Quick Smoke: Fuente Forbidden X (CRA Exclusive)

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

In our gift guide, we recommended picking up a special Cigar Rights of America sampler, which includes, among other cigars, this toro-sized Fuente Forbidden X. The Forbidden X blend features tobaccos from the same Dominican farms as the Opus X line, although the wrapper is shade-grown and the filler leaf is aged in Calvados (French apple brandy) barrels. The result is 90% of the strength of the Opus X and 50% more balance. It’s a nice medium- to full-bodied smoke with lots cedar, salt, and pepper, and a hint of red pepper spice that lingers on the lips and the roof of the mouth. Construction is good, despite a necessary touch-up towards the final third.

Verdict = Buy.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys