If you have spent any amount of time around the world of cigars, then there is almost no way that you haven’t come across the legendary Arturo Fuente cigars at some point or another. The Fuente brand has been around for decades, and their cigars are legendary for good reason. The Arturo Fuente cigar brand has been crafting world famous cigars for a long time. Today, we are going to go over Arturo Fuente cigars. Learn the best ones you need to try right away!
The Story Behind Arturo Fuente Cigars
Cigars have been a Fuente family tradition since 1912. It is when Arturo Fuente himself began the Fuente company by rolling cigars in the back of his house. These humble beginnings have led to a world renowned brand. It’s now been setting the benchmark for quality cigars for over 100 years.
The Fuente story is one of resilience and perseverance. In 1924, only 12 years after Arturo Fuente began his cigar company, a fire destroyed everything he had built, putting him out of business for over 20 years. But the Fuentes are not quitters, and the family got back in the cigar making business after a 22 year hiatus. Unfortunately, the fire in 1924 was only the first of 8 devastating fires that the company would have to contend with over the next 100 years.
In addition to fires, the Fuente company has had to contend with a number of hurricanes as well, given the perilous locations they occupy, both in historic Ybor City in Tampa, Florida, and at their three factories in the Dominican Republic.
During the second stint of Arturo Fuente cigars, Arturo was 60 years old in 1946 when he revived the company. His son, Carlos, born in 1935, began helping him at a young age. Carlos began helping his father with the company at only 12 years old, and he did not stop until his passing in 2016. Despite never going to college, let alone high school, Carlos kept the books for the company until 2005.
The story of Arturo Fuente cigars comes through in the cigars they produce. In each puff you can experience the decades of dedication and resilience that has led to Arturo Fuente becoming one of the most well recognized brands in the cigar industry.
The Best Fuente Cigars to Try Right Away
With such a broad lineup of cigars available, it is hard to choose which Fuente cigar to go with first. But, because they offer a myriad of options, you are likely to find an Arturo Fuente cigar perfectly suited to match your tastes.
Chateau and Double Chateau
The chateau and double chateau cigars from Fuente are great choices. It is great for getting an intro into what flavors Fuente brings to the table. Both lines are available in three different wrappers. I includes a mild natural, a medium bodied and spicy sungrown, and a rich and flavorful maduro.
Casa Cuba
The Casa Cuba is a special line. These were the last cigars blended by the late Carlos Fuente Sr. before he passed. These cigars were crafted in recognition of his Cuban-born father Arturo. It honors the Cuban methods of production and tradition surrounding cigars. These cigars feature an Ecuadorian wrapper over a variety of Dominican Cuban-seed binder and filler.
Hemingway
The Hemingway lineup cigars are arguably some of the most recognizable cigars from Arturo Fuente, given their perfecto shape. Perfecto cigars were very popular during the 1920s and 1930s which led to Arturo rolling perfectos. As the years went on, there were fewer and fewer people able to roll perfecto cigars, as the older rollers would retire, and the craze of perfecto cigars went with them.
But the Fuente brand loves tradition, and nods to the past. Now, they have an entire lineup of perfecto cigars under the Hemingway brand. Each cigar in the lineup comes in a natural or a maduro wrapper, with the exception of the “Between the Lines” vitola, which features a barber pole wrap.
Don Carlos
Named in honor of Don Carlos Fuente Sr, the Don Carlos lineup features some of the best cigars that Fuente produces. Carlos Fuente Sr. wanted to create a blend that was perfect for him, featuring all of the flavors he loved in a cigar.
The highlight of his personal reserve is the Eye of the Shark. This cigar features a unique box-pressed belicoso shape, and features the same blend that Don Carlos chose for his own cigars.
The Elusive Opus X Cigars
Few cigars are sought after by collectors as much as the line of Fuente Fuente Opus X. These rare cigars feature some of the highest quality tobacco produced by the company, and are only sold in limited quantities.
Today, there are five main lines under the Opus X name. Opus X, Oro Oscuro, Angel’s Share, 20th Anniversary, and Forbidden X. Each line features a different blend of extremely high-quality tobaccos.
Each and every size, shape, and line of Opus X could easily be included on a list of best Arturo Fuente cigars to try right away, but because they are so hard to find, these cigars get a section to themselves. If you find yourself lucky enough to come across Opus X cigars, they are well worth it, and you should make sure to get what you can.
Arturo Fuente Cigar and Beer Pairings
Few things in life are as enjoyable as a fine cigar and a good beer. Fuente produces plenty of fine cigars, so all that is left is finding the right beers to go with them.
Double Chateau Natural and Wiseacre Tiny Bomb
A mild cigar paired with a pilsner is a great combination, as neither one will overpower the other. This combination will make for a perfect refresher after working in the yard all day. Just sit outside and enjoy Tennessee summer.
Don Carlos Eye of the Shark and Guinness
Few beers can be considered as legendary as Guinness. A few cigars can be considered as legendary as the Don Carlos Eye of the Shark. The rich, woody flavors of the Don Carlos play well with the roasted flavors of the Guinness to provide you with a perfect flavor combination.
Fuente Fuente Opus X and The Black Abbey “The Rose”
The classic Opus X is just mild enough to pair perfectly with The Rose from the Black Abbey. It is located locally here in the Nashville, TN area. The Rose is a Belgian-style blonde that has plenty of great flavor to pair with Opus X. Here’s the great thing , it is not so much that it will overpower the cigar.
No matter what your preferences are, Arturo Fuente has enough cigars to ensure that you can find something you like, and Crown Cigars and Ales has plenty of beer options to help you find the perfect pairing. Check out our menu online, and come visit the shop in Franklin, TN!
