Quick Smoke: Arturo Fuente Opus X Chili Pepper

Each Saturday and Sunday we’ll post a Quick Smoke: not quite a full review, just our brief take on a single cigar.

Not long ago I wrote that it isn’t always wise to let your rarest cigars sit in your humidor forever. With that in mind, I decided that Independence Day would be the perfect occasion for this rare (and pricey) Opus X Chili Pepper, which had been in my possession for the past two years. This Dominican puro features a somewhat rustic wrapper, but it’s well-constructed and is exceptionally firm to the touch. The flavor profile has plenty of cedar and a good amount of black pepper spice—what some call a Nicaraguan bite. As the cigar progresses, a subtle sweetness balances this medium- to full-bodied figurado.

Verdict = Buy.

-Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys