by 
Arturo Fuente produces many of the quintessential “hard to find” cigars that get snatched up almost as soon as they are released. Most popular among these is the storied Opus X line. However, only slightly less well known is the Anejo line. The Arturo Fuente Reserva Anejo cigars use the same fillers as the Opus X, but feature a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper that is aged for a full year in charred oak cognac barrels. I personally have a special bit of fondness for see sticks, because in my cigar journeys they were the first elusive cigar that I was actually able to add to my collection.
This review focuses on the Arturo Fuente Anejo no. 55, a beautiful 6×55 torpedo. This cigar gives off a very distinctive initial goedkope voetbalshirts aroma, like an earthy wine cellar. These cigars also have an excellent consistency, not a tight pack but perfectly springy. In contrast to their Opus X brethren, the band on these smokes is understated, using a basic Fuente design. That can actually make these difficult to spot at a glance in your B&M. Check carefully if you’re on the hunt!
The Anejo cuts and lights easily. Even before the first draw, smoke production is admirable. Not quite on par with a true smokestack (like the Liga Privada), but still voluminous. First third basketbal kleding kopen is pure elegance. There is lots of wood and spice which melts into a deep flavors of, what else, cognac. Unline many aging gimmicks, the barrels that the Anejo are aged in define this stick from beginning to end.
The second third sees the cognac brighten noticeably, transitioning into a deep red wine complete with pleasant tannin characteristics. The retrohale magnifies this profile, bringing the red wine almost completely to the forefront. Though I paired this with The Glenlivet, I actually wish I would’ve gone with an aged Cabernet, because I believe the synergy would’ve been incredible.
The final third mingles the distinctive cognac and wine flavors of the first and second thirds. The wood also shifts subtly, adding brief bursts of exotic spice. This portion of the cigar tastes like a fresh cut cherrywood plank varnished with wine. The only word here is beautiful, almost feminine in the way the spices play with you.
This cigar is an absolute delight, and stays strong the entire way through. It easily holds its own alongside its more popular Opus X brother, and is in many ways more alluring. This is an easy recommendation, a cigar that deserves to be actively sought out.
Paired with: Glenlivet 12
