My Weekend Cigar – Nov. 6, 2017: Arturo Fuente Don Carlos

MY WEEKEND CIGAR: Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Cigar Review

By Gary Korb

A Sensational Special Occasion Cigar

Sidle-up to the bar and join me for a really classic smoke. The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Robusto is a special occasion cigar of modest proportions, yet offers an epic flavor profile.

ARTURO FUENTE DON CARLOS ROBUSTO

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Size: 5″ x 50
Strength: Medium-Plus
Wrapper: African Cameroon
Filler & Binder: Vintage Dominican-grown tobaccos aged up to 10 years

My Experience: When I wrote my first review of this cigar in 2008, I wrote, “This was a real finger burner that I will not soon forget” – and I didn’t. Every Don Carlos Robusto I’ve had since has been every bit just as exquisite, causing me to classify it as a “special occasion” smoke. Recently, I celebrated another birthday, signaling it was time for a Don Carlos. Pairing it with a mug of coffee at Leaf Cigar Bar during the afternoon, I admired this 5-inch by 50-ring, Cameroon-clad beauty in anticipation of its rich, mellow flavor and aroma. Once lit, it didn’t take long for all those perfectly-aged tobaccos to work their magic, issuing caramelized flavors of sweet spice, cedar, toasted almonds and Cubanesque floral notes. My journey carried-on without even having to think about how good it was – and THAT’S when you know you’re smoking a really pleasurable cigar.

Suffice it to say . . . This exceptional smoke paired beautifully with my coffee (I was waiting for nightfall to celebrate with something stronger). What gets me is how this cigar has remained under $10 all these years – especially in the box and 5-pack. In my opinion, it’s not only one of the world’s great cigars, but the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos is also a great buy.

If you’ve had an experience with this cigar, please leave a comment or share a similar experience.