Fuente Anejo No. 49

[Orion21]

The Fuente Anejo line is an offshoot of the Opus line by Fuente. What I am told is that the Anejo is an Opus with a maduro wrapper. Whatever the Anejo's lineage it has found a new spot in my humidor for sure.

Where: Phoenix, AZ

Conditions: 94F and Windy

Beverage: Venti Iced Americano

Start Time: 2:45pm

End Time: 4:50pm

Pre-draw: Spicy molasses and sweet graham cracker

First Quarter: The Pre-draw is there in spades. Spicy molasses, sweet graham cracker, cedar and smooth for days. A very tasty opening with an ideal draw that is not too loose or too tight. For a cigar right at the 8” mark I am impressed. The body is medium full at the moment with a perfect burn. The only negative comment is the slightly “dirty” finish I get with most NC’s. That is the immediate “tell” that this is not Cuban tobacco. 92 points

Second Quarter: The first transition happened after the first ash fell at about the two inch mark. The prominent flavors now are spicy cedar and graham cracker. The sweetness of the molasses is in the background now. Luckily the smoothness remains and the amount of smoke is enormous. The burn is off, but it’s a windy day. Towards the middle of the second quarter the molasses has come back, but with a sugar cane sweetness. I am very impressed at the complexity of the tobacco. 95 points

Third Quarter (Halfway Point): At the midpoint the cigar has mellowed from its’ fast paced first half. The profile is now refined sweet cedar and slightly spicy molasses. Towards the end of this quarter I continually find myself thinking this is so much like a very good Bolivar Royal Corona. It has all of the elements I usually associate with a very good BRC, so interesting. 93 points

Final Quarter: BLAM! I just got hit by all the spice this baby has been holding back. Again, it reminds me of a good spicy BRC at this point. The molasses is gone and has been replaced by red pepper flakes. The smoked is still cool and the cedar is still slightly sweet. At the very end the spice is gone and the nicotine is taking me on a magical carpet ride…time to put her down. 93 points

Summary: What a way to spend just over two hours on my patio talking on the Shoutbox with David, Kevin, Claus, Jamie et al. Obviously this cigar requires a lot of time and attention to enjoy it fully and I would recommend any aficionado stock their humidor with a few for those special occasions where time permits. If you enjoy a cigar with a sweet core of cedar, molasses and spice you will love this cigar. They don’t require aging in my opinion, but trying one with a few years on it would be interesting. Cheers!

93 points

[UpInSmoak]

Great Review! You dont see too many NC reviews on FOH, but glad to read it nonetheless. I have 10 Anejo #77 "The Shark" aging peacefully in my humidor. After reading your review, Im actually looking forward to smoking a NC again. Cheers!

If anyone is looking for Anejos, or Opus X's, PM me. I have a few I would gladly trade.

[maverickdrinker]

Nice review. I was eyeing an 06 anejo no. 46 this morning. Might have to fire one up after this review. Great job Aaron!

[Squarehead]

Great review Aaron and a beautyful background in your pictures.

[ThatAlfonso]

I didn't realize you were local. Good to have others taking advantage of the year long outdoor smooking conditions in Arizona.

[GernBlansten]

Awesome review! Spot on.

Loved the "sweet graham cracker." That will be on my mind the next time an Anejo comes out.

[Scott08]

I'm leaving central Pa in the morning for Jacksonville, Nc to see my son and am taking a couple of Anejo's along that have been aging a few years along with a few other smokes that have been resting for a few years.

[fishinguitarman]

Love a lot of the Fuente Line.....

[esse]

i feel that anejo and opus need a considerable amount of time.. got a box of 2011 xmas stock and they are way off from what they could be

[bobsled]

i feel that anejo and opus need a considerable amount of time.. got a box of 2011 xmas stock and they are way off from what they could be

I picked up a box at Christmas too. They have been spot on and are a fantastic smoke. Always sad to run out of these!

[Charltonc]

Anejo is th best Fuente product in my humble opinion.