INTRODUCTION
Arturo Fuente is an industry leader in collaborations with cigars. From OpusX being linked with suits, movies, or lighters, Fuente has done it. Last year, OpusX had expanded into Manny Iriarte Enterprises which began its operations in June of 2021. The OpusX Society is a collection of products made for “the Opus Cult” as I like to call it.
Since I will not be attending the PCA 2025 tradeshow, I figured I would smoke a cigar that was released from the show I attended in 2023. Manny stated in a press release “While I am not a master blender, obviously Carlito is. This cigar is the result of a series of ongoing conversations between us. The result? Something previously never done within the OpusX series, and truly emblematic of our combined vision for OpusX Society. I am endlessly humbled by Carlito’s generosity and giving spirit, which we now get to share with all of you.”
UNDER THE LID
First sight of the Fuente Fuente OpusX La Edición de la Sociedad presents some of the most detailed work on a cigar band I have ever seen. The colors are bright, exciting, but still elegant and prestigious. It certainly stands out from anything else in a humidor. I almost feel bad for removing the large footband and ribbon. I feel like I am destroying art. Honestly, I feel like I just threw a croc at the mono lisa. The point is, the cigar presents very beautifully.
- Wrapper: Undisclosed
- Binder: Undisclosed
- Filler: Undisclosed
- Vitola: 6 ¼ x 49 grand corona
- Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia
- Released: October 2024
- Box Quantity: Regular Production
- MSRP: $90-$100
After removing the foot band, a gorgeous slightly velvety maduro wrapper is presented. It is smooth, silky, with subtle pattern bumps indicating the oils are crystallized on the wrapper from aging. The cigar has tight and visible seams. The pack of the cigar feels even with very slight give upon subtle pressure. There are no noticeable knots or stems.
The aromas from the wrapper are cedar, raisin, and cashews. The foot of the cigar has what I call “that Opus scent”. What is that? I find that all OpusX tobacco has an intoxicating, and warming aroma that is best described by me as an old bakery using cedar fire to cook gingerbread. It is a unique aroma, and I always find myself smelling the tobacco instead of lighting it. It is difficult to put words to.
After straight cutting, there is a firm draw and the cold draw is a savory oak, sweetness, and ginger. There is a very slight spice around the lips.
PERFORMANCE NOTES
FIRST THIRD
The initial draw of the Fuente Fuente OpusX La Edición de la Sociedad is soft, delicate and creamy. The initial mouthfeel along the palate is very clean, the smoke is thick but not lingering. After around an inch there is a floral and clove that is added to the palate. A fresh mint develops towards the roof.
The retrohale is mild but has layers of aromas that are difficult at first to pinpoint. A red spice nips towards my tongue, and through the nose it transitions to a black pepper. There is a tea plum sweetness forward through the retrohale with layers of earth, light coffee, and spiced rum. OpusX also commonly leaves a thick texture for the finish towards the back of the palate. The taste is best described as a smooth spiced rum. Again, another trail I find only in OpusX tobacco. Interestingly, the texture and aromas of the sweetness I have classified to belong to Cameroon. I cannot confirm if this is correct since the whole cigar is undisclosed, but I would guess. Overall the first third is pleasing. I think many OpusX smokers will be caught off by how toned back the strength and spice are, but it is a very refined profile that is familiar to an OpusX smoker.
SECOND THIRD
The second third starts with a dark oak, black pepper, with a peppermint towards the throat. The body has certainly increased but it still is more mild than expected. The richer portions of the profile are emerging above savory. It provides for a very interesting mouthfeel, leaving a drying effect.
The retrohale however, is a different story. There is a more dominant black pepper through the nose. Usually I find OpusX to have a red sweet spice. Here, however, is a much darker profile, obvious since it is a maduro. That peppermint leaves a cooling effect on the nose making it more sensitive to the finish. The peppermint allows me to pick up a variety of floral and herbal aromas making a very complex and interesting finish. I can not stress enough how clean the finish it. It is very smooth, well rounded, and not tainting the next draw. Overall, we are sitting at a straight medium body and strength cigar.
FINAL THIRD
The final third of the Fuente Fuente OpusX La Edición de la Sociedad shocked me in how quickly the body and strength increased to a medium plus. Spice spreads along the palate with a leather, earth, espresso, and fresh earth. The spice not only stays on the tongue but also the lips.
The retrohale shocked my nose with a blast of black pepper. The mint has moved to the background. Dark chocolate, pine, and clay flow to my palate after inhaling through my nose. There is a slight vanilla sweetness that developed from the previous floral. Overall the profile is very creamy and maintains its clean finish I have mentioned thus far. It is interesting, because it is almost as if it is a whole new cigar on the back third.
Right at the last few inches, every familiar intensity and aroma that has made OpusX so prestigious is unveiled. It was unexpected as the whole cigar felt intentionally tuned back to offer a new experience. While it achieved this, the master in Carlito was able to sneak just a little of that intensity right towards the end.
- Core Flavors: Cream, black pepper, clove, floral, chocolate, plum, mint
- Strength: Medium
- Body: Medium Plus
- Complexity: Medium Plus
Smokin Experience
The Fuente Fuente OpusX La Edición de la Sociedad is a fantastic cigar. The construction was amazing, the only knock was it produced flaky ash. From the art work to the tobacco, it hit all the right boxes to be an excellent cigar. As Matt and I spoke of on the show, there is another release being announced at the 2025 PCA tradeshow that takes place next week in New Orleans. I eagerly await the opportunity to experience what it has to offer.
Purchase recommendation: Box Buy
Smokin Facts
- This seems to be a new series of releases under the OpusX Society.
- Beyond cigars, you can find cutters, lighters, and ashtrays under the Society.
- Manny assists Carlito in his band art for his Opus and other special release lines,
Smokin Wrap
Cigars Smoked for the Review: One
Average smoking time: Two hours and Forty Two minutes
