buttery burnt sugar, sharp cedar, dry white pepper spice and bread. On the retrohale, intensified charred wood, dry white pepper and buttery burnt sugar. The finish consists of lingering charred wood and bread. Roughly 1.5 inches in, the sharp cedar intensifies as well as an introduction of sweet cream, under-ripe stone fruits (perhaps plums) and refreshing mint. The mint is also realized on the finish, providing an almost palate cleansing, refreshing finish. The body and strength throughout the entire first third is a consistent medium.

Second Third

Second thirds flavor profile for the most part is a continuation of the first thirds flavor profile. Still distinct notes of charred wood, buttery burnt sugar, sharp cedar, dry white pepper, bread, sweet cream and mint. The stone fruit quality is no longer tasted. About an inch in, the once dry white pepper transitions into a sharp and dry black peppercorn. Through the retrohale, still amplified charred wood and buttery burnt sugar. But instead of the white pepper, a dry black peppercorn spice. Further, the cigar starts to taste salty on the front palate and lips. The strength towards the middle of the second third reaches to a close medium plus while body stays at a solid medium.

Final Third

Last thirds flavor profile shows less complexity, leaving mainly cream and wood (charred wood and non-sweet cream being the dominating flavors). The once tasty buttery burnt sugar and bread I enjoyed so much is non-existent. About a quarter into the last third, the dry black peppercorn spice intensifies, at times slightly irritating the back of my throat. On the retrohale, just a lingering charred wood. The finish tells charred wood and cream. Strength and body continues to be at a medium.

Burn

Burn proved no issues in terms of rate and ash. I was able to get a solid 2.5 hours of smoking. Ash-wise, sturdy ash marks and even burn throughout the entire smoking experience.

Draw

The draw, for the most part, caused no issues. Just a tad tighter than I prefer, but this is just me being incredibly picky.

Overall

When staring at my 2010 Fuente Charity Box, I ask myself one question, “Is the box finally ready to be smoked?” The answer is, not quite yet for this vitola and blend. Although the first two thirds proved complex and tasty, the last third still needs time to meld into what the first two thirds provided. I find new OpusX, for the most part, unbearable as often times there is too much pepper and strength for me. This cigar is past that given the first and second third smoking experience but not quite yet for the last third. I’ll give this another year or two to meld but am glad I lit it up today to gauge where the cigar is at.

Jiunn Liu

SCORE

7.80

Scoring System